WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey's consultants wrote this guide to the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland based on the files we process every week, not on theory. As we tell every client, below you will find a practical, step-by-step explanation of the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland, followed by answers to the questions clients ask us most.
Key takeaways
- Confirm the exact activity code so the licence matches what you actually do.
- Gather passports, photographs and any sector approvals before applying.
- Decide the visa package now; upgrading later is possible but costs more than choosing correctly.
- Book the bank meeting as soon as the licence is issued.
Background
Day to day, popular districts for a Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. A Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
What to do, in order
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs. We keep a written record of this step so your file for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland is audit-ready.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In our experience, the Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents you will need
Keep these ready before you start:
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
Costs
Prices for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands. Government fees change from time to time; the figures on this page update automatically when they do.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland and makes international pricing simple. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland no longer requires a local partner.
How GoldenKey helps
In short, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland happen the same day they are ready. Just as important, we speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland.
As we tell every client, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for the checklist for a business consulting licence in Dubai Mainland in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
What is the difference between Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Are Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Business Consulting Licence Checklist for Dubai Mainland mainland company?
From day one, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
