To obtain an accounting and bookkeeping license in Dubai, UAE, follow these steps: 1) Register a trade name with the Dubai Economy (DED) or a free zone like DMCC or IFZA. 2) Choose business activities such as accounting, bookkeeping, or tax consulting. 3) Submit documents, including passport copy, accounting degree, or CPA certification, and a professional CV. 4) Arrange an office space (physical or virtual office). 5) Pay license fees (from AED 14,900 in free zones or AED 15,000 in mainland). 6) Receive initial approval and your professional services license. Costs range from AED 14,900 to AED 25,000, based on visa quota and office rental. Expatriates enjoy 100% ownership, and CPAs are recognized. Partner with business setup consultants in Dubai to ensure Dubai business regulations compliance.
How to Get an Accounting and Bookkeeping License in Dubai, UAE
As an enterprising accountant aspiring to start an accounting practice in a fast-paced international market like Dubai, With the need for corporate tax and VAT compliance increasing, there is a great need for financial transparency, which makes now the right time to acquire an accounting and bookkeeping license in Dubai, UAE. This guide outlines the prerequisites, the associated fees, and the steps necessary to set up a company in Dubai for the year 2025. This guide has been tailored to every bookkeeping practitioner in Dubai, regardless of whether they are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or seasoned professionals with limited knowledge of the UAE bookkeeping industry. So, let’s begin the journey of business setup in Dubai.
Why Choose Dubai for Accounting and Bookkeeping Business?
Financial services companies around the world are drawn to Dubai’s central location, low taxes, and excellent infrastructure, which boost the city’s retail attractiveness, further enhancing its position as a business hub and centre for infrastructure development, accelerated business growth, and modernization.
A.Advantages of Starting in Dubai
- Tax Strengths: A distinguishing feature of Dubai’s taxation system is 0% personal tax and 9% corporate tax for profits exceeding AED 375,000.
- Dynamic Market: Dubai Business Bay is home to several business ventures. There is a ready market for newly established accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping firms.
- International Reach: Dubai serves as a global business hub where clients from across the world can obtain UAE accounting services.
- Simple Approach: Business policies in Dubai facilitate interactions by ensuring slight operational restrictions.
- Connections: Utilize new businesses in Dubai Internet City for connection and contact opportunities.
B. Growing Need for Financial Services
The rapid growth of startups in Dubai, 30,000 per year, has brought a new wave of demand for financial advisory services. The Major contributors:
- Value-added tax and corporate tax compliance (5%) or company taxes from 2023.
- Statutory audits for firms such as management consulting.
- Bookkeeping for cash flows and ease of tracking tax responsibilities.
- Filing taxes and reporting under the Economic Substance Regulation.
- Financial consultancy for compliance under anti-money laundering policies and Environmental, Social, and Governance regulations (ESG).
Understanding the Accounting and Bookkeeping License
Accounting and bookkeeping permit enables legal financial expertise through the Dubai government (DED), or free zone authorities (IFZA and SRTIP). It is a type of professional services permit.
A. What Is a Professional Services License?
The target provides for this business license is accountants, auditors, and financial experts. It recognizes the law with respect to the UAE Commercial Companies Law on International Financial Reporting Standards, that is, IFRS. Unlike general trading licenses, this is issued to professionals only.
B. Permitted Business Activities
Accountants’ business permits in Dubai allow:
- Accounting, Preparing financial statements and establishing accounting systems.
- Bookkeeping: Involves the systematic organization of financial records and transactions related to a business.
- Auditing: Includes the execution of audit procedures and statutory audit activities.
- Tax Consulting: Includes advising clients on VAT, registration of corporate taxes, and tax exemption policies.
- Financial Planning: Involves providing advice on investment activities and trade finance.
Who Can Apply for an Accounting License in Dubai?
If you wish to set up an accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping business, you are required to comply with the DED or free zone requirements.
A. Qualifications and Certifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or its equivalent.
- Certifications: CPA, CA or ACCA is preferred, although some free zones make it a requirement.
- Experience: Ideally requires 3-5 years in financial management or tax consulting.
- Professional CV: Document detailing the individual’s accounting qualifications and financial credentials.
B. Documents Needed
- Copy of passport and digital passport photograph of the shareholders.
- Emirates ID (if in possession of the UAE) or entry visa.
- Professional CV outlining accounting qualifications.
- Memorandum of association and articles of association as per the company structure.
- Tenancy agreement or Ejari of the office (not mandatory for free zones).
- NOC, if applicable, to the free zone authority.
How to Obtain an Accounting and Bookkeeping License: Step-by-Step
This is how you can get your bookkeeping accounting license in Dubai, UAE.
Step 1: Pick a Business Name
Adhere to the UAE Registry Office policies when setting up a trade name for your accounting firm:
- No offensive, commercial or religious names.
- If you are using a name, “Ahmed’s Bookkeeping”, for example, then use your entire name.
- Check with DED or free zones like IFZA for name reservations.
Step 2: Define Your Services
From the DED or free zone, select business activities like accounting, bookkeeping or financial consultancy. Consult with business setup consultants in Dubai. Otherwise, you might miss important activities and attract fines.
Step 3: Choose Mainland or Free Zone
Choose between a mainland company setup or a business setup in freezone:
- Mainland: 100% ownership with no local sponsor since 2021, able to trade across UAE and internationally.
- Free Zone: Located in regions like DMCC or SRTIP. Benefits include low taxes, set packages for visas, and virtual offices.
