WhatsApp quoteImportantly, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. In short, typical examples of this activity include structural consultancy, MEP design, project management and surveying, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Put simply, indians are the largest expatriate community in the UAE, estimated at well over three million people, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Indian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Dubai
On the ground, instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. In short, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In our experience, 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.
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. If the authority raises a query on opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
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. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport issued by India with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- 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
Pricing
Put simply, all prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
Crucially, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder no longer requires a local partner. To be clear, 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 Indian founder for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, every Dubai package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. Put simply, 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
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?
Day to day, 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. Indians can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers engineering consultancy?
Engineering Consultancy is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
