WhatsApp quoteTo be clear, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. 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 short, payments between Norway and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Norwegian krone (NOK) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with Norwegian business profiles. Put simply, for Norwegian founders, the UAE is around 7 hours from Oslo, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Norway, and English is the working language.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. To be clear, 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
To be clear, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder is audit-ready.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs.
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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Day to day, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
Just as important, gather these papers and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder.
- A bank statement from your Norway bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Engineer's attested degree
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
Importantly, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands. Crucially, pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
In our experience, 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 a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder predictable. 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 a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. For most clients, most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other company owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Norwegian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In our experience, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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 a Norwegian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Norwegians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Norwegians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
