Car lease business in the UAE

The car lease sector in the UAE includes several business models, each with its own licensing and regulatory requirements. All activities must comply with the rules of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Main types of car lease services

1. Self-drive car lease

Description: Renting out vehicles without drivers for one day or longer.
Examples: Sedans, SUVs, pickups, trucks, trailers, camper vans.
Clients: Tourists, residents, individuals whose vehicles are under repair.

Requirements:

  • Physical office and parking space
  • Registration of all vehicles with the RTA
  • SIRA-certified GPS trackers
  • Regular inspections and compliance with technical standards

2. Chauffeur-driven car lease

Description: Providing vehicles with professional drivers.
Examples: Premium sedans, SUVs, limousines
Clients: Business travelers, tourists, event guests

Requirements:

  • Separate passenger transport license
  • RTA-approved driver permits
  • Adherence to safety and comfort standards

Car sharing services

Description: Short-term rentals via mobile apps.
Examples: ekar, Udrive
Clients: Urban residents, tourists, people without personal vehicles

Requirements:

  • Special RTA permit for car sharing
  • System integration with the RTA
  • Compliance with parking and vehicle placement rules

Specialized vehicle rental

Description: Renting out specialized vehicles such as trucks, trailers, camper vans.
Clients: Businesses, event organizers, travelers

Requirements:

  • Additional permits depending on vehicle type
  • Compliance with technical and operational standards

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) regulates vehicle rental, transportation services, car sharing, and transport-related applications in Dubai.

Where to get a car lease license?

Unlike car trading licenses, car lease services must be licensed in the mainland by the Department of Economy and Tourism.

Technically, a free zone license is possible but will restrict operations to within that zone. With a free zone license, you cannot:

  • Rent out vehicles to clients in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates
  • Register vehicles with the RTA (required for public road use)
  • Operate freely across the UAE

To run a full-scale car lease business, you must obtain a mainland license and RTA approvals. You may open a free zone branch to expand, but the parent company must be mainland-registered.

How to get a car lease license in the UAE

  1. Choose a mainland jurisdiction (you can select the emirate).
  2. Define business activities (e.g., self-drive, chauffeur, limousine rental) from the DET and RTA approved list.
  3. Obtain initial approvals from DET and RTA.
  4. Rent an office and a parking lot — mandatory for RTA approval.
  5. Submit documents: passports, business plan, lease agreement, etc.
  6. Register all vehicles under the company name and ensure they pass inspections.
  7. Pay government fees and collect your license.
  8. Apply for additional RTA permits if needed (e.g., for limousines or drivers).

Aidina K.

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