WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. the UAE-Indonesia CEPA, in force since 2023, has opened the door for Indonesian exporters and investors, which gives Indonesian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released. GoldenKey has Indonesian clients from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung, and our consultants understand the documents issued in Indonesia and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Dubai's economic department issues more than 50,000 new licences a year.
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.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Just as important, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
To be clear, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder in real time.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport granted by Indonesia with at least six months' validity
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- 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 UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder happen the same day they are ready. Our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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 hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder.
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 a hospitality business in the UAE as an Indonesian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Crucially, 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
Just as important, 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
On the ground, 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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Indonesians can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Indonesia and the UAE?
Absolutely. The UAE and Indonesia have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
