Issue an Educational Permit for an Early Childhood Centre

This service enables investors to obtain an Educational Services Permit to operate an Early Childhood Centre in Dubai.

Application: AED 10,000
Knowledge and Innovation: AED 20
Total: AED 10,020

34 working days
Phase 1: Initial Approval  14 working days
Phase 2: Appointing the Manager  10 working days
Phase 3: Building Readiness  10 working days

Phase 1: Initial Approval

1. Valid Trade Name Reservation Certificate issued by the relevant licensing authority.
2. Valid Initial Approval from the relevant licensing authority.
3. Proposed Education and Care Plan for the Early Childhood Centre, in accordance with the guidelines in the guide for establishing or expanding an Early Childhood Centre in Dubai.

Phase 2: Appointing the Manager

1. Candidate’s CV
2. Certificate of Good Conduct
3. Attested copy of academic certificates and qualifications
4. Copy of the candidate’s passport, including a valid visa page

Phase 3: Building Readiness

1. Copy of a valid Licence
2. Approved building plan issued by Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authority, if available
3. Building Completion Certificate issued by Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authority, if available
4. Certificate of conformity with preventive safety requirements from Dubai Civil Defence
5. Clinic Facility Licence issued by Dubai Health Authority, if available

Phase 1

1. The Early Childhood Centre must submit an Education and Care Plan that complies with the approved curriculum standards.
2. KHDA reserves the right to request any additional documents, data, or information it considers necessary.
3. KHDA shall review the submitted amendments and issue its decision on the Education and Care Plan within a period not exceeding 10 working days from the date of receipt of the amendments.
4. The applicant must submit the necessary amendments to the Education and Care Plan within 20 working days from the date of notification. The investor may submit amendments up to 2 times. If the applicant fails to meet the submission deadline at any point, the KHDA reserves the right to reject the application. The applicant may reapply after at least six months.
5. Once all necessary approvals and conditions are met, the KHDA shall issue its decision on the Initial Approval within a maximum of four working days from the date the application is deemed compliant with the requirements specified in the Executive Council Resolution.
6. The Initial Approval is valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be extended for an additional six months by submitting an extension request. KHDA may approve the extension if the provided justification is deemed acceptable.

Phase 2

Investors must ensure that the proposed Centre’s Manager:

1. Holds a bachelor's degree, ideally in Early Childhood Education. A higher qualification or a professional leadership certification, such as a Level 5 certificate in early childhood centre leadership, is preferred or currently being pursued. The relevant authorities must properly attest certificates issued in the country of issuance and must meet KHDA standards.
2. Has a minimum of three years of experience working in an Early Childhood Centre.

Phase 3

1. A valid Initial Approval issued by KHDA.
2. KHDA’s approval of the Centre Manager’s appointment
3. Approval from Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authorities confirming the suitability of the proposed site and building for establishing an Early Childhood Centre and its appropriateness for educational purposes.

Phase 1: Initial Approval

• Step 1: Submit the required documents through the KHDA e-services portal.
• Step 2: KHDA reviews the academic plan and issues its decision, with up to two submission attempts allowed.
• Step 3: The Initial Approval is issued if all conditions are met, authorising the applicant to proceed with obtaining the licence.

Phase 2: Appointing the Manager

• Step 1: Submit the required documents by email to rpc@khda.gov.ae.
• Step 2: KHDA reviews the application and schedules an interview with the candidate, if required.
• Step 3: The Appointment Notice is issued by email if the candidate passes the interview, if conducted, and the application is approved.

Phase 3: Building Readiness

• Step 1: Submit all required documents and obtain all approvals from the relevant government authorities.
• Step 2: KHDA reviews the application and informs the applicant of any required changes, if applicable.
• Step 3: KHDA’s Compliance Team conducts a site visit to verify the building readiness.
• Step 4: Pay the required fees to issue the Educational Services Permit once all requirements are fulfilled.
• Step 5: The Educational Services Permit is issued, allowing the Early Childhood Centre to start operations.