WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. In practice, mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Put simply, the most common businesses Greeks open through GoldenKey are in shipping, hospitality, food exports and construction, although Dubai supports almost any activity. To be clear, greeks are a community concentrated in shipping, hospitality, construction and food, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Greek applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Dubai
Put simply, 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. Ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types.
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
To be clear, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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
To be clear, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder in real time.
Documents required
Importantly, the document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Greece if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- 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
Importantly, pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. On the ground, use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
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 Greek founder and makes international pricing simple. For most clients, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder happen the same day they are ready. To be clear, our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Greek founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
Importantly, 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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) usually issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
On the ground, 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 construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Greeks can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Greece and the UAE?
Yes, it can. The UAE and Greece have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
