WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. For most clients, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. As a rule, typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. In practice, slovenian pharmaceutical and engineering exports reach the Gulf via Dubai, which gives Slovenian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
Dubai's economic department issues more than 50,000 new licences a year. 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.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder in real time.
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
On the ground, the document list for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Architect's attested degree
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Slovenia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
As a rule, the figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Crucially, pricing for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
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 Slovenian founder. From day one, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
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 Slovenian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As a rule, 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 Slovenian founder happen the same day they are ready. Put simply, our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
If you would like a written quotation for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Slovenian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
On the ground, 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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Crucially, 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 I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
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 — Slovenians can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does architecture & design need?
Municipality registration for permit submissions. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
