WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs 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. Day to day, the most common businesses Austrians open through GoldenKey are in engineering, hospitality, construction technology and trading, although Dubai supports almost any activity. As a rule, typical examples of this activity include residential sales brokerage, leasing agency and property management, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. Put simply, popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Put simply, for opening a real estate brokerage 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 bank statement from your Austria bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Educational certificates attested by the Austria authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A police clearance certificate from Austria if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
In short, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder no longer requires a local partner. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Just as important, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our quotations for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Austrian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes, it can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With papers 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.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Austrians can own 100% of a real estate brokerage in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
How long does the process take for Austrian applicants?
In practice, processing for Austrians follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Austria that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
