Open a Yoga Studio in Dubai
Opening a yoga studio in Dubai gives you access to a city with 190 registered studios (as of March 2025), attracting 17 million visitors annually and catering to a rapidly growing wellness market.
With the proper licenses, location, and permits, entrepreneurs can build a profitable and tax-free business in this booming sector. Since the process is highly regulated, understanding Business Setup in Dubai is essential for success.
How to Open a Yoga Studio in Dubai: Timeline
Opening a yoga studio in Dubai typically takes six to eight weeks. The process is simple, but requires several permits that must be obtained in the correct order. Here’s how it works in practice:
Step 1: Reserve a trade name
First, reserve a unique business name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The name must comply with UAE regulations and must not contain offensive language, religious references, or misleading terms. The reservation is valid for six months, giving you time to complete the rest of the Business Setup in Dubai process.
Step 2: Choose your business activity
Choose the correct activity code, usually “Fitness Centre” or a specific yoga category. It is essential because it determines what services you can legally offer, from group yoga classes to more specialised wellness programs.
Step 3: Obtain initial approvals
Before DET issues your license, you must obtain approval from the Dubai Sports Council, which regulates sports and fitness activities. If your services include wellness treatments, your application may also require approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health.
Step 4: Determine your legal form
Whether you want to operate as a licensed instructor (perfect for solo instructors) or as an LLC (better for studios with multiple instructors), forming an LLC requires the preparation and notarisation of a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with a local partner, but it offers more flexibility for expansion in your Business Setup in Dubai.
Step 5: Secure your property
A yoga studio must be located in a commercial property approved by the Dubai Municipality. Once you have found the proper premises, sign a lease agreement and register it with Ejari. It acts as your building permit and is essential for your business license application.
Step 6: Submit your permit application
Once you have all the necessary documents and permits, submit your application to DET. The license fee is usually between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000. Once the application is processed, your business license will be issued, officially establishing your studio.
Step 7: Complete the installation
The final step is to apply for a residence permit from the immigration authorities, obtain a visa, open a business bank account, and register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration if your expected turnover exceeds AED 375,000. This is the last stage of the Business Setup in Dubai journey for yoga studios.
Licenses and Permits
To operate legally, your yoga studio needs more than just a business license. Several additional permits ensure compliance with Dubai’s fitness regulations:
- Market Authorisation – The most critical document for business registration. Without it, you cannot open or advertise your studio.
- Approval by the Dubai Sports Council – Since yoga is considered an exercise activity, you must first obtain a safety certificate.
- Approval by the Health Authority – Needed if your studio offers rehabilitation, therapy, or holistic wellness programs.
- Approval for signage – Ensures your branding meets municipal advertising standards.
For a simple yoga studio, the first two are mandatory. Health authority approval and signage depend on your services and branding.
Mainland, Free Trade Zone, or Freelance?
Your choice of jurisdiction will determine costs, ownership, and how and where you can sell your services. This is one of the most important decisions in Business Setup in Dubai.
- Mainland – Best if you want public visibility, memberships, and citywide services.
- Free Zone – Best for 100% ownership, predictable costs, and quick setup.
- Freelancer – Ideal for private classes, online teaching, and exploring the market before expansion.
Do you need a building permit?
Yes. In Dubai, you can obtain a building permit in the form of an Ejari-registered commercial lease. It confirms that your studio is located in a building designated for fitness activities. Without this permit, you cannot obtain a business license.
Public teaching from a private residence is prohibited. The only legal alternative is a freelance license, which allows you to teach online or at a client’s place.
Trainer Qualifications and Staff
Dubai’s fitness authorities require trainers to have proper certifications such as a 200-hour Yoga Alliance qualification. Studios must document each trainer’s certifications, visas, and health and safety training.
Salary range:
- New employees: AED 3,000–5,000
- Experienced trainers: AED 8,000–15,000
- Freelancers: AED 150–300 per lesson, often more than 20,000 AED per month
Costs and Ongoing Expenses
Budgeting is vital in any Business Setup in Dubai.
- Corporate Tax – 0% on profits up to AED 375,000, 9% above that.
- VAT – 5% when turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
- Wage Protection System (WPS) – Required for all staff salaries.
- Health Insurance – Mandatory for employees.
Is Yoga Popular in Dubai?
Yes. As of March 2025, there were 190 registered yoga studios in Dubai. The UAE’s wellness tourism sector generated $5.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $12.5 billion by 2030.
Tourism and Global Demand
Dubai welcomed 17 million visitors in 2023, many seeking wellness activities like yoga. Globally, yoga tourism was valued at $181 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit $319 billion by 2032. This makes Business Setup in Dubai for yoga an excellent investment opportunity.
How Much Can You Earn?
- Drop-in classes: AED 70–120
- Monthly subscriptions: AED 500–900
- Private lessons: AED 200–500
- Workshops, retreats, and merchandise add more revenue
Profit margins average 20–30%, with owners earning AED 10,000–20,000 net per month tax-free.
Building Your Community
Success in Dubai relies on visibility and networking. Combine digital marketing, Google Maps listings, and social media with partnerships with cafes, hotels, and businesses.
Safety and Insurance
Studios must have liability insurance, fire and health records, and student waivers. These build client trust and ensure long-term retention.
Start Your Yoga Studio with G12
The wellness market is booming, but Business Setup in Dubai requires precision. G12 helps entrepreneurs with licenses, Ejari, visas, VAT, and banking.
FAQs
Do I need a building permit for a yoga studio?
Yes, through a commercial lease agreement registered with Ejari.
How much does a yoga teacher earn in Dubai?
Between AED 3,000 and AED 20,000 per month.
How much money can a yoga studio owner make?
Most owners earn AED 10,000–20,000 per month in net profit.
What permit do I need to open a yoga studio?
A DET license with approvals from the Dubai Sports Council and possibly the Health Authority.
Can I run a yoga business from home?
Not publicly, only via freelance permission.
How much does a yoga license cost in Dubai?
AED 10,000–20,000 for the license; total setup ranges AED 25,000–100,000.