This service enables investors to obtain an Educational Services Permit to establish and operate a new private school in Dubai.

Investors

AED 50,000 (For-profit schools)
AED 20,000 (Non-profit schools)

34 working days

The processing period of 34 working days applies after the authority has received all requirements in full, in accordance with the terms and conditions for each stage.

Service Description

This service enables investors to obtain an Educational Services Permit to establish and operate a new private school in Dubai.

Customer base

Investors

Service fees

No fees

Service timeline

14 working days
The processing period of 14 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents..

Service channels

KHDA portal

Terms and conditions:

1. The application must be submitted via the KHDA portal at least one year before the start of the intended academic year, accompanied by the necessary documents and records.
2. The applicant is required to submit an academic plan that outlines a recognized curriculum.
3. KHDA may request any additional documents, data, or information it considers essential. They will notify the school if any amendments are needed to the academic plan.
4. KHDA shall review the submitted amendments and issue its decision regarding the academic plan within a maximum of ten (10) working days from the date of receiving the amendments.
5. The applicant must submit the required amendments to the academic plan to the KHDA within a period not exceeding twenty (20) working days from the date of being notified. The applicant is allowed to make amendments a maximum of three (3) times. If the applicant exceeds the specified timeframe for submitting amendments on any occasion, the KHDA has the right to reject the application, and the applicant may reapply to open the school in a subsequent academic year.
6. Once the application is approved and meets all the requirements, KHDA will issue its decision regarding the preliminary approval within four (4) working days from the date the application fulfils the conditions of the academic plan as stipulated in the Executive Council Resolution.
7. The initial approval is granted for one year and may be extended for an additional period not exceeding six (6) months. In such cases, the extension request must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date of the current approval. The extension request will be reviewed and decided upon in accordance with the conditions and procedures established by a resolution issued by the Director General.
8. International schools seeking to open a branch in Dubai must meet the following requirements:
   • Submit a notarized resolution from the founding school's Board of Directors explicitly authorising the establishment of an international branch in partnership with a local owner in Dubai.
   • Provide evidence that regulatory requirements are incorporated into the signed contracts between the founding school (or its commercial company) and the local owner.
   • Present accurate information regarding the founding school’s representation on the independent commercial company's Board of Directors, including all procedures and approvals related to the expenditure for establishing the branch in Dubai.
   • Assign an authorised representative to liaise with KHDA during the submission and review of the academic plan. This person must be either an employee, board member, or the principal of the new branch school. Official notification of this appointment must be submitted along with the certified resolution.
   • The founding school is entirely responsible for preparing, reviewing, amending, and submitting the academic plan for the proposed international school branch.
   • The founding school must demonstrate its ability to provide high-quality education. This includes submitting evidence such as school performance data, inspection reports, ratings, standardised test results, and an understanding of the educational landscape in Dubai.
   • The founding school is responsible for maintaining educational quality and making key educational decisions for the international branch.
   • The founding school must regularly visit its Dubai branch and hold annual meetings with KHDA and the local owner to discuss matters related to the quality of education at the branch school.
9. The initial approval must be issued at least nine months before the start of the intended academic year.
10. The initial approval shall be granted for a period of one (1) year and may be extended for an additional period not exceeding six (6) months. In such cases, the extension request must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiry date of the current approval. The request for extension shall be reviewed and decided upon in accordance with the terms and procedures specified by a resolution issued by the Director General.

Required documents

• Academic Plan.
• Land Allocation Certificate for educational service.
• Trade Name Reservation Certificate from the licensing authority or from Community Development Authority (CDA) for non-profit schools.
• Initial Approval from the licensing authority or from Community Development Authority (CDA) for non-profit schools.

The process

• The applicant creates an electronic account by registering on the KHDA portal.
• All necessary documents are submitted via the portal, including the academic plan approved by KHDA.
• KHDA reviews the application. If any amendments are necessary, the applicant will be notified.
• If all requirements are fulfilled, an Initial Approval is issued. This enables the applicant to move forward with securing a commercial licence from the appropriate licensing authority.

Description
This phase enables investors or school operators to formally request the appointment of a qualified school principal after obtaining an Initial Approval to establish a private school in Dubai.

Customer base
Investors

Service fee
No fees

Service timeline
10 working days
The processing period of 10 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Service channels
KHDA portal

Required documents

• Advertisement: A copy of the original advertisement (if available)
• Job description: The responsibilities and specifications expected of the candidate
• Curriculum Vitae: The candidate’s CV or the completed application form.
• Supporting Nomination Letter: A letter written by the candidate to apply for the principal position.
• Recommendations: Two reference letters received by the school owner, one of which must be issued by the candidate’s most recent employer.
• Curriculum Vitae: The CVs of the interview panel members responsible for making the decision, including the educational expert(s).
• Academic Qualifications: Electronic copies of the candidate’s attested academic qualifications.
• Passport and Residency Page: A copy of the candidate’s valid passport and residency page.
• Good Conduct Certificate: A certificate of good conduct from local and international authorities, in addition to certificates proving eligibility to work with children (if available).
• Completion of the Principal Appointment Checklist (PAC).

Terms and conditions

Investors must ensure that the proposed Centre’s Manager:

• The nominated candidate must be fully aware of KHDA's procedures for appointing a school principal and note that the appointment is not considered legal until the official appointment letter is obtained from the KHDA.
• The candidate must possess the necessary competencies to assume the position of school principal, demonstrate good conduct, and must not have any prior criminal convictions or misdemeanour judgments against them.
• A school principal must be appointed before: a) Scheduling the KHDA compliance team visit. b) Commencing any promotional or advertising activities for the school.
• The principal’s appointment decision must be made at least six months before the start of the academic year.

The process

• All required documents for the principal appointment should be submitted through the KHDA portal.
• KHDA reviews the submitted application. An interview with the nominated principal may be arranged if necessary.
• If all conditions are met, KHDA issues the official approval for the principal's appointment.

Description
This service allows investors to request verification of the school building’s readiness before obtaining the Educational Services Permit and commencing operations.

Customer base
Investors

Service fees
AED 50,000 (For-profit schools)
AED 20,000 (Non-profit schools)

Service timeline
10 working days
The processing period of 10 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Service channels
KHDA portal

Required documents

• Government entity approvals, including:
  • Building Completion Certificate from Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authorities (if available)
  • School Clinic Licence from Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
  • Environmental Health and Safety Certificate from Dubai Civil Defence

Terms and conditions

• Valid Initial Approval from KHDA.
• KHDA approval for the appointed Principal.
• The Educational Services Permit must be issued by  KHDA at least three months before  the start of the academic year.The Educational Services Permit remains valid for one year and may be renewed annually, provided the renewal request is submitted to KHDA at least 30 days prior to its expiry date.
• Renewal requests are reviewed and approved following the terms and procedures specified in a decision issued by the Director General of KHDA.

The process

• All necessary documents and approvals from relevant government authorities are submitted via the KHDA portal.
• KHDA reviews the submitted documents. If any modifications or clarifications are required, the applicant will be informed.
• The KHDA compliance team conducts an on-site inspection to verify the building's readiness and its suitability for educational use.
• Once all conditions are fulfilled, the applicant pays the fee for issuing the Educational Services Permit.
• KHDA issues the Educational Services Permit, officially authorising the applicant to begin operating the private school.