WhatsApp quoteAs we tell every client, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. GoldenKey has licensed consulting practice businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Business Consulting in Dubai means management, strategy, HR, marketing or operations consulting for corporate clients, and it is licensed as a professional activity.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Dubai's economic department issues more than 50,000 new licences a year. Dubai is a sensible home for business consulting because management, strategy, HR, marketing or operations consulting for corporate clients is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Put simply, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to business consulting on Dubai mainland.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, 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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for business consulting on Dubai mainland is audit-ready.
Documents required
The document list for business consulting on Dubai mainland is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Degree or experience evidence may be requested for some sub-activities
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
Pricing
In our experience, all prices for business consulting on Dubai mainland are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. In our experience, use the table below to compare packages for business consulting on Dubai mainland; 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
Put simply, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for business consulting on Dubai mainland and makes international pricing simple. Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of business consulting on Dubai mainland predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled business consulting on Dubai mainland for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with business consulting on Dubai mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your Dubai request is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for business consulting on Dubai mainland.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
On the ground, 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 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.
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.
Which licence type covers business consulting?
Business Consulting is classified as a professional activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Is business consulting allowed in Dubai?
It can. Business Consulting is an available activity in {ent}, and {brand} lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. None for general management consulting; financial, legal and engineering advice have separate rules.
