WhatsApp quoteDubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. For most clients, the most common businesses Danes open through GoldenKey are in logistics, pharmaceuticals, wind energy and design, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Just as important, danish shipping and logistics groups are major operators at Jebel Ali and across the Gulf, which gives Danish entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued.
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. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In practice, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
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.
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 restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
- A passport issued by Denmark with at least six months' validity
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
Pricing
All prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. As we tell every client, pricing for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish 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
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder. 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 a Danish founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
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 a Danish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. From day one, 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 restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Danish founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes, it can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
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.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Danes 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.
Can a Danish citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Danes can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
