Skip to main content

Travel Agency License in Dubai

Travel agency licenses in Dubai can unlock opportunities to cater to the ever-growing tourism industry in the UAE. Our process ensures a hassle-free company formation experience. We will work closely with you to obtain the license efficiently.

  • Dedicated Support
  • Straightforward Process
  • Free Consultation
Get a Free Consultation
Travel Agency License in Dubai

Travel Agency License in Dubai - Overview

Dubai is one of the most preferred locations for holidaying in the world. The favorable climate, wonderful coast, monuments, and stunning modern buildings make Dubai a perfect location for vacationing. The Government is making a considerable effort for the development of the tourism industry in the UAE. These factors make the jurisdiction attractive for running a tourism business or a travel agency in Dubai.

Types of Activities under the Travel Agency License

A travel agency license allows businesses to engage in a variety of activities related to travel and tourism.

  • Selling plane tickets
  • Issuing travel insurance
  • Arranging Visa Services
  • Selling tourist packages through a website
  • Providing support during visa issuance
  • Creating tourist packages and marketing them through various channels
  • Booking Accommodations
  • Transportation Services
  • Event Management

Cost of Travel Agency License in Dubai

A business trade license is dependent on many factors, including the company’s size, the activities performed by the business, and the number of owners. The people who are eligible to set up a business in Dubai need to be qualified for a visa.

Travel agency license costs in Dubai vary based on requirements. The travel agency license starts from AED 35000. The agency has a single person who is eligible for one visa.

Item Estimated Cost (AED)
Initial Approval Fees  120 - 220
Trade Name Reservation Fees  620 - 720
Tasheel Fees for Initial Approval 375 - 475
Approval from Dubai Tourism Authority 10,000 - 12,000
Total Cost 34,945 - 37,000

The travel agent is a mandatory requirement, no matter the business form chosen by the owner. The travel agent plays an essential role in the company. The travel agent will have to complete the following activities:

  • The agent will be in charge of selling flight tickets.
  • They will provide the necessary support to obtain the travel visa.
  • The agent will be in charge of securing a place for the tourists to stay.
  • The agent will also ensure the transportation services, guided tours (where applicable), tools, and skills are in place.

Key Benefits of Setting Up a Travel Agency in Dubai

Setting up a travel agency in Dubai offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your business operations. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Tax Exemptions
  • World-Class Infrastructure
  • Flexible Operating Hours
  • Strategic Location
  • Government Support for Tourism
  • Streamlined Process

Process of setting up a Travel Agency in Dubai

Dubai, with its impressive infrastructure, luxurious amenities, and diverse cultural offerings, is a prime destination for tourists. As a result, setting up a travel agency in Dubai can be a lucrative and rewarding business venture. Let us provide an overview of the process for setting up a travel agency in Dubai.

1. Select your business activity:

The first step is for you to decide what sort of business activity you want to conduct. Will you specialize in a travel agency business, an inbound tour operator, or an outbound operator? There are plenty of activities to choose from across all the different markets you could carry out.

2. Choose a Company name

The company name should be unique and available. Words such as 'global,' 'international,' 'East,' or 'West' are acceptable but will add extra fees and several restrictions. Offensive words, like God's name, are judiciously forbidden, either in English or Arabic.

3. Apply for a Business License

Dubai business trade licenses (commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism) are options in DED. All companies, regardless of sector, should at least have a business trade license. The application usually requires a memorandum of association (depending on the legal form of your business), a certificate of registration, and copies of the shareholder's passport.

Specific sectors demand additional licenses from relevant issuing authorities. A tourism license needs approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

4. Apply for your tourism license

Apply to the DTCM for one of those three additional licenses: outbound operator, Inbound operator, or Travel agent.

You will need an outline of your business plan. You need to have a clean criminal record certificate and a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC). You can get NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority to start a travel agency in Dubai. 

5. Set up Employee Visas

Apply within 30 days of an employee's entry into the country, and soon you will receive a tourist visa.

Register for a staff entry permit on the Ministry of Interior's e-channels portal. Employees can perform an in-country status change to activate that entry permit.

You will need your trade license, passport copies, and establishment card.

6. Open a corporate bank account

Select your UAE bank account wisely for your travel agency business. The banks in UAE mostly require a continuous minimum balance, ranging between AED 1 million to just AED 5,000. Banks need proof of residency status for at least one of the shareholders.

Required Documents for a Travel Agency License in Dubai

  • A completed application form for the travel agency license.
  • Passport Copies for all investors and partners, along with their resident or visit visas.
  • Business Plan Summary
  • Office Lease Agreement
  • Manager’s Degree Certificate
  • Approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
  • A NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority
  • Good Conduct Certificate
  • Travel Agent Appointment Contract

What our clients say

Thanks to Gryffin Capitalist, starting my business in the UAE was smooth and efficient. They offered advice on company formation and licensing and assisted in opening a bank account.

Mezan Khan | BlueDisk Software

Starting a business in the UAE seemed complicated, but Gryffin Capitalist made it seamless. The team is very knowledgeable, professional, and responsive.

Mikhail Youzhny | BlueCircuit Systems

I had a great experience registering my company in the UAE with Gryffin Capitalist. The Gryffin Capitalist team assisted in selecting the right Emirate to complete all legal steps.

Sarah Jose | ZenoEdge Computing

Why Choose Gryffin Capitalist?

Opening a travel agency can become complex. Reach out to our consultants for services of specialized firms.

Reach out to business consultants to entrust the job to professionals and concentrate on developing your ideas and plans. We at Gryffin Capitalist can help you get your travel agency license.

Gryffin Capitalist can obtain a travel agency license in Dubai. We have a successful track record and have assisted various companies in getting a travel license in Dubai.

Quality Professionalism

Extreme Privacy

Strong belief in long-term client relationships

Competitive Market Pricing

Global Footprint

Efficient and Transparent Process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The total travel agency license cost in Dubai ranges from AED 34,945 to AED 37,000, covering Dubai Civil Aviation approval, local service agent fees, and other expenses.

 

After getting a travel agency license in Dubai, you can provide services such as selling flight tickets, holiday packages, insurance, visas, and hotel bookings.

Complete the Travel Agent Recognition Programme, get a valid badge from DTMC, and renew the license annually with a refresher course.

To get a travel agency licence, you need passport copies, company name options, an office lease, a manager’s degree, an insurance policy, and a travel agent appointment contract.

Yes, foreign investors must have a local sponsor holding 51% of the business to acquire a travel agency licence in Dubai.