Training Institute Licence in Dubai: KHDA Approval, Costs and Setup

Opening a professional training institute in Dubai requires a commercial licence and an Educational Services Permit from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The approved activities, individual courses, institute name and advertising must remain aligned throughout the process.

What is a training institute licence?

A training institute is a commercial education provider offering non-degree courses or professional development programmes. Examples can include management, languages, information technology, design, accounting, soft skills and vocational training.

The commercial licence establishes the business, while the KHDA Educational Services Permit authorises the institute and its approved training activities. A consultancy licence alone does not automatically authorise regular public training courses or the issue of KHDA-related training certificates.

Which authority approves a Dubai training institute?

KHDA regulates training institutes in Dubai. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism handles mainland commercial licensing, while the relevant Free Zone authority handles companies established within that zone.

For a mainland institute, the application can be initiated through Invest in Dubai or the KHDA portal. A Dubai Free Zone institute applies through the KHDA e-services route alongside its Free Zone licensing process.

Select the correct training activities

KHDA fees and permit scope depend partly on the number of training activities. An activity is broader than an individual course. For example, several course titles may sit under one approved activity, while a different subject area may require another activity.

Before applying, prepare:

• a clear list of training activities;
• each proposed course title and description;
• target audience and entry requirements;
• learning outcomes, course duration and delivery method;
• trainer qualifications and experience standards; and
• the type of completion certificate that will be issued.

Do not add unrelated activities merely to appear comprehensive. Every activity can affect the approval, fees, trainer needs and future compliance.

Mainland vs Free Zone setup

The best jurisdiction depends on the target market, classroom location, visa needs, contracting model and licence scope—not only the advertised package price.

Documents required by KHDA

KHDA's current service page identifies these core documents:

• a list of course names and course descriptions;
• trade-name reservation and initial approval from the relevant commercial authority;
• approval from the awarding body when offering preparation for professional certification examinations; and
• approval from another competent authority for specialised regulated courses, such as certain medical or cosmetic training.

Mainland applications provide the trade-name and initial-approval reference details. Free Zone applications attach the relevant reservation certificate and initial approval. KHDA can request further information based on the proposed programme.

Step-by-step setup process

1. Define the institute model. Identify subject areas, learner groups, delivery format and certificate type.
2. Select the commercial jurisdiction and legal form.
3. Reserve the trade name and obtain initial commercial approval.
4. Prepare course names and descriptions. Obtain awarding-body or specialist-authority approvals where needed.
5. Submit the KHDA application. Mainland investors may use Invest in Dubai or KHDA's portal.
6. Respond to course-review comments. Adjust unclear or unsupported course information.
7. Pay the applicable KHDA fee and receive initial approval.
8. Complete the commercial licence. KHDA states that its initial approval is valid for six months.
9. Provide the commercial licence details to KHDA.
10. Receive the Educational Services Permit and launch only the approved activities.

Current KHDA permit fees

KHDA currently publishes the following Educational Services Permit charges:

KHDA lists an eight-working-day service time for a complete application. Missing information, course revisions or external approvals can extend the project timeline. These KHDA fees do not include the commercial licence, premises, fit-out, visas, trainers, technology or marketing.

Premises and classroom planning

Select premises that suit the approved delivery method and expected class size. The lease, building rules and commercial activity should allow educational use. Plan appropriate classrooms, reception, accessibility, washrooms, emergency procedures, internet and presentation equipment.

If courses use laboratories, specialist machinery, food preparation, medical equipment or beauty-treatment spaces, additional building, safety or sector approvals may apply. Confirm these requirements before fit-out.

Professional and regulated courses

KHDA approval does not replace the approval of another regulator or awarding organisation. If the institute prepares students for an external professional qualification, KHDA asks for approval from the awarding body. Specialised courses under another government's remit require that authority's approval.

Describe certificates accurately. A course-completion certificate is not the same as a university degree, government professional licence or globally accredited qualification.

Can a non-training company conduct one course?

KHDA offers a separate authorisation for a non-training institute to deliver one short training course. The current published fee is AED 5,000 and the service timeline is six working days for a complete submission.

This route is course-specific and valid for the duration of that course. It should not be used as a substitute for a training-institute permit when the company intends to operate a continuing education business.

Advertising and marketing approval

Training marketing must accurately reflect the permitted institute, approved courses, trainers, outcomes and accreditation. KHDA provides an advertisement-approval service and publishes guidelines for educational advertising.

Avoid claims such as “government certified,” “internationally accredited,” “guaranteed employment” or “professional licence included” unless they are demonstrably true and authorised.

Adding courses or activities later

New courses or activities should be approved before they are marketed or delivered. KHDA's amendment service distinguishes between adding a course and adding a new training activity. A new subject area can affect the annual permit fee.

Maintain a course register showing the approved title, learning outcomes, schedule, trainer and learner records. This makes renewal and certificate processing more reliable.

Certificates and learner records

KHDA provides an attestation service for certificates issued to registered trainees enrolled in authorised courses. Institutes should preserve accurate attendance, assessment and completion records and ensure that certificate wording matches the approved course.

How much does the complete institute cost?

A realistic budget may include:

• trade name, initial approval and commercial licence;
• KHDA permit fees based on activity count;
• rent, deposit, tenancy registration and classroom fit-out;
• furniture, presentation equipment and learning platforms;
• manager, trainer and administrative staffing;
• visas, insurance and employment costs;
• course-development and awarding-body charges;
• website, payment systems and approved marketing; and
• annual commercial and educational permit renewals.

Common setup mistakes

• obtaining only a consultancy licence while operating as a training institute;
• using vague course descriptions that do not explain the learning outcomes;
• selecting many activities without considering the permit cost and staffing;
• advertising courses before receiving the required approval;
• claiming accreditation without a valid awarding-body relationship;
• offering medical, cosmetic or other regulated courses without specialist approval;
• allowing the six-month initial-approval period to expire; and
• launching new courses before amending the permit.

Official references

• KHDA: Issue an Educational Permit for a Training Institute
• KHDA: Training institute permit guide
• KHDA: Amend a training course or activity
• KHDA: Short-course authorisation for non-training institutes

Plan your Dubai training institute

Al Shamil Zone can help structure the company, select the commercial activities and coordinate the licensing documents while you prepare the courses and education-permit submission.

Discuss your training business: call +971 4 408 1900, message +971 50 777 5554 on WhatsApp, or request a consultation.

This article provides general information and not legal, educational or regulatory advice. Confirm current activity-specific requirements and fees with KHDA and the relevant commercial authority.