WhatsApp quoteDay to day, choosing 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. Irish aircraft lessors and agri-food exporters are major players in the UAE market, which gives Irish entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. Irish nationals are a lively community of more than 10,000, strong in aviation leasing, construction, education and hospitality, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Irish applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Dubai
Just as important, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder in real time.
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.
Documents required
Put simply, gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder.
- A police clearance certificate from Ireland if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Educational certificates attested by the Ireland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- 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
Pricing
Pricing for opening a real estate brokerage 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. On the ground, the figures below for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing 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
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 real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder predictable. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Irish founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in most cases issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
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 real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Irish nationals 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.
How long does the process take for Irish applicants?
In our experience, processing for Irish nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Ireland that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
