What documents does a Chinese national need to start a electrical contracting business in the UAE?

You will need a valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in China, attested documents via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, and a business plan for your electrical contracting venture.

How long does it take for a Chinese citizen to set up a electrical contracting company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

Can I get a residence visa with my Electrical Contracting licence from Dubai DED?

Yes, your electrical contracting licence from Dubai DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 4,500.

How long does it take to get a Electrical Contracting licence in Dubai DED?

The typical processing time for a electrical contracting licence at Dubai DED is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring DEWA approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Electrical Contracting company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including electrical contracting. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What documents do I need to set up an Electrical Contracting business in Dubai DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by DEWA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

How much does it cost to set up an Electrical Contracting business in Dubai Mainland?

The total setup cost for an Electrical Contracting business in Dubai DED starts from approximately AED 12,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,500 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Electrical Contracting in Dubai Mainland for Chinese nationals

MainlandConstructionRegulated Activity

Electrical Contracting in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Electrical Contracting

As a Chinese national looking to establish an Electrical Contracting business in Dubai Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. China has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Chinese professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Electrical Contracting business will benefit from trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. The Dubai DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your electrical contracting setup in Dubai DED. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why Dubai DED for Electrical Contracting?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Mainland continues to attract electrical contracting entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for electrical contracting operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for electrical contracting professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your electrical contracting business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established construction enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Chinese nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

For Chinese entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your electrical contracting business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your electrical contracting company in Dubai DED: Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Chinese business structures.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

Document attestation for Chinese nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in China, (2) Attestation by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to electrical contracting businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

8Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

Regulatory Note: Electrical Contracting is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DEWA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your electrical contracting business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Chinese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the electrical contracting licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

Start Operations

Your electrical contracting business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Chinese nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including electrical contracting.

Electrical Contracting in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000