WhatsApp quoteA 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. As a rule, 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. As a rule, 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. Crucially, the most common businesses Thai nationals open through GoldenKey are in hospitality, wellness and spa, food and beverage and jewellery, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
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. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, 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. Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs.
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). If the authority raises a query on opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
For most clients, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Engineer's attested degree
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport issued by Thailand with at least six months' validity
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A police clearance certificate from Thailand if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
Pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Importantly, the figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing 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
Just as important, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. 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 contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder. As a rule, our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
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 contracting company in the UAE as a Thai founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
To be clear, with papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes, it can. 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.
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 construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Thai 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.
How long does the process take for Thai applicants?
Processing for Thai nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Thailand that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
