How to Get a Personal Trainer's License in the UAE – Step by Step Guide
Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: December 9, 2025
Source: SPC Free Zone
The UAE is home to one of the fastest-growing health and fitness markets in the world. With hundreds of gyms, health clubs and boutique studios, the UAE offers real growth opportunities for personal trainers with the right qualifications, experience and skills. This comprehensive guide covers the process, costs and benefits of setting up as a personal trainer in the UAE.
Table of Contents
- Advantages of becoming a personal trainer in the UAE
- How much can personal trainers in the UAE earn?
- Steps to obtain a personal training business license in the UAE
- Cost of opening a personal training business in the UAE
- Why choose SPC Free Zone?
Advantages of Becoming a Personal Trainer in the UAE
There are countless benefits to opening up your personal training business in the UAE. Expatriates account for more than 85% of the region's population, which offers staggering opportunities for foreign-language personal trainers.
Fast-Growing Demand
The UAE fitness sector is experiencing rapid growth:
- The UAE fitness sector will become a USD 600 million market by 2025 (according to recent reports)
- Online health and fitness are growing at an annual rate of 16%
Healthy Lifestyle Culture
The UAE is a haven for sports lovers and fitness fanatics:
- More than 1,000 fitness outlets and exercise centres are located across the whole region
- Strong cultural emphasis on health and wellness
Resilient Industry
The health and fitness sector has remained remarkably strong:
- More than 25% of the population worked out 3-5 hours per week in 2021, compared to 15% in 2020
- These numbers are set to soar in the coming years
- The industry has proven resilient even during challenging economic periods
Maximize Profits
The UAE offers one of the world's most competitive tax regimes:
- 0% personal income tax
- 100% repatriation of profits for foreign business owners
- Zero paid-up capital requirements
Higher Quality of Life
As a personal trainer in the UAE, you can access:
- Some of the world's best beaches
- World-class sports facilities
- Excellent restaurants and dining options
How Much Can a Personal Trainer in the UAE Earn?
Personal training is a lucrative industry in the UAE. With the right qualifications, skills and experience, the region is ripe with opportunities.
Average Earnings
The average wage for a personal trainer in the UAE is between 80,000-120,000 AED per year.
Factors Affecting Earnings
Earnings are dependent on several factors:
Type of Business Setup
Most often a personal trainer in the UAE operates in one of three ways:
- Employed by a gym or health club
- Freelancing at a gym or health club
- Self-employed
Freelancing at exclusive gyms: If you're freelancing at an expensive gym catering to exclusive clients, you can earn as much as 500,000 AED per year. However, the gym will usually charge commission or rental fees as high as 60%.
Network and Client Base
Freelance and self-employed personal trainers need to invest significant time in developing a network of clients:
- Many trainers start off working in a gym and then choose to open their own studio once they have built up loyalty with their clients
- Social media presence is important
- The larger your client base, the higher your pay packet
Qualifications and Specializations
Minimum requirement: All personal trainers operating in the UAE are required to have at least a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
Higher earnings potential:
- Additional qualifications allow you to charge higher rates
- Specific specialisms (such as kickboxing or ballet barre) enable you to charge higher fees
- Clients are often willing to pay premium rates for specialized expertise
Steps to Obtaining a Personal Training Business License in the UAE
Like any other business, you'll need to ensure you have a valid business license to set up as a personal trainer in the UAE. Getting a personal training business license is easier than you might think, but you'll need to make sure you have all the right paperwork in order beforehand.
The process is broken down into three straightforward steps:
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Requirements:
- Select the correct business activity
- Provide your company name
Company Name Guidelines:
- Your chosen company name must adhere to UAE naming conventions
- The name should not be seen as offensive or blasphemous in any way
- Ensure the name isn't already registered
Processing Time: If everything is in order, you can receive your license in as little as two hours in SPC Free Zone.
Step 2: Set Up E-Channel Services
The UAE now offers a speedy e-channel service that:
- Eliminates unnecessary paperwork
- Makes it easier to manage the application process
- Simplifies applying for your entry permit
Entry Permit: Once you've set yourself up, you can apply for your permit. This is usually valid for up to 60 days.
Step 3: Activate Status Change
When you've received your entry permit, you will need to activate your status change:
- Most people can do this in-country
- Some may need to exit and re-enter the emirate depending on nationality
Emirates ID Card Requirement:
All business owners in the UAE need an Emirates ID card to legally operate a company.
Application process:
- Book a series of medical and fitness checks
- Pass the medical examination
- Receive the Emirates ID card
What the Emirates ID allows you to do:
- Rent properties
- Open bank accounts
- Take out a phone contract
Cost of Opening a Personal Training Business in the UAE
Base License Cost
The cost of acquiring a business license for a personal trainer in the UAE starts at just AED 6,875 in SPC Free Zone.
This price includes:
- Business license
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Business activity certificate
- Visa allocation of up to 100 quotas
- Other benefits
Additional Costs to Consider
There are additional costs beyond the base license fee:
- Studio rental: You may need to rent a private studio or pay a fee to rent out space at a local gym
- Professional registration: You will need to register with and pay for membership to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
- Industry body memberships: Registration with other national and industry bodies may be required
Custom Quote: Business advisors at SPC Free Zone will provide a bespoke quote tailored to your specific requirements and circumstances, free of charge.
Why Choose SPC Free Zone?
Location and Service
Located in the heart of Sharjah, SPC Free Zone offers fast and flexible business setup in the UAE.
Comprehensive Packages
SPC Free Zone offers a comprehensive range of affordable packages with competitive benefits:
- 1,500 business activities to choose from
- 20 visas under one license
- Dual license that offers both mainland and free zone on the same license
Key Benefits
Financial advantages:
- Zero paid-up share capital
- 100% foreign ownership
Speed and convenience:
- Immigration services onsite
- E-commerce or any other license issued in under two hours
Getting Started
Ready to launch your personal training business in the UAE? Reach out to the SPC Free Zone team for a quick and easy setup service.
Related Resources
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Contact SPC Free Zone
For more information about setting up your personal training business in the UAE:
Additional Services Available:
- Corporate Banking Assistance
- Spouse and Dependent Visa Processing
- VIP Medical Services
- Documentation Support
- Customs Code
- SPC Finance
- Virtual Receptionist
- Coworking Space
- Dedicated Account Manager