WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. In our experience, typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Put simply, the most common businesses Malaysians open through GoldenKey are in Islamic finance, halal food, oil and gas services and education, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. As we tell every client, 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.
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
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder in real time.
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.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
Documents required
For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Malaysia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
All prices for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder no longer requires a local partner. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder. 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 Malaysian 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Malaysian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
As we tell every client, 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.
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.
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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Malaysians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Malaysia and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Malaysia have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
