WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey helps company owners compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. the UAE is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with a CEPA concluded in 2024, which gives Australian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted. In practice, construction & Contracting in Dubai means building, civil works, MEP and specialist contracting for clients across the UAE, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Dubai mainland licences are released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days (Monday to Friday).
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, typically a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
For most clients, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
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 opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder.
Documents required
Crucially, gather these papers and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport issued by Australia with at least six months' validity
- Engineer's attested degree
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Crucially, use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Put simply, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
As a rule, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. From day one, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder. As a rule, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the file sit. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Australian founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai 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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) normally issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Absolutely. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Australians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Australian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Absolutely. Australians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
