WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. GoldenKey helps entrepreneurs compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. On the ground, belgians are a compact community with strength in diamonds, logistics and pharmaceuticals, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Belgian applications every day and process them without hesitation. Payments between Belgium and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Belgian business profiles.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business days. Popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Importantly, belgian applicants benefit from the fact that Dubai already has many Belgian shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Belgium paperwork and name formats instantly.
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
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. We keep a written record of this step so your file for Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
As a rule, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Nothing is submitted for Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians.
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- A bank statement from your Belgium bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A police clearance certificate from Belgium if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport issued by Belgium with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the Belgium authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
Pricing for Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. All prices for Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands.
- 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
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
For most clients, after your Dubai licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. Crucially, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. As a rule, 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.
As a rule, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for Dubai mainland company formation for Belgians in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
As a rule, with paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) normally issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
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.
Can a Belgian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes — Belgians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Belgians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Belgium with scanned documents, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
