Dubai is becoming a hub for new business every day. As a result, the city is becoming increasingly diverse, with people from all over the world coming together in this business center.

Finding institutions that provide education for their children or family will be their priority. Schools, universities, and other learning centers need to be established to accommodate the influx of students who have relocated to this business hub.

The process for opening an educational institution in Dubai, the necessary paperwork and credentials, and the agencies in charge of issuing educational licenses in Dubai have all been covered in this article. 

These steps can provide the necessary guidance for entrepreneurs and business owners like you who are looking to set up an educational institution in Dubai.

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), established in 2016, is responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai.

KDHA works with educational institutions, parents, students, teachers, investors, and government partners to create a high-quality education sector that is focused on happiness and well-being for future growth and innovation. It is empowered to conduct timely audits and, as necessary, impose penalties on unreliable institutions.

Additionally, it has the authority to suspend or revoke the license of any institution that does not adhere to the KHDA’s rules.

Before establishing new educational institutions in Dubai, businesses must go through a series of procedures that are covered in this article.

Here is the list of documents required to submit to KHDA:

Types of Educational Institution Licenses & Required Documents

Private school Permit Issuance

Primary and secondary education is offered to students in private schools in Dubai. The majority of institutions offer both primary and secondary education. No matter what kind of education they provide, they must obtain a KHDA private school license.

Here is a list of the documents you have to provide to obtain a private school permit in Dubai:

• License Application Form
• Copy of the Academic Plan (both hard and soft copies must be ready)
• A reference letter for the proposed location from the landlord
• Institution Location Details
• Registered Trade Name (where and how are mentioned below)
• Lease Agreement
• commercial or professional license copy
• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Completion copy from Dubai Municipality
• EHS copy from Health & Safety
• Certificate of Authorization signed (template)
• Calendar for the Academic Year (template)
• Signed Undertaking (Template)

Higher Educational Institution License

Higher education implies, education provided above 10th grade like colleges & Universities. These Universities can be accredited by foreign universities.

Here is a list of the documents you have to provide to obtain a Higher education permit in Dubai:

• Official letter requesting the Initial licensure
• Feasibility Study including a statement of financial resources
• Financial Analysis and Financial Guarantee
• By-Laws of the Governing Body
• Site Approval and Architectural plan
• Timed Action plan
• Organization Chart
• policies and procedures Manual comprising all institutional policies.
• Quality Assurance Manual
• Catalog
• Student Handbook
• Faculty Manual
• Staff Manual

Once you have all the necessary paperwork, you must log into the MOE website.

Now attach the letter and the documents above, and attend a committee meeting for review.

After the review is executed and all the requirements have been pleased, the Deputy Minister’s office releases a Letter of Recommendation authorizing the issuance of the license.

Step-by-step process to set up your Educational Institution in Dubai

1. Select a Location & get your Trade Name registered with DED

Before you can start an educational institution in Dubai, you must decide where you want to open and offer your programs.

You need to reserve the name of your Institution with the Dubai Economic Department once you have determined the location and its availability (DED).

2. Select the type of Educational Institution

To start an educational institution in Dubai, you must decide what kind of institution you want to open.

It should be either a private school or a university with a higher education program.

3. Submit the documents

To operate the business, you must apply for a professional license.

For applying, you need to submit below documents:

• Approved Trade name
• Shareholders List 
• Passport copies
• Notarized & Signed Photocopies
• Curriculum Vitae
• MOA & AOA
• Activity proposed
• Business plan

Once you got your Professional License, you need to apply for a permit with KHDA as mentioned in detail above

4. Get approval

After KHDA approved your submitted documents, it will issue a permit to start your institution in Dubai. With this permit, you are legally authorized to start offering education programs in Dubai. 

You will then be required to comply with all relevant regulations and laws issued by the KHDA, to maintain a valid permit. 

Best location to set up Educational Institution in Dubai

• Dubai Knowledge Village
• Dubai Academic City
• Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park
• Dubai International Academic City
• Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

FAQs

1. How much time does it take to set up an Educational Institution in Dubai?

It takes approximately 2-6 months in total to set up an Educational institution in Dubai

2. Do educational Institutions pay VAT?

The educational institutions recognized by Local or regional government levied 0% VAT.

Otherwise, they are subjected to 5% standard VAT as per UAE laws.

3. How much does it cost to open an Educational Institution in Dubai?

The cost of opening an Educational institution widely depends on the type of institution and courses offered, location, and all such variables.

However, it costs approximately AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 including licenses and other documentation procedures.

Are you ready to start your Educational Institution in Dubai?

We hope this article gave you a clear idea about starting your Educational Institution in Dubai. 

The process is as simple as it is.

But if you still have any kind of questions or need additional guidance on getting started with opening your Educational Institution in Dubai, then make sure to Whatsapp +971508045640 or email us at info@vr1global.com

VR1 Global Business consultancy is one of the most trusted and experienced Business setup consultancies in Dubai. 

We provide the best services for Small, Medium & Large Businesses that are planning to operate in Dubai, UAE. 

By becoming our client we can guarantee you that you will get a clear view of the Dubai Market, growth opportunities, and the opportunity to connect with successful entrepreneurs without any hassle and trouble. 

Contact our Business setup expert for additional guidance on starting your Business in Dubai