WhatsApp quoteMainland 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. From day one, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. 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. In practice, 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
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder.
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). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
On the ground, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A bank statement from your India bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
All prices for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. The figures below for opening a real estate brokerage 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.
- 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
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder and makes international pricing simple. To be clear, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder for international company owners.
Why GoldenKey
Most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, so we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. In practice, we speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Indian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Day to day, 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.
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.
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.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Indians can own 100% of a real estate brokerage in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does real estate brokerage need?
In short, rERA (Dubai), DMT (Abu Dhabi) or the relevant emirate's land department. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
