WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Just as important, typical examples of this activity include tourist car rental, long-term leasing, luxury car rental and chauffeur services, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. As a rule, 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
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, so local service businesses gravitate here.
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, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Crucially, 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
For most clients, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from Portugal if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- 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
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Parking yard tenancy
Pricing
In practice, all prices for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Day to day, pricing for opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
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 a Portuguese founder no longer requires a local partner. 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 Portuguese founder for international founders.
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 Portuguese founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Portuguese founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly.
To be clear, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening a car rental company in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
To be clear, 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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
In practice, 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 — Portuguese 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.
What approvals does car rental & leasing need?
Crucially, rTA or local traffic department. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
