Starting a legal consultancy in Dubai allows you to offer professional legal advice without getting into court-based representation. In 2026, this business activity is a good fit for legal consultants in UAE or anywhere else in the world who want to provide services like contracts, arbitration support, corporate structuring, and legal risk assessment. Business setup in Dubai also offers full foreign ownership, a low Corporate Tax, easy international market access, and a streamlined setup process for entrepreneurs.
What is a Legal Consultancy in Dubai?
A legal consultancy is a licensed business activity that allows you to provide legal advice in Dubai and across the UAE. You operate as a legal advisor in Dubai by offering guidance, documentation support, and advisory opinions without appearing in local courts.
This license mainly works for professionals who want to work closely with businesses and individuals while staying focused on advisory work rather than litigation.
What Services Can Legal Consultants in the UAE Offer?
A legal consultancy license allows you to provide services like:
- Legal advice on UAE and international laws
- Contract drafting and contract review services
- Corporate structuring and governance advisory
- Arbitration and mediation support
- Labour law and employment documentation advisory
- Legal risk assessments
How to Start a Legal Consultancy in Dubai
If you want to offer legal services as a consultant, this is how the process works:
1. Choose a Jurisdiction
You usually choose the mainland when your legal services in Dubai target local businesses, UAE residents, and on-ground clients. This option supports direct engagement with the local market. Choose free zones like DMCC or DIFC if your work focuses on international advisory, contract drafting, research, or remote legal support.| Feature | Mainland | Free zone |
| Client focus | UAE-based individuals and companies | International clients and advisory work |
| External approval | Dubai Legal Affairs Department | Free zone authority |
| Ownership | Full foreign ownership | Full foreign ownership |
| Office setup | Physical office with Ejari registration | Flexi-desk or office based on package |
2. Reserve a Trade Name
Your name should reflect legal advisory services and meet local naming rules.3. Apply for Initial Approval
Your business will need initial approval from the relevant regulatory authority before you can apply for a trade license. The Department of Economy and Tourism regulates mainland approvals while each free zone in Dubai has its own authority.4. Apply for Professional Approval
If you set up on the Dubai mainland, you apply for approval from the Legal Affairs Department. Other emirates follow their respective Judicial Department procedures. You will need to provide your law degree certificates, evidence of your professional experience, and attested documents if you studied outside the UAE.5. Secure Office Space
Legal firms in Dubai set up on the mainland need an actual office address while free zone consultancies can use a flexi-desk arrangement.6. Draft and Sign the MOA
The Memorandum of Association is essential for legal consultancies in Dubai, especially those set up as an LLC.7. Apply for Trade License
It takes about 1-3 weeks to get a Dubai free zone license and 2-6 weeks to get a mainland license. Working with a local business setup consultant can help streamline the process.8. Apply for an Establishment Card
The card allows you to sponsor your employees and acts as an official identity card for your business.9. Process Visas
You can get visas for your dependents and employees. Mainland businesses generally have an unlimited visa quota while free zone companies are limited by their license allocation.10. Open a Corporate Bank Account
To open a bank account for your business, submit your trade license, office documents, and company profile to the bank, and complete VAT or corporate tax registration if required. Banks will verify your license, office address, shareholder details, and the nature of your legal services, and may ask for basic information about your expected clients.Documents Needed to Start a Legal Consultancy in Dubai
If you’re planning to offer legal services in UAE, these are the documents you will generally need:
- Shareholder passport copies
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval documents
- Professional approval or NOC
- Office tenancy contract or flexi-desk agreement
- Memorandum of Association
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Legal Consultancy in Dubai?
It costs around AED 12,000 to AED 50,000 to open a legal consultancy in Dubai. Free zone setups are cheaper, with costs starting from AED 12,500. Mainland setups are more expensive, with costs starting from AED 20,000.
Start a Legal Consultancy in Dubai with A&A Associate
- A&A Associate is the UAE’s largest business setup advisory. Our experts have been setting up businesses across the country for a decade, providing support with licensing, visas, opening a bank account, and tax registration. If you’re interested in providing legal services in Dubai, get in touch for a free consultation.
