What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a recruitment agency business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your recruitment agency venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a recruitment agency company in DIFC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Recruitment Agency company in Dubai International Financial Centre?

Yes, DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What documents do I need to set up a Recruitment Agency business in DIFC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by MOHRE. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Recruitment Agency business in Dubai International Financial Centre?

The annual licence renewal for a Recruitment Agency DIFC company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Recruitment Agency company in DIFC?

Most of the setup process for a recruitment agency business in DIFC can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

How long does it take to get a Recruitment Agency licence in DIFC?

The typical processing time for a recruitment agency licence at DIFC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring MOHRE approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Recruitment Agency in Dubai International Financial Centre for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Recruitment Agency in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Recruitment Agency

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DIFC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for recruitment agency operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai International Financial Centre gives your Recruitment Agency business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from MOHRE before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up recruitment agency businesses in Dubai International Financial Centre since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why DIFC for Recruitment Agency?

Choosing DIFC for your recruitment agency business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for recruitment agency operations. Additionally, own courts and arbitration centre ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 18,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Premier financial hub further enhances the appeal of DIFC for recruitment agency professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your recruitment agency business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIFC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Egyptian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Egyptian business community.

Independent legal framework (common law)

Own courts and arbitration centre

Premier financial hub

Zero tax for 50 years

Access to regional capital markets

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your recruitment agency licence is issued by DIFC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your recruitment agency business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for recruitment agency), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Recruitment Agency is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from MOHRE is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	18,000
Shared Office	35,000
Private Office	80,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 35,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your recruitment agency business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Egypt through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the recruitment agency licence application to DIFC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DIFC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your recruitment agency business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Recruitment Agency in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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