Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activity code 8299.91 and what does it cover
Activity code 8299.91 is the official Dubai commercial classification for Car Covering Services. It encompasses vehicle wrapping, vinyl application, paint protection film (PPF), colour change services, and related surface treatments applied to vehicles.
The classification is service-based and workshop-driven, meaning the business model centres on providing treatments to customers' vehicles rather than selling products at retail. It applies equally to walk-in workshops, B2B fleet contracts, and mobile service units attending client premises.
Which authority issues the Car Covering Services licence in Dubai
On the mainland, the licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), commonly referred to as the DED. Applications for name reservation, initial approvals, and licence issuance are all handled through the DED eServices portal.
If you choose free zone incorporation, the relevant free zone authority — such as Meydan Free Zone — acts as the issuing body instead. The regulatory pathway differs slightly between mainland and free zone, so your choice of jurisdiction determines which authority you deal with.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a Car Covering Services business in Dubai
Yes. Following the 2021 ownership reforms, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for this activity on the Dubai mainland — no local sponsor or Emirati partner is required. This applies directly to activity code 8299.91 under the DED commercial licence framework.
Free zones such as Meydan Free Zone have always allowed full foreign ownership, so that route also remains fully available. In both cases, a foreign entrepreneur can hold the entire shareholding structure without restriction.
What is the minimum share capital required to set up this business
There is no mandatory minimum share capital for a mainland DED licence under activity code 8299.91. This makes the initial financial commitment more flexible compared to some other commercial activities that carry statutory capital requirements.
For free zone incorporation, the requirement varies depending on the specific free zone chosen. Prospective applicants should confirm the current share capital threshold directly with their chosen free zone authority before proceeding, as these figures can change.
What is the difference between setting up on the mainland versus in a free zone for this activity
Mainland (DED) incorporation is the better choice if you plan to operate a physical workshop open to walk-in customers anywhere across Dubai. It gives you the broadest commercial reach, direct access to retail footfall, and no restrictions on where in Dubai you can trade.
A free zone such as Meydan suits operators focused on B2B contracts, remote or mobile operations, or those wanting a leaner initial setup with lower administrative overhead. The trade-off is that serving mainland walk-in clients directly typically requires either a mainland presence or a distribution arrangement, adding a layer of complexity for retail-facing businesses.
Are there any sector-specific permits or approvals needed beyond the trade licence
For a standard workshop operation, no sector-specific permit is required beyond the trade licence itself. There is no DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approval needed, and no special ministerial clearance applies to this activity category.
The one exception involves mobile service vehicles. If your business model includes units that travel to client premises, you will need to ensure alignment with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transport regulations covering commercial vehicle operation in Dubai.
What is required for the business address when applying for a mainland licence
A mainland DED licence for Car Covering Services requires a physical tenancy contract registered through Ejari — Dubai's official tenancy registration system. The premises must be either a workshop unit or a commercial space appropriate to the nature of the activity.
Importantly, the size of your workspace directly determines your visa eligibility — the number of residency visas you can apply for under the licence is tied to the square footage of the registered premises. Choosing an appropriately sized space from the outset is therefore a practical staffing consideration, not just a compliance one.
What does the trade name reservation process involve for this licence
Trade name reservation is completed through the DED portal for mainland applications, or through the relevant free zone authority for free zone setups. The name must comply with UAE naming conventions, which prohibit offensive terms, references to external governments or ruling families, and names that imply a scope of activity not covered by the licence.
The activity selection — code 8299.91 — is submitted alongside the initial approval application at this stage. Ensuring the trade name accurately reflects the car covering and vehicle treatment nature of the business helps avoid delays during the approval review process.
Car Covering Services License in Dubai
Dubai's automotive aftermarket is one of the most active in the region, and car covering — wrapping, paint protection film, and vinyl application — sits squarely at the intersection of a car-obsessed culture and a high-spend consumer base. This guide covers what the Car Covering Services licence (activity code 8299.91) involves, who regulates it, how to set it up, and what it costs.
What Car Covering Services Covers — and Who It's For
Activity code 8299.91 encompasses vehicle wrapping, vinyl application, paint protection film (PPF), colour change services, and related surface treatments. It is a commercial activity classification, meaning the business model is service-based and workshop-driven.
