WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, released 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. Day to day, 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. The most common businesses Latvians open through GoldenKey are in logistics, IT services, timber exports and fintech, although Dubai supports almost any activity. As a rule, 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.
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. 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
As we tell every client, 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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder is audit-ready.
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
Crucially, 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Crucially, the document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport granted by Latvia with at least six months' validity
- A bank statement from your Latvia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Engineer's attested degree
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. To be clear, pricing for opening a contracting company 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder for international founders. Crucially, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Latvian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything. 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 Latvian founder happen the same day they are ready.
If you would like a written quotation for opening a contracting company 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 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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Absolutely. 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
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.
Can a Latvian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Latvians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Latvians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
