WhatsApp quotePut simply, mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. In short, architecture & Design in Dubai means architectural design, urban planning and landscape architecture, and it is licensed as a professional activity. Typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Put simply, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder in real time.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In our experience, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Crucially, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Singapore if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport issued by Singapore with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
The figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing 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 Singaporean 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Singaporean founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly.
Day to day, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Singaporean founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
In short, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, 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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Singaporeans can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Singapore and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Singapore have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
