WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients 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. 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. Typical examples of this activity include residential sales brokerage, leasing agency and property management, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
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. For most clients, 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 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. For opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
Just as important, 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). Nothing is submitted for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
As a rule, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- 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
- Educational certificates attested by the Italy authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Pricing for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a real estate brokerage 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
As a rule, 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 Italian founder predictable. Put simply, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the request sit. 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 Italian founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as an Italian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically 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.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Italians 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.
Can a Italian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Italians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
