WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. On the ground, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Day to day, typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence. Just as important, latvians are a small community in logistics, IT and timber trading, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Latvian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
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. Dubai mainland licences are released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder in real time.
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
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder in real time.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A bank statement from your Latvia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Architect's attested degree
- A police clearance certificate from Latvia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
In our experience, the figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian 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
Crucially, 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder predictable. 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 architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Latvian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Importantly, with paperwork 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.
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.
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 architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Latvians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does architecture & design need?
Municipality registration for permit submissions. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
