WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. 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 practice, for Romanian entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 5 hours from Bucharest, the UAE is 1 to 2 hours ahead of Romania, and English is widely spoken by Romanian professionals. Importantly, 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. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, typically 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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
To be clear, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
As we tell every client, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
- A passport released by Romania with at least six months' validity
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Architect's attested degree
Pricing
In practice, use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- 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, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder predictable. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. As a rule, 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 architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
On the ground, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Romanian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) usually issues the licence within 4 working 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.
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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Romanians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does architecture & design need?
Importantly, municipality registration for permit submissions. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
