WhatsApp quoteDubai 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. 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. Day to day, the most common businesses Icelanders open through GoldenKey are in seafood exports, aviation, geothermal technology and software, although Dubai supports almost any activity. To be clear, 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 issued.
Why Dubai
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
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
In our experience, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
From day one, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder in real time.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Educational certificates attested by the Iceland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A bank statement from your Iceland 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
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
Pricing
The figures below for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
As we tell every client, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder for international entrepreneurs.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy 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 quickly. In short, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an engineering consultancy 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Just as important, 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.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Icelanders can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can I combine engineering consultancy with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
