Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Put simply, the most common businesses Slovaks open through GoldenKey are in automotive, IT services, hospitality and engineering, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Payments between Slovakia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle promptly and UAE banks are familiar with Slovak business profiles.
Why Dubai
Just as important, popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. 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.
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, usually a LLC or a sole establishment.
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 a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak 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
On the ground, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder.
- Unit ownership or landlord NOC for holiday homes
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Educational certificates attested by the Slovakia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Slovakia with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Day to day, the figures below for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business 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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder no longer requires a local partner. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a hospitality business 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 without delay. In our experience, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Slovak founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
To be clear, 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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Importantly, 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 tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Slovaks can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can I combine tourism & hospitality with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.


