WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. As a rule, typical examples of this activity include tourist car rental, long-term leasing, luxury car rental and chauffeur services, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence. In short, car Rental & Leasing in Dubai means renting and leasing vehicles to tourists, residents and corporate fleets, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
As we tell every client, 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. Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
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
On the ground, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
Day to day, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder in real time.
Documents required
As a rule, the document list for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A passport issued by Australia with at least six months' validity
- Parking yard tenancy
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Australia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
Importantly, use the table below to compare packages for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder for international founders. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. In short, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder happen the same day they are ready. In our experience, our quotations for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Australian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
On the ground, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as a rule issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, 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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Crucially, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Is car rental & leasing allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Australians can own 100% of a car rental company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers car rental & leasing?
Car Rental & Leasing is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
