WhatsApp quoteMainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. For Belgian business owners, the UAE is around 7 hours from Brussels, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Belgium, and English is the business language; French and Dutch speakers are common in Dubai. On the ground, the most common businesses Belgians open through GoldenKey are in diamond trading, logistics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
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 mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days (Monday to Friday).
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, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Just as important, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian 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. For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Educational certificates attested by the Belgium authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In practice, all prices for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many entrepreneurs choose it as a base for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder. For most clients, 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 a Belgian founder for international company owners.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As a rule, 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 a Belgian founder happen the same day they are ready.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Belgian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, 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.
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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
It can. Belgians 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?
On the ground, architecture & Design is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
