WhatsApp quoteJust as important, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. A Dubai mainland licence, granted 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. In practice, contracting is almost always a mainland licence because projects are delivered on client sites across the emirates. Classification grades and an engineer's credentials are required for most contracting categories. GoldenKey has licensed contracting company businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later.
Why Dubai
Popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to 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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Engineer's attested degree
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport issued by Romania 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
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
All prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
From day one, 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. In our experience, our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. From day one, 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.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Romanian founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In practice, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) generally issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
In our experience, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Romanians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Romanians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No — You can apply for the licence from Romania with scanned papers, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
