WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. 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. GoldenKey has Icelandic clients from Reykjavík, and our consultants understand the paperwork released in Iceland and how to attest them for the UAE. From day one, icelandic seafood and clean-energy know-how reach the Gulf through Dubai, which gives Icelandic entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
As we tell every client, ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types. Just as important, 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.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
For most clients, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Nothing is submitted for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
For opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder the issuing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A bank statement from your Iceland bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
All prices for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder; 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
In practice, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder.
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 Icelandic founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our quotations for opening a car rental company in the UAE as an Icelandic founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything.
As a rule, start your Dubai journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
As we tell every client, 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. Icelanders 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.
Do Icelanders need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Iceland with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is processed afterwards.
