The office support services market in the UAE is thriving, driven by the country’s rapid business expansion and its position as a global hub for trade and investment. From multinational corporations to innovative startups, businesses are increasingly outsourcing essential services like HR, payroll, IT support, and virtual assistance to enhance efficiency and stay competitive. Besides, the UAE’s dynamic business environment, with its tax incentives, free zones, and ease of setting up, is attracting a flood of companies—all of which require professional office support to operate smoothly.
One of the key drivers of demand is the rise of flexible and remote work models. Companies are seeking cost-effective solutions to manage their operations, making office support services a critical part of their strategy. This shift has opened up enormous opportunities for providers offering specialised services, from administrative assistance to tech support.
Hence, if you’re looking to establish your presence in the UAE within this industry, here are the various business activities you can select under your license:
8219.00 – Photocopying, Document Preparation and other Specialized Office Support Activities
This business activity refers to a category within the office support service industry encompassing operations primarily focused on producing and reproducing documents through photocopying processes, as well as providing specialised document preparation services.
Specifically, this classification includes, but is not limited to, activities such as the reproduction of printed materials, document formatting, and layout design, as well as related support services like binding, laminating, and assembly of documents. Furthermore, it may involve unique offerings tailored to specific business needs, including digital document management and archival services. These activities are typically performed in environments such as copy shops, document service providers, and specialised offices, facilitating efficient document handling and presentation for clients across various sectors.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from MRO, post-issuance of the license.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.00 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.01 – Document Preparation
Document preparation refers to the systematic process of creating, organising, and formatting documents for professional or administrative use. This includes services related to drafting, editing, proofreading, and finalising written materials, ensuring adherence to specific standards and protocols. Document preparation may involve the use of specialised software tools for word processing, typesetting, and layout design, alongside incorporating appropriate metadata and document management practices.
Additionally, it encompasses the preparation of supplementary materials, such as tables of contents, bibliographies, and appendices, ensuring the final document is coherent, accessible, and compliant with relevant guidelines or regulatory requirements. The aim is to produce high-quality, ready-for-distribution documents that meet the intended audience’s needs and facilitate effective communication.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.01 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.01 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.02 – Document Editing or Proofreading
This business activity refers to the systematic process of reviewing and refining written content to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. This involves multiple stages, including substantive editing, which assesses the overall structure, style, and content of the document for logical flow and adherence to the intended purpose; copyediting, which focuses on grammatical accuracy, punctuation, and adherence to style guides; and proofreading, the final stage that identifies typographical errors and formatting inconsistencies.
Each stage employs technical skills such as textual analysis, syntactic parsing, and adherence to editorial standards, ultimately enhancing the document’s readability and professionalism while preserving the author’s original voice and intent.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.02 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.02 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.03 – Typing, Word Processing, or Desktop Publishing
This business activity encompasses specialised services that involve the creation, editing, formatting, and production of textual documents through software applications designed for typing, word processing, and desktop publishing. This classification requires proficient use of computer tools such as word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) and desktop publishing software (e.g., Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress).
Key services include manipulating text and graphic elements, adhering to typographic standards, designing layouts, and integrating multimedia components to produce high-quality print and digital documents. Additionally, this classification may involve managing document workflows, version control, and collaborative editing processes in a digital environment to ensure that the final output meets professional quality standards for various applications, including business communications, marketing materials, and educational publications.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.03 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.03 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.04 – Secretarial Support Services
This business activity refers to a category of business services that encompass a range of administrative and clerical functions designed to enhance organisational efficiency and support management operations. It includes services such as document preparation, correspondence management, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and providing general office support.
Secretarial support services may also involve specialised functions like data entry, transcription services, and coordination of meetings or events. These services are typically delivered by trained personnel who utilise various software applications and office equipment to facilitate effective communication and workflow within an organisation, thereby ensuring optimal productivity and operational continuity.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.04 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.04 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.05 – Transcription of Documents, and Other Secretarial Services
This business activity refers to a specialised category of services that involves the systematic conversion of spoken language or handwritten materials into written text, typically carried out by trained transcriptionists. It includes services such as transcribing audio recordings, dictations, and written documents, ensuring that accuracy and specified formatting standards are maintained. It also covers various secretarial functions, including document preparation, editing, proofreading, and administrative support, all of which enhance effective communication and information management within organisations. The use of appropriate software tools and strict adherence to confidentiality protocols are essential components of these services, especially in industries like legal, medical, and corporate sectors, where precise documentation is crucial.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.05 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.05 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.06 – Letter or Resume Writing
Letter or resume writing refers to the systematic process of creating professional correspondence and documents, specifically tailored to job applications. This involves the application of written communication principles to construct coherent and persuasive letters, such as cover letters, and resumes that effectively highlight an individual’s qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to a specific job opportunity.
