WhatsApp quoteCrucially, 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, issued 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. In practice, submitting building drawings for permits requires municipality registration and a licensed architect. Concept and visualisation studios can operate on a free zone professional licence. GoldenKey has Austrian clients from Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, and our consultants understand the papers released in Austria and how to attest them for the UAE.
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 hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
As a rule, 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
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.
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). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
As we tell every client, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A bank statement from your Austria bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Educational certificates attested by the Austria authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
Pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Put simply, the figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder for international entrepreneurs. In practice, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
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 an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Just as important, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
On the ground, 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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
It can. 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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Austrians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers architecture & design?
Architecture & Design is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
