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. A Dubai mainland licence, issued 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. Just as important, tourism & Hospitality in Dubai means holiday homes, hotel management, desert safaris, yacht charters and tour experiences, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. As we tell every client, french brands and groups have a major footprint in the UAE, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Sorbonne campus, which gives French entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. On the ground, 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
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the France authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from France if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French 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 dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder and makes international pricing simple. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. Put simply, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French founder happen the same day they are ready.
If you would like a written quotation for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a French 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?
On the ground, with paperwork 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
In practice, 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.
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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. French nationals can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do French nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from France with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
