WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps company owners compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Importantly, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. In short, slovak automotive and engineering suppliers serve the UAE through Dubai distributors, which gives Slovak entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. GoldenKey has Slovak clients from Bratislava and Košice, and our consultants understand the documents released in Slovakia and how to attest them for the UAE.
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. Put simply, 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
In practice, 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. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
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 a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Educational certificates attested by the Slovakia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Engineer's attested degree
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak 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
In short, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder and makes international pricing simple. For most clients, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
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 Slovak founder happen the same day they are ready. Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. 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 Slovak founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Slovak founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In our experience, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Slovaks can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Slovakia and the UAE?
Yes — The UAE and Slovakia 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.
