WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A 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. On the ground, holiday homes in Dubai are licensed through DET and need each unit registered. Desert safaris, yacht charters and water sports have operator permits and safety requirements from the relevant authority. As a rule, the most common businesses Romanians open through GoldenKey are in IT and software, hospitality, construction and aviation, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
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 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. If the authority raises a query on opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Crucially, 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
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. If the authority raises a query on opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
The document list for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your Romania bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport issued by Romania with at least six months' validity
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. In practice, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. In practice, 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 a hospitality business 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 a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Romanian founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In our experience, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule 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?
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.
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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Romanians can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does tourism & hospitality need?
DET holiday-home permit; DMCA for marine activities; tourism authority for tours. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
