WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. 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. From day one, typical examples of this activity include building contractor, MEP contractor, fit-out contractor and landscaping, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Just as important, external approvals for construction & contracting are: municipality contractor classification; civil defence for MEP work.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
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). Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
For opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder the authority asks for the following paperwork, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport issued by Austria with at least six months' validity
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Austria if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A bank statement from your Austria bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
For most clients, pricing for opening a contracting company 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. In short, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
- 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
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay.
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 a contracting company in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
In our experience, 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Do Austrians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Austria with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Austrians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
