WhatsApp quoteDay to day, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. Dubai 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, typical examples of this activity include structural consultancy, MEP design, project management and surveying, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Switzerland is one of the UAE's largest trading partners by value thanks to gold and precious-metal flows through DMCC, which gives Swiss entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released.
Why Dubai
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. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Crucially, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
For most clients, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
Put simply, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
- A bank statement from your Switzerland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Educational certificates attested by the Switzerland authorities and the UAE embassy, for 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
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
All prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. Use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy 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
In short, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. For most clients, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. In practice, you deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In our experience, with supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
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.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
It can. Swiss nationals can own 100% of an engineering consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the UAE?
Yes. The UAE and Switzerland have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
