WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. A Dubai mainland licence, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. GoldenKey has Japanese customers from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, and our consultants understand the paperwork issued in Japan and how to attest them for the UAE. In practice, payments between Japan and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Japanese yen (JPY) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Japanese business profiles.
Why Dubai
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. Importantly, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
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
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Importantly, 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
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
From day one, gather these papers and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese founder.
- A passport issued by Japan with at least six months' validity
- A police clearance certificate from Japan if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese 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 a Japanese founder 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
In our experience, 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 a Japanese founder for international founders. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese founder.
Why GoldenKey
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 a Japanese founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese 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 a Japanese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
Day to day, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Japanese founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
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.
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.
Can a Japanese citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
It can. Japanese nationals can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is car rental & leasing allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Japanese nationals 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.
