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

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

How long does it take for an Australian citizen to set up a recruitment agency company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Dubai DED Recruitment Agency licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Dubai DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Recruitment Agency company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including recruitment agency. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

Can I get a residence visa with my Recruitment Agency licence from Dubai DED?

Yes, your recruitment agency licence from Dubai DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

What business activities can I include on my Dubai DED licence?

Your Dubai DED licence can include recruitment agency as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

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

Most of the setup process for a recruitment agency business in Dubai DED 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.

Recruitment Agency in Dubai Mainland for Australian nationals

MainlandServicesRegulated Activity

Recruitment Agency in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Recruitment Agency

The UAE continues to attract Australian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Dubai DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for recruitment agency operations. Growing Australian business community (~25,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Mainland gives your Recruitment Agency business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, 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 Mainland 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 Dubai DED for Recruitment Agency?

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

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for recruitment agency operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for recruitment agency professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your recruitment agency business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Australian Nationals

For Australian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your recruitment agency business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Australian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your recruitment agency company in Dubai DED: Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Commonwealth banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Australian business structures.

Document Attestation for Australian Nationals

Document attestation for Australian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Australia, (2) Attestation by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to recruitment agency businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from MOHRE

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

8Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

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)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* 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 Dubai DED licence options for Australian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Australia through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Australian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including recruitment agency.

Recruitment Agency in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750