Legal structure: companies built around real roles, not “one for everything”
We build a structure in which land, development, construction and sales are separated the way Dubai regulators require — and protect your interests at every stage.
Why “set up a company in 3 days” doesn’t work
A DET trade licence is only the first level. Development requires a separate real estate development activity, Trakheesi registration, land rights held by the right legal entity and, for off-plan, project registration and escrow.
A free zone licence does not allow development or construction on the mainland without separate approval. Choosing the wrong jurisdiction at the start costs months and money.
Scope of work
01Structure
- Land / Project SPV to hold the plot
- Developer entity with a real estate development activity
- Ownership structure, UBO and allocation of roles
- Mainland vs free zone comparison for your case
02Licences and registrations
- DET trade name and initial approval
- Constitutional documents, legalisation and translation
- Registration with DLD/RERA and Trakheesi
- Establishment card, MOHRE, WPS for hiring
03Contracts and protection
- Development agreement and JV agreement
- Contracts with the consultant and general contractor
- SPA for off-plan buyers
- Protecting the developer’s interests in disputes
Stages and timeline
Timelines are indicative: the exact schedule is fixed in the contract after the strategy session.
- Structure
Roles, entities, owners, jurisdiction.
1–2 weeks - Documents
Legalisation and translation of founder documents.
2–4 weeks - DET licence
Trade name, approvals, trade licence.
2–4 weeks - DLD / Trakheesi
Registration of the development activity.
2–6 weeks - Employer
Establishment card, MOHRE, visas, WPS.
2–4 weeks
What you get
- Company and role structure agreed with a lawyer
- DET licences with the exact activity
- Developer registration with DLD/RERA and Trakheesi
- Contract package: development, JV, consultant, construction
- Employer setup: visas, MOHRE, WPS
Roles and licences
Clear division of roles
We we design the structure, coordinate the process and timelines, and prepare document packages.
Legal opinions, contracts and representation are provided by licensed lawyers and our partners’ law practice. Licensing decisions are made by government authorities: DET, DLD, Dubai Municipality.
What it costs
Indicative pricing. The exact price is fixed in the estimate after the strategy session or Entry Blueprint.
| Service | What’s included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate structure | SPV and developer entity, DET, real estate development, Trakheesi | from $12,000 |
| JV / development agreement | Structure and partner agreement | from $15,000 |
| Project contracts | Consultant, general contractor, SPA for buyers | per estimate |
Prices exclude 5% VAT, government fees and the services of licensed lawyers, consultants and contractors, which are paid under their own contracts. We do not guarantee decisions by banks or government authorities — we prepare the project so that risks are known in advance.
FAQ
Didn’t find your answer? Ask at the strategy session.
No. But signatories and UBOs will need visas to open accounts and deal with government authorities. We arrange them as part of the project.
For a holding or service functions, yes. Development and construction on the mainland require a mainland licence or separate approval.
They depend on the activity and headcount. The DLD fee for the real estate development activity alone is AED 25,000 a year. We fix the full budget in the estimate.
We are responsible for coordination and timelines under the contract; lawyers for legal opinions within the scope of their licence. Roles are set out before work begins.
What else your project will need
Let’s discuss your project in Dubai
Strategy session: 2–3 hours with experts, a review of budget, segment and entry route. $1,500 is credited towards the Entry Blueprint.