WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. GoldenKey helps company owners compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. As a rule, the most common businesses Croatians open through GoldenKey are in hospitality, yachting, IT services and sports management, although Dubai supports almost any activity. From day one, payments between Croatia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with Croatian business profiles.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and for that reason local service businesses gravitate here. Day to day, 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, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
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
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A bank statement from your Croatia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Educational certificates attested by the Croatia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- 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
Pricing
All prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands. The figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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
To be clear, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder for international founders. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder. Put simply, our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
In practice, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Croatian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
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 construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
It can. Croatians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can my family from Croatia join me?
Once your investor visa is granted you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
