WhatsApp quoteFrom day one, below you will find a practical, step-by-step explanation of relocating a business from Italy to the UAE, followed by answers to the questions clients ask us most. If you are researching relocating a business from Italy to the UAE, this article walks through what actually happens, what it costs and the mistakes we see most often.
Key takeaways
- Start with the structure: free zone operating company, optional offshore holding.
- Attest the documents you will need before you fly.
- Your investor visa unlocks the bank account and the family visas.
- the UAE is Italy's largest export market in the Gulf, especially for food, fashion, machinery and interiors.
Background
Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland licences are granted by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED), which currently processes most standard files in around 3 working days. Importantly, popular districts for a Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland office include Al Rashidiya, Al Nuaimiya, Al Jurf, Al Rawda and Al Mowaihat, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Among the strengths of a Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland licence are among the most affordable mainland licences in the UAE and Fast 2 to 3 day approvals, which is why local service businesses gravitate here.
What to do, in order
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, we select the correct activity codes from the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
In short, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED), together with any external approvals the activity requires. Nothing is submitted for relocating a business from Italy to the UAE until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In practice, the memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to relocating a business from Italy to the UAE.
Documents you will need
Keep these ready before you start:
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- 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
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
Costs
Put simply, prices for relocating a business from Italy to the UAE are drawn from GoldenKey's live price list and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. 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
| Additional visa | AED 2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 7,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from relocating a business from Italy to the UAE can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. For most clients, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for relocating a business from Italy to the UAE.
How GoldenKey helps
GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE application, download your documents and pay invoices from your phone. Every Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for relocating a business from Italy to the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE 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 Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE 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.
Can a Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE mainland company trade in other emirates?
It can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Are Relocating Your Business from Italy to the UAE 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.
