ADDED: Launching The Professional License For Foreigners

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Based on UAEBARQ, The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced the release of the professional license across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, permitting foreign professionals to establish and fully own a professional business company within 604 professional activities following their area of experience and qualifications.

The professional activities company includes many fields such as accounting, training, consultancy, beauty centers, computer and internet network companies, and others, as foreign professional partners fully own them.

His Excellency, Rashid Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, said that the professional license boosts confidence among professionals and all customers. Also, this decision sparks an incubating environment for the professional community, which accelerates the transformation to the knowledge-based economy.

HE also pointed out that this type of license is preferable to new investors due to its low cost and the ease of its issuance, especially if the desired activity is “consulting,” where the legal form of it is either an individual establishment or group of professionals company, in case there is more than one investor. This type of license is easy to set up or adjust, which will streamline business practice across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ADDED indicated that a local services agent is required for most companies if there is no Emirati partner. The local service agent is responsible for managing the licensing requirements without liability for any financial obligation towards the company or its activities in Abu Dhabi or any other place.

Furthermore, ADDED will issue a form of service agent agreement to demonstrate and identify the relationship between all the partners. In addition, the Department has issued a model for the professional company’s Articles of Association that will be available through the Department’s website.

Along with the possibility of licensing a professional company, ADDED also highlighted that opening a commercial branch without prejudice to the professional license or its features could be possible if the commercial activity is consistent with or complementary to the professional training. Additionally, existing establishments can benefit from this decision by adjusting their status from a commercial to a skilled facility while maintaining their registered number in the retail and date of incorporation.

It is worth noting that the professional work license is a specialized license in professional activities, which includes any activity practiced by a professional investor within his area of experience and matching his academic or professional qualifications.