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. To be clear, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. Put simply, the most common businesses Filipinos open through GoldenKey are in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, although Dubai supports almost any activity. To be clear, 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
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
Importantly, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, nine times out of ten a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
From day one, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
For opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder the licensing authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A police clearance certificate from Philippines if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands.
- 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
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
As a rule, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder happen the same day they are ready. From day one, our quotations for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
As a rule, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening a retail business in the UAE as a Filipino 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
On the ground, 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.
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.
Can a Filipino citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Filipinos can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Filipinos can own 100% of a retail business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
