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. Put simply, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. To be clear, for South African company owners, the UAE is around 8 hours from Johannesburg from Pretoria, the UAE is 2 hours ahead of South Africa, and English is the working language in both countries. Just as important, the most common businesses South Africans open through GoldenKey are in finance, hospitality, education and mining services, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. For most clients, 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 pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
On the ground, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
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
From day one, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
For most clients, the document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from South Africa if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Engineer's attested degree
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport released by South Africa with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
To be clear, all prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African 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
Just as important, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder. To be clear, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. From day one, 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 South African founder happen the same day they are ready. Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a South African 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 a contracting company in the UAE as a South African founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Just as important, 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
Put simply, 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.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. South Africans can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do South Africans need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from South Africa with scanned documents, and the investor UAE residence visa is completed afterwards.
