WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. In practice, 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. The most common businesses Kenyans open through GoldenKey are in agricultural exports, tea and coffee trading, logistics and tourism, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
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. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
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 a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
Day to day, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder.
Documents required
Just as important, for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- For most clients, rERA or local land department approval
- A passport granted by Kenya with at least six months' validity
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. In our experience, pricing for opening a real estate brokerage 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
On the ground, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder and makes international pricing simple. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. To be clear, we speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder. Day to day, 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 a Kenyan founder happen the same day they are ready.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Kenyan founder.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Day to day, 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
To be clear, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Kenyans 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 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.
