WhatsApp quoteDubai 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. A Dubai mainland licence, issued 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. Importantly, 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. Put simply, holiday homes in Dubai are licensed through DET and need each unit registered. Desert safaris, yacht charters and water sports have operator permits and safety requirements from the relevant authority.
Why Dubai
For most clients, 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. 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
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
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder in real time.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A police clearance certificate from Switzerland if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Unit ownership or landlord NOC for holiday homes
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Switzerland with at least six months' validity
Pricing
The figures below for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. In short, pricing for opening a hospitality business 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
Put simply, 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 hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder predictable. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. In our experience, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder happen the same day they are ready.
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 hospitality business in the UAE as a Swiss founder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, 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.
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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Swiss nationals can own 100% of a hospitality business 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.