The process entails the utilisation of various technical elements, including formatting standards, linguistic precision, and strategic content organisation, to enhance clarity and impact. Moreover, it requires an understanding of industry-specific jargon and employer expectations to ensure that the documents align with the targeted role and organisational culture, ultimately facilitating a competitive advantage in the job market.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.06 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.06 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.07 – Provision of Mailbox Rental and Other Mailing Activities
This business activity specialises in the rental of mailboxes and the facilitation of related mailing functions, excluding the promotion of goods or services through direct mail advertising. It encompasses the management and operation of physical mailbox facilities where customers can secure personal or business postal addresses for the receipt of mail.
Essentially, this activity includes handling incoming and outgoing mail, package acceptance, forwarding, and notification services, ensuring secure access and confidentiality for users. It is crucial for businesses and individuals who require a stable mailing address, particularly in instances of high mobility or for those seeking to maintain privacy in their correspondence. The exclusion of direct mail advertising emphasises that this classification focuses solely on mailing services rather than marketing or promotional activities.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from the Emirates Post Group (EPG), prior to the issuance of the license.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.07 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.07 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.08 – Photocopying
This business activity is directly related to the process of reproducing documents or images using a photocopying machine, specifically designed for short-run printing activities. It encompasses the digital or analog reproduction of physical documents through electrostatic transfer technology, where light-sensitive materials are employed to capture an image of the original document onto a substrate, typically paper. The resulting copies may vary in size, colour, and quality, depending on the specifications of the photocopying equipment utilised.
However, this classification specifically excludes long-run printing operations, emphasising the ephemeral nature of the services undertaken, which are generally characterised by lower volumes and quick turnaround times in document reproduction services.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.08 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.08 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.09 – Duplicating
Duplicating refers to a specific classification within the broader category of printing services that encompasses the reproduction of documents through various short-run printing techniques. This classification is primarily concerned with activities such as photocopying, digital printing, and other duplicating processes that produce a limited volume of printed materials.
Primarily, these activities are characterised by their capacity to efficiently generate copies of documents, including but not limited to, reports, brochures, and presentations, using advanced technologies such as laser printers and digital duplicators. The focus on short-run printing highlights the quick turnaround and lower volume typical of duplicating services, catering to the immediate needs of businesses and individuals seeking rapid reproduction of materials without engaging in long-term print production commitments.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.09 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.09 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.10 – Blueprinting
Blueprinting refers to the process of producing large-format reproductions of engineering, architectural, or technical drawings using specialised photographic techniques on light-sensitive paper. This method, often utilised in short-run printing activities, involves the exposure of treated paper to ultraviolet light, which chemically alters the paper to create a blue background with white lines where the original drawings are present.
Blueprinting is primarily used for reproducing detailed plans and schematics efficiently, enabling precise replication of original documents for practical use in construction, manufacturing, and engineering applications. The process is distinct from traditional printing methods due to its reliance on chemical reactions rather than ink, resulting in the characteristic blueprints that are crucial for project visualisation and execution.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.10 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.10 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.11- Other Document Copying Services Without Also Providing Printing Services, such as Offset Printing, Quick Printing, Digital Printing, and Prepress Services
This business activity directly relates to a category of services focused on the reproduction of documents using copying techniques rather than traditional printing methods. This classification includes services such as photocopying and digital duplication that produce copies of existing materials, including text and images, without offering additional print-related services like offset printing, quick printing, digital printing, or prepress activities. Essentially, it distinguishes between document copying and traditional printing, emphasising the use of technological processes for direct reproduction without any print integration.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.11 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.11 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.12 – Maps and Drawings Copying Services
This business activity encompasses the specialised provision of duplicating and reproducing visual representations, such as maps, diagrams, and architectural drawings, utilising various methodologies, including digital scanning, lithography, or offset printing techniques. These services typically include the reproduction of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations, ensuring precision in the replication of detail, scale, and colour fidelity. The output is often utilised in fields such as urban planning, engineering, cartography, and architecture, where accuracy and high-quality reproductions are critical for decision-making and project development. This category may also include ancillary services such as binding, lamination, and electronic file formatting to facilitate the usability and preservation of the copied materials.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.12 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.12 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.13 – Documents Saving Services
This business activity refers to a category of services focused on the systematic organisation, storage, and retrieval of digital documents within information management systems. These services encompass the digitisation of physical documents, ensuring their preservation in electronic formats, as well as the implementation of secure data storage solutions that comply with regulatory standards.
