How to Start Your Education Business in Dubai (Simple Guide for 2025)
You are looking to launch an Educational Services business in Dubai—a smart move in the region’s rapidly growing, knowledge-focused economy.
The most important rule for 2025: Every structured learning activity needs two things—a Trade License and the crucial KHDA Permit.
1. What Business Is This? (The Legal Category)
Your company will be licensed for Educational Services. In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is the government body that ensures quality for all private training, tutoring, and schools.
Your business must get KHDA approval if it involves:
- Training Centers: Vocational, IT, Language, and Professional Skills.
- Tutoring/Coaching: Structured academic support programs.
- E-Learning: Platforms based in Dubai that issue certificates or structured courses.
2. Choose Your Location & Ownership
Your choice of location dictates your ownership structure and market reach:
| Location Type | Business Type | Key Ownership Rule |
| Free Zone | Training, Consultancy, E-Learning | 100% Foreign Ownership is common (e.g., Dubai Knowledge Park). |
| Dubai Mainland | Training, Consultancy | 100% Foreign Ownership is now allowed for many professional activities. |
| Private School (K-12) | Formal K-12 Education | Often requires a majority UAE national partner (51% ownership) or specific government approval. |
3. The 5 Steps to KHDA Approval
This regulated process ensures your business maintains the high standards set by the UAE’s Federal Decree Law No. 18 of 2020.
Step 1: Initial Approval & Name Reservation
First, apply to the commercial authority (DET or your Free Zone) to reserve your business name and get the Initial Approval Certificate. This green light is mandatory before you proceed with the KHDA application.
Step 2: The KHDA Business Plan
The KHDA requires a robust, quality-focused plan. You must submit details on:
- Your mission and teaching philosophy.
- A clear outline of all courses, curriculum, and module content.
- Financial proof and facility details (if using a physical centre).
Step 3: Staff & Manager Qualification
This is critical for 2025 compliance:
- All teaching staff and the lead manager must possess attested academic qualifications.
- Teachers and principals must obtain the mandatory Professional Teaching License from the relevant education authority.
Step 4: Premises Safety & Inspection
If you are running a physical centre (Mandatory for most training institutes), your location must be secured and meet all health, safety, and capacity standards. You need:
- A signed tenancy contract (Ejari).
- A fire safety certificate from Dubai Civil Defence.
- KHDA will conduct a mandatory site inspection before granting the final permit.
Step 5: Final License Issuance
Once all checks are passed and you pay the KHDA permit fees (starting around AED 15,000 for a training institute), you receive the Educational Services Permit. You then use this permit to finalize your main Trade License with the commercial authority, allowing you to operate legally.
Ready to Transform Education in Dubai?
Navigating the dual-licensing requirement (Commercial + KHDA) and meeting the strict staffing and curriculum standards is complex. Any error in documentation can lead to costly delays.
Let Bizgate handle the entire KHDA application and licensing process for you. We specialize in educational sector setups, ensuring your documents are compliant and your approvals are fast.
