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. A 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. Typical examples of this activity include holiday homes, desert safari operator, yacht charter and hotel management, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. As a rule, tourism & Hospitality in Dubai means holiday homes, hotel management, desert safaris, yacht charters and tour experiences, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. In practice, 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
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.
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Put simply, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full file with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
As we tell every client, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
Gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder.
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your United Kingdom bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Educational certificates attested by the United Kingdom authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Pricing for opening a hospitality business 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. Day to day, use the table below to compare packages for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British 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 a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a hospitality business 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 quickly. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder happen the same day they are ready. 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 hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder.
For most clients, if you would like a written quotation for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a British founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
As a rule, 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.
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.
Do British nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from United Kingdom with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
Can a British citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Absolutely. British nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
