WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. 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. From day one, the most common businesses Slovaks open through GoldenKey are in automotive, IT services, hospitality and engineering, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can in most cases sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
Day to day, 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. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Day to day, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
As a rule, the document list for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A passport issued by Slovakia with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the Slovakia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Architect's attested degree
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
In our experience, use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. To be clear, the figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority 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
Day to day, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Importantly, our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovak founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
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.
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.
Which licence type covers architecture & design?
To be clear, architecture & Design is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Slovaks can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
