WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey registers Sole Establishments in all seven emirates, and this page explains when the structure is the right choice. A Sole Establishment is a mainland business owned by one individual with unlimited liability. Common for professional services on the mainland; foreign owners of professional sole establishments appoint a local service agent rather than a partner.
Where to register a Sole Establishment
Sole Establishments 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
Just as important, we select the correct activity codes from the economic department list and the legal form, typically a LLC or a sole establishment. For setting up a Sole Establishment, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the economic department, including any external approvals your activity needs.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
From day one, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the economic department. If the authority raises a query on setting up a Sole Establishment at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
To be clear, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes setting up a Sole Establishment a route to relocation as well as a business decision. In short, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many company owners choose it as a base for setting up a Sole Establishment.
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 Sole Establishment happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your Sole Establishment application is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team.
Tell us about your plans for setting up a Sole Establishment and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Who should choose a Sole Establishment?
A mainland business owned by one individual with unlimited liability. It suits founders who need common for professional services on the mainland; foreign owners of professional sole establishments appoint a local service agent rather than a partner.
Can a Sole Establishment 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 Sole Establishment to another structure later?
Yes. GoldenKey handles conversions, additions of shareholders and new entities when a business outgrows its original structure.
