WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. For most clients, for Spanish founders, the UAE is around 7.5 hours from Madrid, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Spain, and English is the working language; Spanish-speaking advisers are available. GoldenKey has Spanish clients from Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, and our consultants understand the paperwork issued in Spain and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why Dubai
On the ground, among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and for that reason local service businesses gravitate here. 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 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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
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). Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder in real time.
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 real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- RERA or local land department approval
- Educational certificates attested by the Spain authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your Spain bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
In short, pricing for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. All prices for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands.
- 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder. In short, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
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 real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening a real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder.
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 real estate brokerage in the UAE as a Spanish founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in most cases issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
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.
Is real estate brokerage allowed in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Spanish nationals can own 100% of a real estate brokerage in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Spanish citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Spanish nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
