WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. 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. Austrian firms supply building technology, rail and hospitality expertise to UAE projects, which gives Austrian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. The most common businesses Austrians open through GoldenKey are in engineering, hospitality, construction technology and trading, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Dubai's economic department issues more than 50,000 new licences a year. Crucially, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
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.
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. For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
On the ground, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- 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 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
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a restaurant or café 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.
- 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
Put simply, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder and makes international pricing simple. 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 restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our quotations for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as an Austrian 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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Importantly, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
It can. Austrians can own 100% of a restaurant or café in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Austrians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Austria with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
