WhatsApp quoteCivil companies are owned by professionals practising the licensed activity and are popular for clinics, engineering firms and consultancies. A Civil Company is a mainland partnership for professionals such as doctors, engineers and consultants. GoldenKey registers Civil Companys in all seven emirates, and this page explains when the structure is the right choice.
Where to register a Civil Company
Civil Companys are registered in all seven emirates. Choose a jurisdiction below for live prices and the exact requirements.
Dubai mainlandThe UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE w…Abu Dhabi mainlandThe capital — government contracts, energy supply chains a…Sharjah mainlandIndustrial heartland of the UAE — manufacturing, trading a…Ajman mainlandGoldenKey's home emirate — one of the most affordable main…Ras Al Khaimah mainlandThe emirate of industry and tourism — low costs, strong ma…Umm Al Quwain mainlandThe quiet emirate — one of the lowest-cost mainland licenc…Fujairah mainlandThe UAE's east-coast gateway — shipping, bunkering and Ind…How it is formed
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right economic department activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the economic department and obtains sector approvals where needed. For setting up a Civil Company this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the economic department.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
From day one, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for setting up a Civil Company.
Indicative pricing
- 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so setting up a Civil Company no longer requires a local partner. In short, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of setting up a Civil Company predictable.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for setting up a Civil Company happen the same day they are ready. Most of our Civil Company clients come to us through referrals from other business owners, and that is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
In practice, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for setting up a Civil Company in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Who should choose a Civil Company?
A mainland partnership for professionals such as doctors, engineers and consultants. It suits founders who need civil companies are owned by professionals practising the licensed activity and are popular for clinics, engineering firms and consultancies.
Can a Civil Company be owned 100% by foreigners?
Yes in free zones and offshore registries, and for most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms.
Can I change from a Civil Company to another structure later?
Yes. GoldenKey handles conversions, additions of shareholders and new entities when a business outgrows its original structure.
