WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, granted 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. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Just as important, for Croatian founders, the UAE is around 5.5 hours from Zagreb, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Croatia, and English is the business language. Crucially, typical examples of this activity include fashion boutique, electronics shop, perfume store and grocery, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. 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.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In our experience, 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
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 retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Day to day, your Dubai mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Croatia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
All prices for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
To be clear, 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 retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder predictable. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian 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 Croatian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Croatian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Crucially, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening a retail business in the UAE as a Croatian founder.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
As a rule, 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.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Croatians can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Croatians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Croatia with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is completed afterwards.
