Consulting
Management Consultancy
Advising organisations on strategy, operations, organisation design, performance and process improvement.
Who is it for?
Independent consultants, boutique firms and international consultancies building a regional base.
Common business models
- Strategy and business planning
- Operations and process improvement
- Organisation and HR advisory
- Possible licence structure
- Usually classified as a professional or consultancy activity.
- Mainland considerations
- Suitable when you serve UAE clients directly, including government-linked entities, and want a local presence.
- Free zone considerations
- Widely available across free zones and often chosen by consultants serving regional or international clients.
- Office requirements
- Flexi-desk or shared office options are common for small teams, subject to the authority's rules.
- Visa considerations
- Visa eligibility is typically linked to the company's licence, office or package type and the licensing authority's current rules.
- Banking considerations
- Banks will want a clear description of clients, suppliers, expected transaction volumes and the countries you deal with.
- Potential approvals
- Generally no external approval, unless the advice touches a regulated field such as finance.
Related free zones
Related guides
IBS services
Related glossary terms
Frequently asked questions
Can a consultancy licence cover several advisory areas?
Often yes, by adding related activities to the licence. Which combinations are allowed depends on the licensing authority.
Last reviewed: 25 September 2026
General educational content — not legal or tax advice. IBS is not affiliated with any government entity. Always confirm current requirements with the official authority.