WhatsApp quoteIn our experience, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. In our experience, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. Typical examples of this activity include building contractor, MEP contractor, fit-out contractor and landscaping, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. the UAE has become the principal international business hub for Russian-speaking entrepreneurs relocating operations abroad, which gives Russian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released.
Why Dubai
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. Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
To be clear, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder is audit-ready.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Crucially, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In practice, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
The document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
On the ground, pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Importantly, the figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Just as important, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
Crucially, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder happen the same day they are ready. Day to day, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Russian founder.
On the ground, 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 Russian founder in a single conversation.
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) normally 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?
On the ground, 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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Russians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Russian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Russians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
