WhatsApp quoteFrom day one, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A Dubai mainland licence, released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. 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 released. Australians are a community of more than 15,000 residents in education, construction, hospitality and sports, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Australian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Dubai
From day one, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. For most clients, ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, we pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder.
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). For opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder.
- A passport issued by Australia with at least six months' validity
- A police clearance certificate from Australia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Australia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Pricing for opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. The figures below for opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder for international founders. For most clients, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder predictable.
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 retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder. Day to day, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other company owners, and for that reason we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening a retail business in the UAE as an Australian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
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.
Are Dubai 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.
Do Australians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No — You can apply for the licence from Australia with scanned paperwork, and the investor UAE residence visa is processed afterwards.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Australians can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