Document saving services facilitate efficient access to archived files through sophisticated indexing and retrieval protocols, often utilising cloud-based platforms to enhance scalability and disaster recovery capabilities. Additionally, these services may incorporate version control, metadata tagging, and access management features to optimise the integrity and confidentiality of stored documents, thereby supporting organisational compliance and operational efficiency.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.13 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.13 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.14 – Documents Destroying Services
Documents destroying services pertains to a specialised set of services dedicated to the secure destruction of confidential or sensitive documents, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. This service utilises various techniques, such as shredding, incineration, or degaussing, to guarantee the complete eradication of data from both physical and electronic media. Such services are essential for organisations to reduce the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorised access, while also ensuring compliance with privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Typically, these services include secure containers for the temporary storage of documents prior to destruction, along with certification of destruction to demonstrate compliance and reinforce accountability in information governance practices.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from Sharjah Municipality, post-issuance of the license.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.14 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.14 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.15 – Document Editing & Proofreading
This business activity refers to the systematic process of revising written content to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality while ensuring grammatical accuracy and adherence to style guidelines. It encompasses two primary functions: editing, which involves restructuring sentences, refining language, and ensuring logical flow, and proofreading, which focuses on identifying and correcting typographical errors, punctuation mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. Professionals engaged in this process employ specialised tools and methodologies, such as style guides and editing checklists, to assess and enhance the document’s structural integrity and linguistic precision. Ultimately, the goal of this activity is to produce a polished and professional final product that meets specific standards for publication or presentation.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.15 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.15 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.95 – Typing & Photocopying Services
This business activity refers to a category of business support services that includes activities related to typing, transcription, and photocopying. This encompasses the manual or digital entry of text, data processing, and the formatting of documents, as well as the reproduction of printed materials using various photocopying technologies.
Typing services may also involve specialised transcription of audio recordings or handwritten materials into digital formats. This classification is commonly used in statistical reporting and economic analysis to reflect the output and contribution of these service-oriented activities to the overall economy. These services are essential for businesses and individuals that require document preparation and duplication for professional, legal, or administrative purposes.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.95 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.95 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.96 – Documents Copying Services
This business activity encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing photocopying, duplicating, and printing services for documents. It includes companies that offer various services such as high-volume copying, digital printing, and the reproduction of documents in multiple formats. These services may cater to businesses, government entities, and individuals, providing essential support for services ranging from basic document reproduction to complex printing solutions. Establishments classified under this category typically utilise advanced machinery and technologies, such as digital printers and high-capacity copiers, to ensure quality and efficiency in document management and production processes.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.96 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.96 is exempt from this requirement.
8219.98 – Documents Storage Services
This business activity directly relates to specialised services that encompass the systematic organisation, preservation, and management of physical and digital documents for businesses and organisations. Essentially, this category includes activities such as the secure storage of records in off-site facilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and facilitating easy retrieval and indexing of documents. It often integrates advanced technologies, including cloud storage solutions and document management systems, which enable efficient data archiving and retrieval processes. Additionally, document storage services may involve the implementation of security protocols, including access controls and environmental controls, to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access or damage.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8219.98 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8219.98 is exempt from this requirement.
| Exclusions directly related to these business activities include the printing of documents (offset printing, quick printing etc.), direct mail advertising, specialised stenotype services such as court reporting, and public stenography services. These exclusions are distinct from the office support services provided within this class. |
Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.
You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.
Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.
