WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Dubai 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. Day to day, payments between Germany and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with German business profiles. In practice, for German founders, the UAE is around 6 hours from Berlin, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Germany, and English is the working language, and German-speaking advisers are available in Dubai.
Why Dubai
Just as important, among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and that is why local service businesses gravitate here. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
From day one, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, in most cases a LLC or a sole establishment. For opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In short, 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). We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder is audit-ready.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Attested law degree
- A bank statement from your Germany bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
All prices for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
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 legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder. For most clients, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. Crucially, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder happen the same day they are ready. Day to day, you deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Importantly, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a German founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
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?
It can. 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 I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
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.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Germans can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Germany and the UAE?
Put simply, the UAE has double taxation agreements with more than 130 countries. Whether Germany is covered and how it applies to you depends on the current treaty position, which GoldenKey checks with a tax adviser before you rely on it.
