WhatsApp quoteCrucially, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. As a rule, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. GoldenKey has licensed legal consultancy businesses for customers in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. As we tell every client, the most common businesses Indians open through GoldenKey are in trading, IT and software, retail and construction, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
For most clients, among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and that is why local service businesses gravitate here. 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
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, in most cases a LLC or a sole establishment. If the authority raises a query on opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian 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
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder.
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
Crucially, for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your India bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the India authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
The figures below for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a legal 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
On the ground, 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 legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder predictable. Day to day, 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 Indian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
In short, 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 Indian founder. As a rule, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Tell us about your plans for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Indian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes, it can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Can a Indian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Indians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Indians can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
