WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. GoldenKey has Irish clients from Dublin, Cork and Galway, and our consultants understand the paperwork issued in Ireland and how to attest them for the UAE. Typical examples of this activity include corporate legal consultancy, contract drafting, compliance advisory and arbitration support, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Dubai mainland licences are granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business days.
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.
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. For opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
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 legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder in real time.
Documents required
The document list for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport released by Ireland with at least six months' validity
- 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
The figures below for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Importantly, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Just as important, our quotations for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Importantly, 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 Irish founder.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as an Irish founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Day to day, 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.
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Crucially, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Irish nationals can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers legal consultancy?
To be clear, legal Consultancy is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
