WhatsApp quoteA 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. Importantly, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. On the ground, typical examples of this activity include commercial cleaning, building maintenance, pest control and facilities management, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. From day one, cleaning and maintenance staff work on client sites across the UAE, so a mainland licence with the right visa quota is essential. Labour accommodation rules apply once headcount grows.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. 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.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder in real time.
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
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). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
From day one, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
For opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian 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
- Tenancy contract
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport issued by Italy with at least six months' validity
Pricing
The figures below for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian 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 2026-10-06.
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 cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder predictable. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE as an Italian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
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.
Is cleaning & facilities management allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Italians can own 100% of a cleaning and facilities company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Italy and the UAE?
Yes — The UAE and Italy 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.
