Licensing Requirements For Legal Consultancy in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the world’s fastest-growing commercial and business hub. There has been rapid development and growth that has created a huge market and requirement for legal services. Therefore, legal consultancy is the utmost requirement for UAE based businesses and the residents. The need for qualified and well-versed legal professionals including lawyers and legal consultants is inevitable to ensure compliance rules, and credibility. A UAE national lawyer, who is allowed to enter in court proceedings, or allowed to offer court representations, is called as LAWYR or ATTORNEY and legal consultant.

An expatriate legal professional who has professional degree, expereince and license to practice is known as legal consultant only. Conversely, the advocacy differs from legal consultancy. The advocates or court lawyers represent the clients in the litigation and court proceedings. The legal consultants do not represent clients before UAE courts in any capacity.  Still, their role is indispensable to individuals and businesses. UAE is an attractive destination for legal consultants. It contributes to the overall economic growth and earns a reputation as the leading international legal hub.

Because this is a serious profession and job, therefore, it was felt to formalize the legal framework that governs advocacy and legal consultancy in the UAE. Therefore, UAE government formalizes the legal framework that governs advocacy and legal consultancy in UAE.

It is mandatory to acquire a practice license in the UAE to be a legal consultant. The individual must fulfill the specifications that are a crucial step in working as a legal consultant.

• Dubai: To practice law, lawyers or legal consultants, have to obtain a license from Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and register with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (For Dubai). For other Emirates, it has to be registered with the relevant authority in the relevant emirate.
• Ras Al Khaimah: To get a license in Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, lawyer or legal consultant has to apply from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) or the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah, depending on where you want to operate. Eligibility criteria needs to be met as well.
• Ajman: To practice law in Emirate of Ajman, legal consultant has to obtain a license from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and register with the relevant Emirate court.
• Sharjah: To become a licensed legal consultant in Emirate of Sharjah, one needs approval from the relevant authorities, including Department of Economic Development (DED) and Legal Affairs Department.
• Abu Dhabi: To obtain a license in Abu Dhabi, lawyer or legal consultant, needs to apply through Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Foreign lawyers can also register but after meeting specific criteria.
• Fujairah: To be a licensed legal consultant in Fujairah, one generally needs registration with the relevant authorities, such as legal affairs department.
• Umm Al Quwain: Legal Consultants have to have registration with the relevant authorities, such as legal affairs department.

Note: UAE Nationals might have different requirements for licensing. Please check with relevant departments or expert attorneys.

Legal consultancy in the UAE refers to the legal professional services that are readily offered to individuals and businesses. The services are primarily offered to clients on various legal matters. Expert legal advice is provided that does not involve direct court representation. A legal consultant in Dubai offers unique critical guidance to a range of clients, including individuals, corporations, and several entities. They normally offer legal guidance over matters such as legal obligations, contract negotiations, and legal compliance. Legal consultants are directly involved in preparing the legal documentation and paperwork. They conduct the due diligence and also advise the clients on different transactions. They may also represent the clients in negotiations, or mediation.

The Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 was implemented in early 2023. The UAE made a significant move towards a structured legal profession in the country. The federal decree law mainly distinguishes legal consultancy from advocacy and lawyers. The Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2022 differentiates between lawyers, and legal consultants, and in-house counsel. On the contrary, legal consultants were also licensed individuals, but they cannot represent the clients in the UAE courts. Their role is limited to legal advisory services. In-house counsel refers to the non-practicing legal consultants who are working exclusively for an organization or business entity. This federal decree law also clearly identified the eligibility specifications, ethical obligations, and professional standards for all legal practitioners. It promotes the credibility of the legal professional and improves the efficiency of the UAE legal sector.

The UAE cabinet issued a historic ‘Executive Regulations in March 2025’, which was introduced to complement the federal decree law. The regulations were announced to operationalize the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 34. They also offer detailed guidance regarding the following matters. It identifies the licensing procedure for lawyers and legal consultants in Dubai. Simultaneously, it also states that there is a need for Continuous Professional Legal Development (CPLD). Certain CPLD requirements must be fulfilled. Thirdly, there are ethical standards and codes of conduct that must be followed.

It is compulsory to obtain a license in the UAE for legal consultancy. There are certain predefined requirements that an individual must fulfill. The applicant must have attained certain educational specifications, professional needs, and regulatory requirements. Educational Qualification must be attained from a recognized and registered law degree from a reputable university. Moreover, the equivalency certification is mandatory for all foreign degrees.

Secondly, Professional experience is accounted for. The relevant legal experience in the legal field matters a lot. Any experience ranging from 1 to 3 years will help to attain licensing. Besides, the experience can also be gained by engaging in in-house legal advisory services. It is also possible through a private legal practice. Licensing Examination is an essential part of it. The UAE Ministry of Justice or any other relevant authority mainly organizes the successful completion of the licensing examination. The exemption is available to individuals who have vast and extensive years of experience and expertise. Moreover, it is also available in specified qualifications in the UAE.

The Application Process involves the submission of an application form along with supporting papers. There is a need for police clearance along with background checks. There is a licensing fee that is applicable. Continuous Professional Legal Development (CPLD) is compulsory. Participation in the training session, workshops, legal seminars, and more is integral to maintaining and renewing the license.