Travel and Tourism License Cost in Dubai: Affordable & Easy
Globally, Dubai has long been regarded as a prime destination for tourists. The striking skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and pristine beaches are a real attraction. No wonder that many tourists flock to this city each year. This has led to a booming tourism industry. New entrepreneurs tap into the growing demand for travel and tourism services.
A travel and tourism company setup requires an understanding of the cost and process to obtain a Dubai tourism license.
The blog covers everything about the Dubai travel and tourism license, including
- Types of licenses available to
- The costs involved and
- The steps to start your business.
Why Dubai?
Dubai’s tourism sector is the fastest-growing in the world. Dubai witnessed an influx of 17.15 million international visitors in 2023. The statistics represented a 19% increase from the previous year. All credit goes to the UAE government which has continuously worked. Finally, their efforts enhance the tourism infrastructure. Further, simplifies the process of setting up tourism-related businesses. Making Dubai an ideal location for starting a travel agency or tour operator business.
Types of Tourism License Dubai
The first step is understanding the license types to get a Dubai tourism license. Each license type is tailored to a specific business activity. Diving into a quick overview:
- Outbound Tour Operator License
- What it is: This license allows businesses to organize outbound tours for residents of the UAE to international destinations.
- Business Activities: Organizing visa applications, booking flights and hotels, and creating tour packages.
- Target Audience: UAE residents.
- Inbound Tour Operator License
- What it is: This license permits businesses to organize inbound tours for foreign tourists visiting the UAE.
- Business Activities: Booking hotels, transportation arrangements, organizing events, and managing tours, and exhibitions.
- Target Audience: International visitors.
- Travel Agent License
- What it is: A travel agent license is essential for those wishing to offer flight bookings, hotel reservations, visa facilitation, and transportation services to international tourists.
- Business Activities: Booking flights, tours, hotels, and offering travel-related services.
- Target Audience: Foreign travelers seeking to explore Dubai and the UAE.
Key Factors Influencing Travel and Tourism License Costs in Dubai
Many factors can impact the overall cost when applying for a Dubai travel and tourism license. These include the business structure type, and the company size. Along with, the services you plan to offer. Get a detailed overview of what affects the cost:
1. Business Structure
The type of business structure you choose can influence your license costs significantly:
- Mainland Companies: Companies can operate throughout the UAE. They are more expensive to set up. This is due to higher office space and registration requirements.
- Free Zone Companies: They are more cost-effective for foreign investors. Because they require lower capital investment and fewer restrictions. But, you’ll be limited to operating within the free zone.
2. Size of Your Company
- Small businesses: The costs are lower If you’re starting a small-scale tourism agency. Smaller offices have fewer employees. The setup requires minimal equipment. It can help keep expenses manageable.
- Large businesses: Costs will rise due to larger office space if you run a large-scale tourism business. It launches with more employees and specialized services.
3. License Type
- Different tourism licenses come with fees that vary. An outbound tour operator license may cost more. This is due to the complexity of international tour arrangements. In comparison, a travel agent license costs less.
4. Location
The Dubai office space cost varies based on the area. Commercial hubs and prime locations will carry higher costs. For example, downtown Dubai or close to tourist attractions.
5. Business Activities
It requires more investment if you plan to offer additional specialized services. These include —> Adventure tours
—> Luxury travel experiences, or
—> Corporate travel
All these raise overall costs.
Estimated Travel and Tourism License Cost in Dubai
A breakdown of the costs involved in obtaining a Dubai tourism license:
| Description | Cost (AED) |
| License & Approval Fee | 12,000 |
| Office Fee | As per location |
| Local Agent Fee | 10,000 |
| Investor Visa Fee | 5,000 |
| Employee Visa Fee | 6,500 |
| Immigration & MOHRE Registration | 1,500 |
These fees can vary based on the business specifics and the location of your office.
Steps to Start a Travel & Tourism Company in Dubai
A travel and tourism company setup requires following specific steps. Figuring out a simple guide to get you started:
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
The first step is selecting a name for your business. It must complies with the UAE’s naming regulations.
Check the availability of your chosen name. You can check it through the DED online portal.
Step 2: Obtain Initial Approval
Submit an application form with the signatures of all shareholders. Submit it to the DED for initial approval.
Step 3: Select a Legal Structure
Choose between an LLC, a Sole Proprietorship, or a Branch Office. It is based on your business goals and the operation’s scope.
Step 4: Choose a Jurisdiction
Decide between the UAE mainland setup or a free zone. Mainland companies have more operational freedom but higher setup costs. In comparison, free zone companies are more cost-effective. However, it comes with restrictions on operation.
Step 5: Register Your Company
Complete the company registration process. Do so with either the DED for mainland businesses. The free zone authority permits businesses within a free zone.
Step 6: Secure Office Space
Obtain an office space as required by the licensing authorities. Your office must meet specific criteria set by the DED or free zone authority.
Step 7: Apply for Your Travel and Tourism License Dubai​
Now, submit all required documents, including a:
- Business plan
- Passport copies, and
- NOCs
Gather and submit to the DTCM to apply for your tourism license.
Step 8: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Set up a business bank account in the UAE. Necessary to manage your finances and facilitate smooth transactions.
Step 9: Visa and Immigration
Obtain investor and employee visas for mainland companies. Must ensure compliance with the UAE’s visa regulations.
Documents Required for a Travel and Tourism License in Dubai
The below-mentioned documents are needed to complete the tourism license application:
- Application form
- Passports of shareholders and employees
- Business plan
- Trade name registration
- Work experience certificate (for owners)
- Clean criminal record certificate (for owners and managers)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority (if applicable)
Key Benefits of Obtaining a Travel and Tourism License in Dubai
Dubai offers vast benefits for tourism businesses. Undoubtedly, it’s an attractive destination for entrepreneurs:
Thriving Market: Dubai is a top global travel destination. It’s a steady stream of customers for your business.
Government Support: The UAE government offers various incentives. Along with, supportive policies for tourism businesses.
Credibility: Operating under a tourism license enhances your company’s reputation. It also builds trust with customers.
Networking Opportunities: A tourism license opens doors for collaboration. Increases interaction with other businesses and stakeholders in the industry.
Need Experts to Kick Start Your Tourism Business?
A travel and tourism business can be a rewarding venture. Due to many reasons, one of them is the city’s booming tourism industry. Before jumping into a profitable business, one must understand the costs involved. The proper steps make a smooth setup process. Connect Zone is helping individuals by letting them know about the travel and tourism license cost in Dubai. As we offer tourism license services, the cost part is also included in it. The cost varies based on multiple factors. The type of business and location highly impact it. The team Connect Zone makes all the processes hassle-free.
Unsure about the success or need professional assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact Connect Zones’s experts. We better guide you through every step. The right approach is your way to launching a successful tourism business. Launch your dream business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets!
