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. Mainland 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. Put simply, legal Consultancy in Dubai means advising on contracts, corporate structuring and compliance as a legal consultant (not court advocacy), and it is licensed as a professional activity. From day one, payments between Iceland and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Icelandic króna (ISK) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Icelandic business profiles.
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. Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full file with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Nothing is submitted for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
The document list for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Attested law degree
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
The figures below for opening a legal 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 a legal 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. As we tell every client, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which paperwork each of them will ask for on a Dubai file. 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 legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
As we tell every client, tell us about your plans for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Icelandic founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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 (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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?
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 legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Icelanders can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does legal consultancy need?
For most clients, legal Affairs Department (Dubai) or Ministry of Justice. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
