WhatsApp quoteIn practice, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners 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. Lithuanian fintech and laser-technology companies serve Gulf customers from Dubai, which gives Lithuanian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. Submitting building drawings for permits requires municipality registration and a licensed architect. Concept and visualisation studios can operate on a free zone professional licence.
Why Dubai
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. 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
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
Importantly, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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 released, 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 Lithuanian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Day to day, for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A bank statement from your Lithuania bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport issued by Lithuania with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the Lithuania authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Lithuania if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
Day to day, use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian 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
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. 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 Lithuanian founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. On the ground, 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 Lithuanian founder happen the same day they are ready. From day one, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
Crucially, 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.
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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Lithuanians 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 my family from Lithuania join me?
As a rule, once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
