WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. As a rule, payments between Canada and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Canadian dollar (CAD) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Canadian business profiles. From day one, the most common businesses Canadians open through GoldenKey are in education, engineering, healthcare and technology, 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 released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In short, 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
From day one, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder in real time.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder in real time.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A bank statement from your Canada bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A police clearance certificate from Canada if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
The figures below for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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 a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder happen the same day they are ready.
From day one, if you would like a written quotation for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Canadian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In practice, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in most cases issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Crucially, 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.
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.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Canadians can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can I combine retail shop with other activities?
Crucially, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
