WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, granted 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. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. In our experience, payments between Thailand and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Thai baht (THB) transfers settle fast and UAE banks are familiar with Thai business profiles. As we tell every client, for Thai entrepreneurs, the UAE is around 6.5 hours from Bangkok, 3 hours ahead of the UAE, and English is the working language.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. 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. For opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
From day one, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full file with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder.
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.
Documents required
Day to day, for opening an engineering consultancy 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 no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your Thailand bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- 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
- A passport issued by Thailand with at least six months' validity
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
All prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai 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
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
As we tell every client, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an engineering consultancy 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 quickly. For most clients, our quotations for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment 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 an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a Thai founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Crucially, with supporting documents 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.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Is engineering consultancy allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Thai 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.
Which licence type covers engineering consultancy?
Engineering Consultancy is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
