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. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey has licensed engineering consultancy businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Typical examples of this activity include structural consultancy, MEP design, project management and surveying, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
To be clear, ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types. Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here.
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 British founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
Crucially, 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). Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder in real time.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
On the ground, the document list for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- 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
- Engineer's attested degree and experience letters
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport granted by United Kingdom with at least six months' validity
Pricing
All prices for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Importantly, 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 British founder happen the same day they are ready. Most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other business owners, so we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Importantly, we will tell you plainly if Dubai is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less.
In our experience, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening an engineering consultancy in the UAE as a British founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Just as important, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in most cases issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
In short, 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.
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.
Which licence type covers engineering consultancy?
Importantly, engineering Consultancy is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
What approvals does engineering consultancy need?
In short, municipality engineering consultancy registration. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
