WhatsApp quoteMainland 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. 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. On the ground, hungary and the UAE have expanded cooperation in agriculture, water and technology, which gives Hungarian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. For most clients, the most common businesses Hungarians open through GoldenKey are in healthcare, IT services, engineering and food exports, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. As a rule, 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
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. If the authority raises a query on opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
On the ground, 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
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder.
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.
Documents required
For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A passport issued by Hungary with at least six months' validity
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the Hungary authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
The figures below for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Just as important, pricing for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian 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
To be clear, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder predictable. 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 restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder.
In short, tell us about your plans for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Hungarian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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 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 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 restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
It can. Hungarians can own 100% of a restaurant or café in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Hungarian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Absolutely. Hungarians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
