WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. 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, filipino entrepreneurs run thousands of UAE restaurants, salons, clinics and trading firms, which gives Filipino entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released. External approvals for architecture & design are: municipality registration for permit submissions.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Dubai mainland licences are granted 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
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 Filipino founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, 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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
Documents required
The document list for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- A bank statement from your Philippines bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport issued by Philippines with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- 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
The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. To be clear, pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino 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 short, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. 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 Filipino founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Day to day, our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Filipino founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Put simply, 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 Filipino 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 Filipino founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
As a rule, with papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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, it can. 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 architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Filipinos 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 Philippines and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Philippines 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.
