WhatsApp quoteIn our experience, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A Dubai mainland licence, issued 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 short, tourism & Hospitality in Dubai means holiday homes, hotel management, desert safaris, yacht charters and tour experiences, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. Put simply, payments between Ireland and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Irish business profiles.
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. In practice, popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish 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
Importantly, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
To be clear, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Educational certificates attested by the Ireland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Unit ownership or landlord NOC for holiday homes
- A bank statement from your Ireland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Pricing for opening a hospitality business 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. The figures below for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar 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
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder for international founders. From day one, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
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 Irish founder. Crucially, our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
On the ground, tell us about your plans for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as an Irish founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in most cases issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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 I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
It can. Irish nationals 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 Ireland and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Ireland 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.
