WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Put simply, payments between Netherlands and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with Dutch business profiles. In our experience, external approvals for architecture & design are: municipality registration for permit submissions.
Why Dubai
Day to day, 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. In our experience, 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
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
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed. For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
For most clients, 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).
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 Dutch founder.
Documents required
In short, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch founder.
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Netherlands if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Netherlands with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch 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 Dutch 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
For most clients, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch founder. As a rule, 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 Dutch founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. To be clear, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other founders, and that is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Dutch founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
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 Dutch founder.
Frequently asked questions
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. 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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Absolutely. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Dutch nationals 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?
Day to day, municipality registration for permit submissions. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
