Engineering consultancy license in Dubai

Last updated on December 24, 2021

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Engineering consultancy license in Dubai

As the biggest Construction event in the Middle East; like The Big 5 attracts a lot of expat to form a company in this area. Often these expat are new to the this part of the world; and are searching for how to form an engineering consultancy company in the UAE. In this article we will explains the process as well as the requirement concern to DM; and we will also explain the process of how to get the Engineering consultancy license in Dubai; and what are the legal way to operate your operation in this part of the world.

Engineering consultancy license in Dubai

An engineering consultancy license in Dubai is a formally recognize license; that is  for those who desire to connect in engineering field in Dubai. The objective of the Municipality is to legalize the engineering industry in Dubai; make sure excellence as well as quality control; and to promise that both expat as well as local can safely perform the work they loving for.

It is important that a company has the right category; and also recognize by the team at Dubai Municipality’s Building Services Dept; that is ahead of applying for a permit to practice in the areas of engineering.

As per the rules of the Dubai Municipality, (under Local Order No. 89 of 1994 & Administrative Decision amended by Local Order No. 106 of 1997 and Local Order No. 4 of 1999 issued on Regulating the Practice of engineering consultancy license in Dubai). It is compulsory that this type of company need a local partner with the following attributes:

  • He must be a UAE citizen
  • He must be have a BSc Degree in Engineering from a university in one of the same field.
  • To have experience in the same field for at least three years; that is after getting his or her degree
  • Also he must be a part of the Engineer Association in the UAE

Local engineering consultancy license in Dubai

A local engineering firm is a company owned by one or more UAE citizen entered in the Register. One or more expat may have a share in this type of a firm; but note that they can only get 49% of share in the company.

A local engineering company can be classified as follows:

  1. First Category – Ten years for UAE Nationals or fifteen years for expat.
  2. Second Category – Five years for UAE Nationals or ten years for expat.
  3. Third Category – Three years for UAE Nationals or five years for expat.

There are three classifications of engineering consultancy license in Dubai

  • Associate Engineering Firm
  • Expert Engineer Firm
  • Foreign Engineering Branch Office

The above requirements apply to the following engineering, architectural and consultancy activities:

  • Architecture Consultancy
  • Civil Engineering Consultancy
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Consultancy
  • Mechanical Engineering Consultancy
  • Mine, Mining and Geological Engineering Consultancy
  • Chemical and Petrol Engineering Consultancy

Categories of Engineering consultancy license in Dubai

There are two major categories of classification; one each for engineering consultancy companies, and for contractors. The formation process is to some extent different depending on the legal form you prefer. The differences are explained below:

Engineering consultancy license in Dubai

In order to form this type of a company; the following requirements must be met:

  • If you are going to register your branch of a foreign company; then you need to provide the details of your working for the past 15 years; so that they can be properly classified.
  • Abroad companies have to appoint a local representative to handle the application on their behalf. The local agent should be a Dubai-born person
  • Also note that the General Manager of this type of firm must be an Engineer with 15 years of  experience; and must be a national of the foreign country from where the Branch originates.
  • A certified engineer with not less than 15 years experience should take responsibility; that is for all activities which are on the trading license; and must be a member of the Society of Engineers in the UAE.
  • If you want to set up an LLC or a Civil Company you need a local partner; he must be an Architect or Civil Engineer with at least 10 years experience. This Engineer should hold a minimum of 51% of shares in the unit.

Setting up a contracting license in Dubai

In order to form this type of a contracting license in Dubai; the following requirements must be met:

  • If you are going to register your branch of a foreign entity; then you need to provide the details of your working for the past 15 years; so that they can be properly classified.
  • Companies from abroad have to appoint a local agent to hold the application on their behalf. The local agent should be a Dubai born person
  • Overseas companies applying for contracting license in Dubai as a Branch should apply for ‘Unlimited’ classification; the highest grading accessible
  • A certified engineer with 15 years qualified experience should take responsibility; for all activities listed on the trading license; and must be a member of the Society of Engineers in the UAE.
  • Contracting license in Dubai setup as an LLC; may be required to partner with an Emirati Architect or Civil Engineer with 10 years qualified experience; dependent on the precise area of Contracting to be undertaken. This Engineer should hold a minimum of 51% of shares in the entity.

Setting up of an engineering company in Dubai

Proof of technical ability will be required from Dubai Municipality; that is in the form of project completion that will require be notarizing, legalizing and translating for use in UAE. Shams Consultant can proceed as a link here to make sure the DM; as well as customer understand clearly which areas are to be covered; so that to make sure optimal results. Provide your business can meet the criteria listed above; a temporary permit will be issue; that will allow you to start on boarding of staff before finalizing your commercial license.

The process of setting up of an engineering company in Dubai is perhaps a complex; so it is always very helpful to seek professional advice as early as possible. We will use their expertise to lead you through the essential procedure to complete your classification; so that you can operate securely and legally as rapidly as possible in the UAE.