WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, released 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. Day to day, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Importantly, new Zealand dairy and meat exporters rely on Dubai as their Middle East gateway, which gives New Zealander entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. As a rule, new Zealanders are a small community in dairy, education, aviation and hospitality, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see New Zealander applications every day and process them without hesitation.
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. In our experience, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In our experience, 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.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. If the authority raises a query on opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
Just as important, for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder the authority asks for the following paperwork, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Parking yard tenancy
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport issued by New Zealand with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. In practice, all prices for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands.
- 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
To be clear, 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 New Zealander founder for international founders. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
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 New Zealander founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a New Zealander founder.
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.
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working 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.
Is car rental & leasing allowed in Dubai?
Yes. New Zealanders 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.
Can my family from New Zealand join me?
As we tell every client, once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
