WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Crucially, serbia and the UAE have strong investment ties, especially in agriculture, real estate and aviation, which gives Serbian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released. Day to day, construction & Contracting in Dubai means building, civil works, MEP and specialist contracting for clients across the UAE, and it is licensed as a commercial 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. Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, so local service businesses gravitate here.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, nine times out of ten a LLC or a sole establishment. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder in real time.
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
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
In our experience, the document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Engineer's attested degree
- Educational certificates attested by the Serbia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
On the ground, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian 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 Serbian 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
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 Serbian founder. From day one, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Serbian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As we tell every client, 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 Serbian founder happen the same day they are ready.
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 Serbian founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Absolutely. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
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. Serbians can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers construction & contracting?
As we tell every client, construction & Contracting is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
