WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. In practice, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey has licensed engineering consultancy businesses for customers in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Romanian IT talent and construction firms are well represented in Dubai, which gives Romanian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued.
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
Importantly, 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 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In our experience, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In practice, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from Romania if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A bank statement from your Romania bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- 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
Pricing
In practice, all prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Day to day, use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
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 Romanian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Romanian founder happen the same day they are ready. As we tell every client, our quotations for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Romanian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
In short, 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?
In our experience, 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.
Can a Romanian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Romanians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Romanians can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
