WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. A 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. To be clear, typical examples of this activity include building contractor, MEP contractor, fit-out contractor and landscaping, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Just as important, the most common businesses British nationals open through GoldenKey are in consulting, financial services, real estate and education, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
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. 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 select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, as a rule a LLC or a sole establishment. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder in real time.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Put simply, 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). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
For most clients, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
For opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A bank statement from your United Kingdom bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Engineer's attested degree
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
Pricing
All prices for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. The figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder and makes international pricing simple. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder.
Why GoldenKey
In short, after your Dubai licence is granted, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
Put simply, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a British founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
In practice, with 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.
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.
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.
Can a British citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. British nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Yes. British 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.
