WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. From day one, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. The most common businesses Indians open through GoldenKey are in trading, IT and software, retail and construction, although Dubai supports almost any activity. For Indian business owners, the UAE is around 3.5 hours from New Delhi, 1.5 hours ahead of the UAE, and Hindi, English and most regional languages are widely understood in UAE business circles.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, so local service businesses gravitate here. Just as important, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Just as important, many Indian founders run Dubai companies alongside an existing business in India, using the UAE entity for international invoicing and regional sales.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
From day one, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, for most applicants a LLC or a sole establishment.
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 Indians is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As we tell every client, 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 released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Nothing is submitted for Dubai mainland company formation for Indians until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Gather these supporting documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of Dubai mainland company formation for Indians.
- Passport photographs on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from India if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Educational certificates attested by the India authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A bank statement from your India bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
Pricing
Crucially, use the table below to compare packages for Dubai mainland company formation for Indians; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. To be clear, the figures below for Dubai mainland company formation for Indians are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 Indians can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies Dubai mainland company formation for Indians for international company owners.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for Dubai mainland company formation for Indians list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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. GoldenKey's consultants have handled Dubai mainland company formation for Indians for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
If you would like a written quotation for Dubai mainland company formation for Indians, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
On the ground, 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.
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.
Do Indians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from India with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
Can a Indian citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes — Indians can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
