WhatsApp quoteIn short, mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. A 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. As we tell every client, construction & Contracting in Dubai means building, civil works, MEP and specialist contracting for clients across the UAE, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. Typical examples of this activity include building contractor, MEP contractor, fit-out contractor and landscaping, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Day to day, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. In short, 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
In practice, 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 reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
For most clients, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
On the ground, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder.
Documents required
The document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Educational certificates attested by the Kenya authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a contracting company 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
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder and makes international pricing simple. Importantly, 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 a Kenyan founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. 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 a Kenyan founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Put simply, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder happen the same day they are ready.
Tell us about your plans for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Kenyan founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Day to day, with supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule 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?
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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Kenyans can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Kenyans need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Kenya with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
