What documents does a Filipino national need to start a auto repair garage business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your auto repair garage venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a auto repair garage company in DIFC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

Can I get a residence visa with my Auto Repair Garage licence from DIFC?

Yes, your auto repair garage licence from DIFC entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 6 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,500.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Auto Repair Garage company in Dubai International Financial Centre?

Yes, DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What business activities can I include on my DIFC licence?

Your DIFC licence can include auto repair garage as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the annual renewal costs for an Auto Repair Garage business in Dubai International Financial Centre?

The annual licence renewal for an Auto Repair Garage DIFC company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

How long does it take to get a Auto Repair Garage licence in DIFC?

The typical processing time for a auto repair garage licence at DIFC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring RTA approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Auto Repair Garage in Dubai International Financial Centre for Filipino nationals

Free ZoneServicesRegulated Activity

Auto Repair Garage in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Auto Repair Garage

Setting up an Auto Repair Garage business in Dubai International Financial Centre as a Filipino citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Philippines-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Filipino business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DIFC has been streamlined significantly, with most services licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your auto repair garage business in Dubai International Financial Centre. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why DIFC for Auto Repair Garage?

Dubai International Financial Centre is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for services businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for auto repair garage operations. Additionally, own courts and arbitration centre ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 18,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Premier financial hub further enhances the appeal of DIFC for auto repair garage professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your auto repair garage business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIFC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Filipino nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.

Independent legal framework (common law)

Own courts and arbitration centre

Premier financial hub

Zero tax for 50 years

Access to regional capital markets

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your auto repair garage licence is issued by DIFC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your auto repair garage business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for auto repair garage), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Signed application form from DIFC authority

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Auto Repair Garage is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RTA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	18,000
Shared Office	35,000
Private Office	80,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 35,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your auto repair garage business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the auto repair garage licence application to DIFC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DIFC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your auto repair garage business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Filipino nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Auto Repair Garage in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000