WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A Dubai mainland licence, released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. GoldenKey has Norwegian clients from Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, and our consultants understand the papers released in Norway and how to attest them for the UAE. Put simply, engineering consultancies that sign off on drawings must be registered with the municipality and employ a licensed engineer with the required years of experience. Advisory-only engineering work can run from a free zone.
Why Dubai
Day to day, instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
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.
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. Nothing is submitted for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In our experience, 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
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder.
Documents required
In our experience, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Norway if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport granted by Norway with at least six months' validity
Pricing
All prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. In practice, the figures below for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar 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
From day one, 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 engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder. As we tell every client, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Just as important, 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Norwegian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Day to day, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an engineering consultancy 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?
For most clients, 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.
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.
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 engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Norwegians can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
How long does the process take for Norwegian applicants?
In practice, processing for Norwegians follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Norway that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
