WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Put simply, payments between Serbia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Serbian dinar (RSD) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with Serbian business profiles. Crucially, serbians are a fast-growing community in IT, construction, hospitality and sports, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Serbian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. In practice, 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
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. If the authority raises a query on opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a hospitality business 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
On the ground, for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport issued by Serbia with at least six months' validity
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the Serbia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Unit ownership or landlord NOC for holiday homes
Pricing
Pricing for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder for international business owners.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other company owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Put simply, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Just as important, tell us about your plans for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Serbian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
As we tell every client, 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, it can. Serbians can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers tourism & hospitality?
In our experience, tourism & Hospitality is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
