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. 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 structural consultancy, MEP design, project management and surveying, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. From day one, for Italian founders, the UAE is around 6 hours from Rome, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Italy, and English covers all paperwork, and Italian-speaking support is available.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business days. Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Importantly, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. If the authority raises a query on opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
For most clients, 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder in real time.
Documents required
In practice, for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Italy bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A passport issued by Italy with at least six months' validity
Pricing
The figures below for opening an engineering consultancy 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. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder no longer requires a local partner. 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other business owners, so we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
As a rule, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as an Italian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
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) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
For most clients, 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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Italians can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can I combine engineering consultancy with other activities?
In our experience, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
