Civil Company License in Dubai, UAE
A Civil Company is a professional partnership structure for 2-5 individuals who wish to practice a profession or provide professional services together. This legal structure is ideal for law firms, accounting practices, engineering consultancies, and other professional groups.
Dubai Economy Center provides complete guidance through the partnership formation and licensing process.
What Is a Civil Company?
A Civil Company is a partnership where 2 to 5 professionals come together to conduct business activities under a shared legal entity. Unlike an LLC, partners in a Civil Company typically share unlimited liability for business obligations.
This structure is particularly suitable for professionals such as lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects, and consultants who want to pool their expertise while maintaining a professional practice.
Partner Nationality Impact
The nationality of your partners determines which activities you can pursue and whether a local agent is required:
At Least One GCC Partner
Activities: All activities (Commercial, Professional, Industrial)
Local Agent: Not required
All Partners Are Expatriates
Activities: Professional activities only
Local Agent: Required (UAE National Agent)
Important: All-Expatriate Partnerships
If all partners in your Civil Company are expatriates (non-GCC nationals):
- •Only professional activities are permitted
- •A UAE National Agent must be appointed
- •Adding one GCC partner removes these restrictions
License Fees
Professional Activity
AED 9,000
Law firms, accounting, engineering, and professional consultancies.
Commercial Activity
AED 9,000
Trading and commercial operations (requires at least one GCC partner).
Transaction Fees
How to Apply
Hover over each step for details
Online Application
Submit your Civil Company application online — partners, activity, trade name and local agent (if all expats).
Required:
- Partner passports
- Primary partner Emirates ID
- Trade name options
Notes:
- • 100% online submission
- • Professional activities only if all partners are expats
- • UAE national agent required if all expats
Required Documents
Benefits of a Civil Company
Shared Expertise
Combine skills and knowledge of multiple professionals
Shared Liability
Partners share business risks and liabilities
Professional Focus
Ideal for law, accounting, and consulting firms
UAE Market Access
Operate across the entire UAE
Visa Eligibility
Sponsor visas for partners and staff
Credibility
Enhanced professional credibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Form Your Civil Company?
Start your professional partnership today with our expert guidance.
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