WhatsApp quoteDubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Put simply, kenyans are a growing East African community working in aviation, hospitality, logistics and trade, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Kenyan applications every day and process them without hesitation. As we tell every client, external approvals for architecture & design are: municipality registration for permit submissions.
Why Dubai
On the ground, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. 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 (Monday to Friday).
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, for most applicants a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
The document list for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Architect's attested degree
- A police clearance certificate from Kenya if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- 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
- A passport issued by Kenya with at least six months' validity
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
Pricing
The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. In practice, pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder for international company owners. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
For most clients, you deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan 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 entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Kenyan founder.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Kenyans can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Kenyan citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Kenyans can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
