Dubai continues to attract students, academic institutions, and education service providers from around the world, so starting an education consultancy business is a profitable venture for anyone looking to enter the industry.
What is an Education Consultancy Business in Dubai?
An education consultancy business in Dubai provides guidance within the education sector. Professionals, firms, and international operators supporting students, schools, universities, and training institutes with academic and administrative services can get an educational consultancy license.
Educational consultants can offer the following services:
- Advisory support for school, university, or training institute setup
- Guidance on accreditation processes and academic planning
- Curriculum advisory and e-learning integration
- Student counselling and career guidance
- Teacher and academic staff training workshops
- Academic assessments, internal reports, and transcript evaluation
- Education management services covering administration and operational support
Who Should Open an Education Consultancy Business in Dubai?
Starting an education consultancy in Dubai is suitable for:
- Education professionals and academic advisors
- Overseas education agents expanding to the UAE
- Consultants supporting schools and training institutes
- International education firms seeking a Middle East base
- Professionals offering student counselling or curriculum advisory
Why Start an Education Consultancy in Dubai in 2026?
Starting a business in Dubai gives business owners full foreign ownership, low corporate tax, government support, and access to a diverse customer base.
Additionally, an education consultancy business can benefit from:
- Continuous growth of private education institutions
- High demand for overseas education advisory services
- Access to regional and international clients from one location
What are the Types of Education Consultancy Services?
Overseas Education Consultancy
Student counselling for admissions abroad, course selection, application support, and coordination with international universities.
Local Education Advisory Services
Support for admissions to UAE-based schools, colleges, and universities, including documentation and eligibility guidance.
Professional and Vocational Education Consulting
Advisory services related to professional certifications, executive education, and vocational programs.
Education Management and Institutional Advisory
Academic planning, faculty training, administrative support, and institutional development services.
Step-by-Step Process to Start an Education Consultancy in Dubai
This is how to set up an education consultancy business in Dubai:
1. Choose a Mainland or a Free Zone Setup
If you set up a mainland education consultancy, you can work directly with UAE schools and universities and service clients across the UAE, although KHDA approval may apply depending on your service scope and you will need a physical office with Ejari.
If you choose to set up in a free zone, you benefit from a faster and more cost-effective setup with full foreign ownership, making it ideal for international and online education consultancy services.
Popular free zone options include:
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai International Academic City
IFZA
RAKEZ
SHAMS
SPC Free Zone
2. Reserve your Trade Name
You must reserve a compliant trade name that reflects your education consultancy activity. The name should avoid restricted terms and align with UAE naming regulations.
3. Get Approvals
If you’re getting a KHDA license in Dubai, you will need approval from the KHDA and the jurisdiction authority your business will be based in. Your business plan, owner(s) identification documents, and your trade name certificate will be required for the application.
4. Choose an Office Setup
When you choose your office setup, a mainland business requires you to have a registered physical office with Ejari, while a free zone company allows you to use flexi-desk or office facilities instead.
5. Apply for a Trade License
Once approvals and office arrangements are in place, you can apply for your trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism or free zone authority.
6. Get Visas
You can apply for investor visas, partner visas, and employee visas once you get your trade license.
7. Open a Bank Account
Banks generally view educational consultancy businesses as low-risk service activities. When you apply, you will need to provide a copy of your education consultancy license, your office lease or flexi-desk agreement, shareholder passport and Emirates ID, and a business plan.
8. Register for Corporate Tax and VAT
Education consultancy businesses have to register for corporate tax. VAT registration is required if your annual taxable imports and supplies exceeds the mandatory threshold of AED 375,000.
Documents Required to Open an Education Consultancy Business in Dubai
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Emirates ID and visa copy, if available
- Educational and professional qualification certificates
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Office lease or flexi-desk agreement
- KHDA-related documents if applicable
What is the Cost of Starting an Education Consultancy in Dubai?
Starting an education consultancy in Dubai usually costs around AED 12,000–20,000 if you set it up in a free zone and AED 18,000–30,000 for a mainland setup. These costs cover the basic business setup, but you’ll also need KHDA approvals and any extra permits, which can increase the total expense.
How Long Does It Take to Start an Education Consultancy in Dubai?
You can expect a free zone setup to take 5–10 working days, a mainland setup to take 10–15 working days, as KHDA approval depends on the business activity.
Start Your Education Consultancy in Dubai with A&A Associate
We are the largest business setup advisory in the UAE. Our seasoned business setup consultants provide end-to-end support for setting up education consultancy businesses in Dubai. Get in touch for a free consultation!
