WhatsApp quoteIn practice, mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. 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. For most clients, thai food, hospitality and jewellery brands have a strong presence in the UAE market, which gives Thai entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. For most clients, typical examples of this activity include architecture studio, landscape design, urban planning and BIM services, which can typically sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, in most cases a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder.
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 granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Nothing is submitted for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Thailand if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport issued by Thailand with at least six months' validity
- A bank statement from your Thailand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
Day to day, use the table below to compare packages for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. To be clear, the figures below for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. As a rule, 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 Thai founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
Importantly, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other founders, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. For most clients, our quotations for opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
In short, 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 an architecture practice in the UAE as a Thai 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?
Put simply, 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 I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
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.
Is architecture & design allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Thai 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.
Can I combine architecture & design with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