Step 4: Apply for the License
Apply for a license at Dubai Economy or the corresponding authority for your free zone:
- Add a copy of your passport and professional CV.
- Include a business plan for your financial advisory services.
- Get initial approval.
Step 5: Set Up an Office
- Mainland: Shared offices or co-working spaces, such as on Sheikh Zayed Road, may be rented.
- Free Zone: Furnished offices in DMCC or virtual offices starting from AED5,000/year.
Step 6: Finalize Fees and License
Settle your payment obligations, obtain a professional business license, and establish a corporate bank account. Subsequently, pursue a UAE residency visa aligned with your Dubai company’s formation.
How Much Does an Accounting License Cost in Dubai?
Costs depend on business jurisdiction, visa quota, and office space. Here’s the breakdown:
A. Mainland Setup Costs :
License Fee: AED 15,000 for a virtual license (annual renewal).
- Visa Costs: AED 4,000-6,000 per visa.
- Office Rental: AED 20,000-50,000/year for business centres.
- Total: AED 39,000-71,000 for a basic setup.
B. Free Zone Setup Costs :
- License Fee: From AED 14,900 (e.g., IFZA with 1 visa and virtual office).
- Visa Costs: AED 3,500-5,000 per visa.
- Office Space: AED 5,000 (virtual) to AED 30,000 (physical office).
- Total: AED 14,900-35,000 for a basic setup.
Pro Tip: Opt for a business setup in freezone like SRTIP for competitive pricing and non-disclosure shareholders.
Mainland vs Free Zone: What’s Best for Your Firm?
Your choice depends on client reach and budget.
A. Why Go Mainland?
- Wide Market: Serve clients across the UAE without restrictions.
- Location: Set up in business centres like Internet City for client proximity.
- Growth: Expand with 100% expatriate ownership and easy hiring.
B. Why Choose a Free Zone?
- Affordable: Lower license fees and virtual office options.
- Full Control: 100% ownership without a local sponsor.
- Visa Benefits: Access UAE residence visas for staff.
- Tax Savings: Capital repatriation and low taxes maximize profits.
Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Market Access | UAE-wide | Free zone + UAE with extra steps |
| License Cost | AED 15,000 | AED 14,900 |
| Office Options | Physical office | Virtual office or physical |
| Visa Flexibility | High | Limited (1-6 visas) |
Is a CPA or Expat Eligible for a Dubai Accounting License?
Dubai is open to CPAs and expatriates starting accounting firms.
A. Using a CPA in Dubai
A CPA license is recognized in Dubai, especially in DIFC or DMCC. It meets professional qualifications and strengthens your financial credibility. CA and ACCA are also valid.
B. Expat and Non-Resident Options
- Expatriates: Apply with 100% ownership in mainland or free zones.
- Non-Residents: Use remote setup in free zones without an Emirates ID.
- Visa: Get a business visa in Dubai (2-3 years) through your company formation.
Pro Tip: Can expats get a bookkeeping license in Dubai? Yes, expatriates can use business setup consultants in Dubai for seamless license consultation.
Expert Tips to Grow Your Accounting Firm in Dubai
- Analyze Market Dynamics: Study market research to target multinational corporations or startups needing trade finance.
- Use Technology: Implement data visualization for financial statements to wow clients.
- Network Actively: Join industry meet-ups in DMCC to build a client network.
- Stay Compliant: Follow AML regulations and Ultimate Beneficiary Ownership rules.
- Promote Services: Create a website highlighting tax exemptions and financial planning expertise.
Pro tip: Business setup in UAE and company formation in Dubai are streamlined with business setup consultants in Dubai. For an auditing consultancy company in UAE, include audit procedures in your business plan.
Overcoming Common Setup Challenges
- Challenge: Picking the right business jurisdiction.
- Solution: Compare mainland vs. free zone with a business advisor.
- Challenge: High office rental on the mainland.
- Solution: Choose virtual licenses or shared offices in free zones.
- Challenge: Understanding UAE financial regulations.
- Solution: Hire business setup consultants for compliance.
- Challenge: Attracting clients.
- Solution: Offer estate planning or financial health services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What qualifications are needed for an accounting license in Dubai?
An accounting degree, 3-5 years of experience, and certifications like CPA or ACCA. Submit a professional CV.
Q2: How much is a bookkeeping license in Dubai in 2025?
Costs are AED 14,900 (free zone) to AED 25,000 (mainland), covering license fees, visas, and office space.
Q3: Can non-residents get an accounting license?
Yes, non-residents can apply in free zones with remote setup and no Emirates ID.
Q4: How long does it take to get an accounting license?
It takes 1-3 weeks, depending on document verification and initial approval.
Q5: How is an accounting license different from an audit license?
An accounting license covers bookkeeping and financial reporting, while an audit license requires Ministry of Economy approval for statutory audits.=
Conclusion
Launching a bookkeeping business in Dubai or an accounting business in Dubai in 2025 is a smart move, thanks to Dubai’s financial landscape. An accounting and bookkeeping license lets you offer accounting services, auditing, or tax consulting to startups and global firms. Follow these steps: pick a trade name, define business activities, choose mainland or free zone, apply for the license, set up an office, and pay fees. Costs range from AED 14,900 to AED 25,000, with free zones like IFZA offering virtual office savings. CPAs and expatriates can thrive with 100% ownership. Work with business setup consultants in Dubai to navigate Dubai business regulations and kickstart your company formation in Dubai. Ready to shine as a financial expert in the UAE? Take the first step now!
