Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. GoldenKey has Vietnamese clients from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and our consultants understand the documents granted in Vietnam and how to attest them for the UAE. the UAE is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with a CEPA concluded in 2024, which gives Vietnamese entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
Day to day, ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types. Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
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.
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 legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder in real time.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A passport issued by Vietnam with at least six months' validity
- A police clearance certificate from Vietnam if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested law degree
- A bank statement from your Vietnam bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Educational certificates attested by the Vietnam authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Day to day, the figures below for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. In our experience, all prices for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment.
- 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Day to day, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay. Put simply, our quotations for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Tell us about your plans for opening a legal consultancy in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
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.
Is legal consultancy allowed in Dubai?
It can. Vietnamese nationals can own 100% of a legal consultancy in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Vietnamese citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Absolutely. Vietnamese nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.


