WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. In practice, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Day to day, the most common businesses Greeks open through GoldenKey are in shipping, hospitality, food exports and construction, although Dubai supports almost any activity. As a rule, for Greek entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 4.5 hours from Athens, the UAE is 1 to 2 hours ahead of Greece, and English is the business language.
Why Dubai
Put simply, 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. 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
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
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed. Nothing is submitted for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Crucially, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Day to day, the document list for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- A bank statement from your Greece bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport issued by Greece with at least six months' validity
- 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
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
The figures below for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. From day one, use the table below to compare packages for opening a fitness business 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 3,850 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 13,200 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
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 fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
As we tell every client, ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a fitness business in the UAE as a Greek founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
To be clear, with papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
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 fitness & sports allowed in Dubai?
It can. Greeks can own 100% of a fitness business in the UAE. GoldenKey recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Greeks need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Greece with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
