WhatsApp quoteFrom day one, 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 mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. The most common businesses Lithuanians open through GoldenKey are in fintech, laser technology, food exports and logistics, although Dubai supports almost any activity. As we tell every client, for Lithuanian entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 6.5 hours from Vilnius, the UAE is 1 to 2 hours ahead of Lithuania, and English is the business language.
Why Dubai
Put simply, 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. Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Crucially, 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 retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder is audit-ready.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
From day one, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
For most clients, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder the issuing authority asks for the following paperwork, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A passport released by Lithuania with at least six months' validity
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A police clearance certificate from Lithuania if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- 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
Pricing
Pricing for opening a retail business 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. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder no longer requires a local partner. To be clear, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
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 a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a retail business 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. As a rule, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder happen the same day they are ready.
In practice, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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 retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Lithuanians can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers retail shop?
Retail Shop is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
