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. Day to day, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. Importantly, for Emirati business owners, the UAE is no flight required from Abu Dhabi, local time, and Arabic and English are both official business languages. GoldenKey has Emirati clients from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and our consultants understand the paperwork released in United Arab Emirates and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. From day one, instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption.
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
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati 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
In short, 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 contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder in real time.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport issued by United Arab Emirates with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the United Arab Emirates authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
The figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Day to day, pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
To be clear, 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 an Emirati founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
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 an Emirati founder. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Put simply, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder happen the same day they are ready.
As we tell every client, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a contracting company in the UAE as an Emirati founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
In short, 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.
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
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.
Which licence type covers construction & contracting?
From day one, construction & Contracting is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
What approvals does construction & contracting need?
As a rule, municipality contractor classification; civil defence for MEP work. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
