WhatsApp quoteDubai 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, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. For most clients, legal Consultancy in Dubai means advising on contracts, corporate structuring and compliance as a legal consultant (not court advocacy), and it is licensed as a professional activity. To be clear, for Singaporean founders, the UAE is around 7 hours from Singapore, 4 hours ahead of the UAE, and English is the business language in both countries.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. 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.
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, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
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).
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder.
Documents required
On the ground, for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder the registrar asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Educational certificates attested by the Singapore authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport released by Singapore with at least six months' validity
- A bank statement from your Singapore bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
Pricing for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. As a rule, all prices for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- 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
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 legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder predictable. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
As a rule, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which paperwork each of them will ask for on a Dubai file. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder happen the same day they are ready. Our quotations for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Singaporean founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything.
Day to day, start your Dubai journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
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.
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.
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 Singaporeans need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from Singapore with scanned documents, and the investor UAE residence visa is handled afterwards.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
It can. Singaporeans can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
