WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. A Dubai mainland licence, granted 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. In our experience, the most common businesses Indonesians open through GoldenKey are in halal food, furniture, hospitality and palm oil, although Dubai supports almost any activity. For most clients, typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. 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 (Monday to Friday).
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
As we tell every client, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Importantly, 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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. If the authority raises a query on opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport issued by Indonesia with at least six months' validity
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Architect's attested degree
Pricing
The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Day to day, pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
For most clients, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder and makes international pricing simple. 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Crucially, our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. For most clients, 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 architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder.
Importantly, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an architecture practice in the UAE as an Indonesian founder.
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?
As we tell every client, 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.
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.
Do Indonesians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from Indonesia with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is handled afterwards.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Indonesians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
