WhatsApp quoteJust as important, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. On the ground, 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. From day one, 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.
Why Dubai
Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. 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
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed. For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In our experience, 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
Importantly, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
Documents required
The document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- 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
- A bank statement from your Switzerland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport issued by Switzerland with at least six months' validity
- Engineer's attested degree
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
Pricing
In our experience, all prices for opening a contracting company 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 a contracting company 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
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder predictable. Importantly, 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
Why GoldenKey
In short, 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 Swiss founder happen the same day they are ready. 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 Swiss founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Crucially, most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other founders, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and an adviser will walk you through opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Swiss founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In short, with paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
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.
Do Swiss nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Switzerland with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residency visa is completed afterwards.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
It can. Swiss nationals can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
