WhatsApp quoteDubai 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. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. New Zealand dairy and meat exporters rely on Dubai as their Middle East gateway, which gives New Zealander entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted. From day one, external approvals for construction & contracting are: municipality contractor classification; civil defence for MEP work.
Why Dubai
To be clear, 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 released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Put simply, your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A police clearance certificate from New Zealand if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A bank statement from your New Zealand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport released by New Zealand with at least six months' validity
Pricing
On the ground, the figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander 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
As we tell every client, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder and makes international pricing simple. Importantly, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. In short, 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 New Zealander founder happen the same day they are ready.
On the ground, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. New Zealanders can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a New Zealander citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. New Zealanders can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
