WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, released 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. 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. Icelanders are a very small community, mostly in aviation, seafood and technology, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Icelandic applications every day and process them without hesitation. As a rule, icelandic seafood and clean-energy know-how reach the Gulf through Dubai, which gives Icelandic entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Engineer's attested degree
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Educational certificates attested by the Iceland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Just as important, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. The figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
Day to day, 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 contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder predictable. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. 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 an Icelandic founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 an Icelandic founder happen the same day they are ready.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
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 supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Iceland and the UAE?
From day one, the UAE has double taxation agreements with more than 130 countries. Whether Iceland 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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Icelanders can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
