How to Set Up a Yoga Center in Dubai: License, Cost & Legal Requirements

Yoga is an ancient practice that balances physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. In a city like Dubai, which is always in a constant hustle and full throttle, people often seek rejuvenation and reconnection, and a moment of calm. That is where yoga helps them find balance between their body, mind, and soul. However, the major concerns while turning your passion into a purposeful business can be how to setup a yoga center in Dubai and why. 

Let’s find out through this guide.

Top reasons to start yoga centre in Dubai 

With a unique blend of demand, opportunity, and a supportive business environment, Dubai offers a perfect place to set up a yoga center. 

• Exploding Demand for Wellness: A go-to solution for stress relief, physical fitness, and mental clarity in a fast-paced city. 
• A Booming Wellness Economy: A leading Middle Eastern hub in wellness spending, creating a ready-made, growing market for yoga services. 
• Strong Earning Potential: Supports competitive pricing for memberships, private sessions, and corporate packages in a city with a premium lifestyle and high awareness. 
• Incredibly Favorable Tax Environment: No personal income tax and a corporate tax regime, allowing small businesses to reinvest more of their profits. 
• Flexible Business Models: Accommodate diverse business models, be it a physical studio, private sessions, online classes, or a mix of all three. 
• A Positive, Welcoming Community: Associated with positivity and self-care, building a strong, loyal community. 
• Rich wellness sector: A rapidly growing wellness culture and a fast-paced urban lifestyle actively seeking fitness and wellness services, contributing to the demand for mindfulness, relaxation, and stress relief.  
• High profitability: Open to various yoga adaptations, offering the potential for high profits.  
• Supportive government environment: Active encouragement from the UAE government for health, wellness, and entrepreneurship, offering a straightforward and well-supported setup process. 
• Cultural openness: A cosmopolitan and inclusive environment, promoting positivity and community building.  

How to setup a yoga center in Dubai: Licenses and approvals required 

Before you unveil how to setup a yoga center in Dubai, it is crucial to understand the legalities involved in navigating the process smoothly from the beginning. 

Business License Type 

To start yoga centre in Dubai legally, you will require a Professional License issued by the relevant authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for a mainland setup or by the Free Zone Authority. The key activities covered under this license include Yoga Training, Fitness Services, Wellness Centre Management, and others. 

Dubai Sports Council (DSC) Approval 

Yoga is considered a sport/fitness activity. Therefore, DSC approval is mandatory. The basic requirements for this approval include: 

• Qualifications and certifications of the instructor 
• The layout and safety standards of the yoga studio 
• The types of classes and activities 

Yoga Instructor Certification 

All yoga instructors must be certified by a globally recognised body such as the Yoga Alliance, the International Yoga Federation (IYF), or a similar institution. This is obligatory for DSC approval as well as to gain client trust. 

Studio Space and Location 

Your chosen space must meet the health and safety standards of Dubai Municipality. In addition, a formal tenancy contract is a prerequisite for a business license. 

Trade Name and Additional Approvals 

The DET or the relevant free zone authority must approve a unique name reflecting the brand. 

Additionally, if you plan to offer wellness therapies, you may need to obtain extra permits from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Community Development Authority (CDA). 

Start yoga centre in Dubai: Documents required 

Here is a complete checklist of the documents, categorized into two main categories - 

Company & Owner Documents 

The foundational papers required for the business setup include: - 

• Clear copies of the passport(s) of all owners (s) and partner(s) with a validity of at least 6 months. 
• Passport-sized photographs as per UAE specifications. 
• Proof of Residence (for UAE residents) 
• Copy of UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID (if already held) 
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor (for resident shareholders) 
• Initial Approval Certificate from the DET or free zone 
• Trade Name Reservation Certificate 

Specific Yoga Centre Documents 

The specialized documents proving that the business is qualified and compliant: - 

• Yoga Instructor Qualification Certificates, scrutinized by the Dubai Sports Council 
• Attested lease agreement for the studio space 
• The official tenancy contract registration with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) 
• A detailed floor plan of the proposed studio, ensuring the selected space is safe, well-ventilated, and suitable for group activities 
• The final approval letter from the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) 
• Additional approvals from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or other bodies 

Engaging a business setup consultant can help you execute the process sequentially and prevent delays. 

How to setup a yoga center in Dubai: Detailed process 

Following this clear, phased roadmap will help you turn your vision into reality - 

Step 1 – Market research and planning 

Clarify your business idea, study the market, the local demand, the competitors, and the overall landscape of Dubai. Based on research and analysis, create a business plan and define your goals.  

Step 2 – Decide the jurisdiction 

Decide between the mainland and the free zone where you want to establish your yoga business. For Mainland business setup, DET handles the licensing and registration of businesses. Moreover, you can find various physical location options and target the entire UAE market without restrictions. On the contrary, the license for a Freezone business setup is issued directly by the Freezone authority, which offers 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.   

Step 3 – Finalize the legal structure 

Decide the legal structure that best serves your yoga business interests. For example, a sole establishment, a partnership, or an LLC. 

Step 4 – Register trade name 

Select a name for your business, keeping the name rules in mind. Once selected, get it registered with the authorities.   

Step 5 – Get the initial approval 

Apply for the initial approval that will serve as the NOC for the yoga business license.   

Step 6 – Look out for a space 

Find a nice and suitable place that stands out and feels welcoming. Get the lease agreement registered.  

Step 7 – Get the trade license 

Apply for the business license with the relevant authority. Fill out the application form, attach the required documents, and pay the applicable fees. Once the application is approved, the license will be issued for your yoga business.  

Step 8 – Get a permit from DSC 

DSC approval is essential for every yoga studio. To obtain this approval, provide the trade license, including the trade license number and the supporting information. Upon successful verification, the DSC will issue the NOC.  

Step 9 – Set up your studio 

Set up your studio with quality equipment, spacious and well-designed interior, and a relaxing and positive energy overall. 

Step 10 – Get the necessary visas 

Apply for residency visas for yourself and your employees. 

Step 11 – Open a business bank account 

Manage your yoga centre business finances through a corporate bank account in Dubai.  

Factors influencing the yoga center setup cost in Dubai 

The overall cost of a yoga centre setup depends on your choice of jurisdiction, the size and location of your facility, and the level of fit-out. However, the major factors that affect the cost of setting up a yoga studio include the following: - 

• Location: Varying rent and market fees based on the chosen area. 
• Studio Size: Larger studios require higher rental costs and more equipment. 
• Legal Structure: Different cost implications for Free Zones and the mainland. 
• Brand and Style: The cost will differ for a luxury studio with high-end finishes and a basic studio. 

Get guidance along the way 

Starting a business in Dubai can be an exciting journey but navigating the legal and administrative formalities can be daunting. That’s where our expertise steps in. With over two decades of experience, we help entrepreneurs launch their dream projects successfully in the UAE. 

From handling all paperwork and license applications to liaising with government authorities, we offer free expert consultation and end-to-end support, ensuring that your business stays compliant with the UAE regulations. 

Schedule a free consultation with our experts today.