WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Put simply, the most common businesses Dutch nationals open through GoldenKey are in logistics, agri-tech, water technology and trading, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Put simply, car rental is a mainland activity regulated by the RTA in Dubai and traffic departments elsewhere, with minimum fleet sizes and a dedicated parking yard. Vehicles are registered under the company with commercial insurance.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. Crucially, among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, and that is why local service businesses gravitate here.
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Day to day, 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
Put simply, your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Nothing is submitted for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Netherlands if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch 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 Dutch 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
In our experience, 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 a Dutch founder. 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 Dutch 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 Dutch founder happen the same day they are ready. To be clear, you deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Put simply, our quotations for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Tell us about your plans for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Dutch founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
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 I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Day to day, 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.
Is car rental & leasing allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Dutch 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.
Do Dutch nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Netherlands with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residence visa is handled afterwards.
