WhatsApp quotePut simply, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. the UAE is Italy's largest export market in the Gulf, especially for food, fashion, machinery and interiors, which gives Italian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. Just as important, italians are a growing community of designers, restaurateurs, engineers and traders, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Italian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
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. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Put simply, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In practice, 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
In practice, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder.
Documents required
Gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder.
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport issued by Italy with at least six months' validity
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A bank statement from your Italy bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A police clearance certificate from Italy if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
All prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment. The figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing 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 2026-10-05.
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 contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder predictable. 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 contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Italian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Day to day, you deal with one named adviser from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
From day one, start your Dubai journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In practice, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) usually issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
Crucially, 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.
Can a Italian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Italians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Italians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
