WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Importantly, the most common businesses Russians open through GoldenKey are in IT and software, trading, real estate and e-commerce, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Crucially, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. 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.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
On the ground, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In short, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder in real time.
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.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A police clearance certificate from Russia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport released by Russia with at least six months' validity
Pricing
The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. On the ground, 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 Russian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
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 Russian founder. In short, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder happen the same day they are ready. Just as important, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other founders, and for that reason we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Russian founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Just as important, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Do Russians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from Russia with scanned documents, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
It can. Russians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
