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. In our experience, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Just as important, the most common businesses Filipinos open through GoldenKey are in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Just as important, 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 issued.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and that is why local service businesses gravitate here. Ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
As we tell every client, 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. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
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.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Philippines if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Educational certificates attested by the Philippines authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
In short, pricing for opening an engineering consultancy 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. The figures below for opening an engineering consultancy 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.
- 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
Crucially, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. For most clients, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy 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 fast. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder happen the same day they are ready.
Crucially, tell us about your plans for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Filipino founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Put simply, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Just as important, 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?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) normally issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Filipinos can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can my family from Philippines join me?
Once your investor visa is released you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
