WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Typical examples of this activity include holiday homes, desert safari operator, yacht charter and hotel management, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence. Crucially, holiday homes in Dubai are licensed through DET and need each unit registered. Desert safaris, yacht charters and water sports have operator permits and safety requirements from the relevant authority.
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. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Put simply, 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
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Gather these papers and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Unit ownership or landlord NOC for holiday homes
- A police clearance certificate from Australia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
From day one, all prices for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment. Pricing for opening a hospitality 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.
- 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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder no longer requires a local partner. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. From day one, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Australian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
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 papers, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Australians can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
