What documents does an Iranian national need to start a passenger transport business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Iran, attested documents via Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your passenger transport venture.

How long does it take for an Iranian citizen to set up a passenger transport company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How much does it cost to set up a Passenger Transport business in Dubai Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Passenger Transport business in Dubai DED starts from approximately AED 12,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,500 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

How long does it take to get a Passenger Transport licence in Dubai DED?

The typical processing time for a passenger transport licence at Dubai DED is 3 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.

What are the tax implications for a Passenger Transport business in Dubai Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What documents do I need to set up a Passenger Transport business in Dubai DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by RTA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Dubai DED Passenger Transport licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Dubai DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Passenger Transport in Dubai Mainland for Iranian nationals

MainlandTransportRegulated Activity

Passenger Transport in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Passenger Transport

As an Iranian national looking to establish a Passenger Transport business in Dubai Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Iran has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Iranian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Passenger Transport business will benefit from trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. The Dubai DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your passenger transport setup in Dubai DED. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why Dubai DED for Passenger Transport?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Mainland continues to attract passenger transport entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for passenger transport operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for passenger transport professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your passenger transport business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established transport enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Iranian Nationals

For Iranian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your passenger transport business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Iranian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your passenger transport company in Dubai DED: Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements. IBA assists with navigating compliance procedures for successful account opening. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Iranian business structures.

Document Attestation for Iranian Nationals

Document attestation for Iranian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Iran, (2) Attestation by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to passenger transport businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

8Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RTA

Regulatory Note: Passenger Transport 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)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your passenger transport business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Iranian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Iran through Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the passenger transport licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements.

Start Operations

Your passenger transport business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Iranian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including passenger transport.

Passenger Transport 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