WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. The most common businesses Greeks open through GoldenKey are in shipping, hospitality, food exports and construction, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Greek shipowners and hospitality groups are deeply connected to the UAE market, which gives Greek entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
For most clients, instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. Just as important, 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. For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
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). For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In our experience, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A bank statement from your Greece bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport granted by Greece with at least six months' validity
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent)
Pricing
All prices for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. In practice, the figures below for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder and makes international pricing simple. 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 retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder.
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 retail 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 founders from more than 60 countries with opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
From day one, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Greek 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.
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) normally issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Greeks can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Greek citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Greeks can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
