WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, issued 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. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. From day one, portuguese nationals are a smaller community active in engineering, hospitality and technology, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Portuguese applications every day and process them without hesitation. In short, payments between Portugal and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle promptly and UAE banks are familiar with Portuguese business profiles.
Why Dubai
As a rule, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full submission 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. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Day to day, gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Portugal if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your Portugal bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
- 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
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 Portuguese founder for international business owners. Importantly, 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 Portuguese founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
To be clear, after your Dubai licence is released, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder. 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 Portuguese founder happen the same day they are ready.
For most clients, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Portuguese founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Put simply, 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.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Portuguese nationals can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Portugal and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Portugal 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.