Target customers range from private car owners and fleet operators to dealerships and corporate clients requiring branded vehicle livery. The model works equally well as a walk-in workshop, a B2B contract operation serving rental fleets, or a mobile unit attending client premises.
Market conditions support the opportunity. According to IMARC Group, the UAE automotive aftermarket continues to expand, driven by a high vehicle ownership rate and strong consumer appetite for customisation. Mordor Intelligence data on the regional car care market similarly points to sustained growth across protective film and aesthetic modification segments.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+| Activity Code | 8299.91 |
|---|---|
| Activity Name | Car Covering Services |
| Licence Type | Commercial |
| Jurisdiction | Mainland Dubai or Free Zone |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum (mainland); varies by free zone |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes — based on office/workspace size |
| Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership permitted (mainland and free zone) |
Regulatory Framework and Licensing Authority
On the mainland, the licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) under the commercial activity category. The DED eServices portal handles name reservation, initial approvals, and licence issuance. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for this activity on the mainland — no local sponsor required.
Free zone incorporation is equally viable. Meydan Free Zone is a practical option for service-based operators who prefer flexible workspace packages, straightforward incorporation, and the ability to manage B2B contracts without a full workshop footprint inside the free zone itself.
If the business operates mobile service vehicles, alignment with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transport regulations is required. For a standard workshop operation, no sector-specific permit beyond the trade licence is needed — no DHA approval, no special ministerial clearance.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
Step 1 — Choose Your Jurisdiction
Mainland (DED) is the right choice if you intend to operate a physical workshop open to walk-in customers anywhere across Dubai. It gives you the broadest commercial reach and direct access to retail footfall.
A free zone such as Meydan suits operators running B2B contracts, managing remote operations, or wanting a leaner initial setup. You get 100% ownership, simpler incorporation, and lower administrative overhead — though serving mainland walk-in clients directly requires a mainland presence or a distribution arrangement.
Start Your UAE Company Remotely
Get in Touch NowStep 2 — Reserve Trade Name and Submit Initial Approval
Your trade name must comply with UAE naming conventions: no offensive terms, no references to external governments or ruling families, and no names that imply a scope of activity the licence does not cover. Submit your activity selection (8299.91) alongside the initial approval application through the DED portal or your chosen free zone authority.
Step 3 — Secure a Business Address
For a mainland licence, you need a physical tenancy contract registered through Ejari — either a workshop unit or a commercial space appropriate to the activity. The size of your workspace directly determines how many employee visas you can apply for.
In a free zone, a flexi-desk or serviced office is accepted for non-workshop operations. If you intend to run an active workshop within the free zone, a dedicated unit is required. Plan your workspace around your visa quota needs from the outset.
Step 4 — Submit Documents and Pay Fees
Standard documentation includes passport copies of all shareholders and managers, the signed tenancy contract, and a No Objection Certificate where applicable. For mainland applications, the DED processes the licence within three to seven working days once the document set is complete.
Licence costs on the mainland typically run AED 10,000–15,000 all-in for the first year, covering government fees and registration. Free zone packages start from approximately AED 12,500 depending on the visa quota selected. Costs shift based on workspace type and the number of visas required.
Operational Considerations After Licensing
VAT registration becomes mandatory once annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Register directly with the Federal Tax Authority — the process is online and straightforward.
Technicians and workshop staff require employment visas and contracts registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Factor visa allocation into your workspace decision before signing a tenancy contract.
On the supply side, wrapping films and PPF materials are typically imported. Customs classification and applicable duties should be confirmed with the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) before placing bulk orders. Public liability insurance covering customer vehicles in your care is strongly advised — it is not mandated but is commercially sensible for any workshop handling third-party assets.
Conclusion
A Car Covering Services licence in Dubai is straightforward to obtain. The activity is well-defined under code 8299.91, ownership is fully open to foreign nationals, and setup can be completed in under two weeks with the right structure in place. The decision between mainland and free zone comes down to one question: do you need a walk-in workshop serving the public, or a leaner operation built around contracts and managed accounts?
Get that decision right at the start and the rest follows efficiently. Speak to the Series M team to confirm the right jurisdiction, calculate your setup cost, and get your licence issued without the back-and-forth.
References
- IMARC Group (imarcgroup.com)
- Mordor Intelligence (mordorintelligence.com)
- DED eServices portal (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (rta.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) (mohre.gov.ae)
- Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) (pcfc.ae)
