WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey helps entrepreneurs compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. In short, 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. On the ground, for Swiss entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 6.5 hours from Bern, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Switzerland, and English, German and French speakers all operate comfortably in the UAE.
Why Dubai
Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption. 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
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
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 legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Put simply, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Nothing is submitted for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
The document list for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A passport granted by Switzerland with at least six months' validity
- Attested law degree
- A police clearance certificate from Switzerland if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
Just as important, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder happen the same day they are ready. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
For most clients, ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
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.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Swiss nationals can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Do Swiss nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Switzerland with scanned paperwork, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
