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. A Dubai mainland licence, released 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. Swiss nationals are a discreet but significant presence in wealth management, commodities and precision industries, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Swiss applications every day and process them without hesitation. The most common businesses Swiss nationals open through GoldenKey are in wealth management, commodities, watches and luxury and pharmaceuticals, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Put simply, among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, so local service businesses gravitate here. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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
As a rule, 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. If the authority raises a query on opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- 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 clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Educational certificates attested by the Switzerland authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Just as important, all prices for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss 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
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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder. From day one, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the request sit. 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 Swiss founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Swiss founder happen the same day they are ready.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Swiss founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
From day one, 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?
Put simply, 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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Can a Swiss citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Swiss nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Swiss nationals can own 100% of an architecture practice in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
