25 Jul 2025
By Vista CorpDid you know that 1.77 million international overnight visitors arrived in Dubai in January 2025, marking a 21% year-on-year growth compared to January 2024? That’s right? A travel agency in Dubai is a timeless idea with attractive revenue potential. Why? Dubai is a dream vacation for many. From luxury travel and holidays to business travel, tourism in Dubai is expanding.
Planning to set up a business here, but wondering how to open a travel agency in Dubai? In this blog, we will take you through all the requirements for opening a travel agency in Dubai, UAE.
7 Questions for Clarity Before Starting Your Travel Agency in Dubai
Before you commence your travel agency journey in Dubai, ask these seven questions and find answers to start with more clarity and confidence.
Q1: Who is my target audience? Are they tourists? Residents? Or business owners.
Q2: What type of travel agency license do I need?
Q3: Should I open my company in a Free Zone or the Mainland?
Q4: What approvals and documents will I need in the process?
Q5: What factors will affect the cost of setting up a travel agency in Dubai?
Q6: How can my travel agency be different from others?
Q7: Am I prepared to comply with ongoing regulations and stay updated?
Why Open a Travel Agency in Dubai? Top 4 Reasons
If you are wondering whether Dubai, UAE, is the right place to open a travel agency or not, below are some of the reasons why it’s one of the best places in the world to open a travel agency.
Reason 1: UAE’s tourism sector contributes about 10% to the country’s GDP. The number is attractive enough to draw the government’s attention, and it continues to come up with initiatives that help the sector grow.
Reason 2: Another reason why travel and tourism are booming at such a fast pace in the country is that it welcomes people from over 200 countries. An agency has immense potential to grow and thrive.
Reason 3: Without a doubt, Dubai is an eye-candy for tourists. From landmarks to wonders to Burj Khalifa to luxurious hotels to man-made miracles, people love to spend their time and money in the UAE.
Reason 4: Here comes the best part. UAE is a luxury without tax. More and more tourists like to enjoy the beauty and luxury that Dubai has to offer without paying a dime in tax.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai
Setting up a travel agency in Dubai requires multiple approvals and adherence to the UAE’s rules and regulations. Therefore, many entrepreneurs find it complicated. To guide you through the process, we have outlined a step-by-step process for a better understanding.
Step 1: Choose the Travel Agency Business Activity
The first step is to decide what business activities you want to be involved in. There are multiple activities to choose from, such as a specialisation in the travel agency business, an inbound tour operator, or an outbound operator. The chosen business activity can have an impact on what follows in terms of approvals, licensing, etc. Therefore, make a choice that aligns with your long-term goals.
Step 2: Choose a Business Name
Next in the process is choosing a business name. Before you come up with any name, it’s essential to understand all the business naming rules of the UAE. Read this blog to understand business name rules in Dubai.
Step 3: Apply for a Business License
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for issuing trade or business licenses in Dubai. But if you set up a company in a free zone, the respective free zone authority will issue a business license. In the case of a travel agency in Dubai, you may also require approval from other concerned authorities, like the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) or the Civil Aviation Authority. Remember, you should also apply for a tourism licence if you are planning to expand a travel-related business in Dubai.
Step 4: Rent a Physical Office Space
Before your travel business is officially established, it’s mandatory to have a physical office in Dubai. The Dubai Land Department must attest to the rent agreement you get. Remember, your office location matters. Therefore, choose a location wisely.
Step 5: Set Up Employee Visas
Ensure that you always apply for an employee visa within 30 days of your employee’s entry into the UAE. Start this process well in advance to avoid any delays. Otherwise, you may face penalties because it’s a serious legal requirement in the country.
Step 6: Set Up Your Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account is a mandatory requirement for setting up a travel agency in Dubai, as it handles all financial requirements. When opening a bank account, be mindful of choosing a bank that offers services aligned with your financial needs for better optimised financial support. Keep in mind that the travel sector in Dubai can be a bit complicated. Therefore, business set-up experts at Vista Corporate can help.
Step 7: Final Launch
When everything is in place and every aspect has been taken care of, it’s time to finally launch your travel agency in Dubai. Plan for an out-of-the-box marketing strategy and ensure your business is talked about in town.
Types of Travel Agency Licences in the UAE
There are three main types of travel agency licenses in the UAE. Have a look. If you’re wondering about the travel agency license requirements in Dubai, understanding these license types is the first step.
1. Inbound Tour Operator License
This type of licence is especially for travel agencies planning to bring international tourists into Dubai for local sightseeing, culture, and historical tours.
2. Outbound Tour Operator License
This type of license is for travel agencies that are planning to arrange international tours for people from Dubai. It is necessary to create and manage travel plans for residents looking to travel abroad.
3. Travel Agency License
This licence covers a wide range of travel business activities, like hotel bookings, visa arrangements, sightseeing, airline tickets, managing transportation, etc. If you are looking for an all-inclusive travel agency licence in Dubai, this is a full-service licence option.
For more clarity and information, go through the table below:
| Type of Travel Agency | Description | Key Services | Target Audience | Model Strength |
| Inbound Travel Agency | Serves tourists visiting Dubai with curated experiences | – Guided tours- Hotel bookings- Cultural events- Transportation | – Global tourists- International tour operators | Taps into Dubai’s booming year-round tourism |
| Outbound Travel Agency | Caters to UAE residents travelling abroad | – Holiday packages- Visa assistance- Flight & hotel booking- Niche travel (honeymoons, retreats) | – UAE citizens- Expats, families, solo travellers | Leverages UAE’s diverse population and high outbound demand |
| Online Travel Agency (OTA) | 100% digital platform for travel bookings | – Flights & hotels- Custom packages- Easy online interface- Personalised offers | – Tech-savvy users- DIY travellers | Low overhead, scalable, ideal for online-first customers |
| Hybrid Travel Agency | Combining digital and offline services | – All-in-one travel planning-Inbound/outbound support- Online bookings + personal consultations | – Traditional + digital users- Business clients | Appeals to both human interaction and digital convenience seekers. |
Factors that Affect the Cost of Opening a Travel Agency in Dubai
Below are some of the major factors that affect the cost of opening a travel agency in Dubai:
- Business Jurisdiction (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
- Travel Agency License Cost in Dubai (Inbound, Outbound, or Both)
- Office Space & Ejari Registration
- Number of Shareholders and Visas Required
- Documentation & Attestation Charges
- Approvals from DTCM and Other Authorities
- Bank Account Opening & Initial Deposit
- Insurance & Guarantee Requirements
- PRO Services & Government Liaison Fees
- Consultant or Business Setup Service Charges
- Marketing & Branding Expenses (optional but essential)
- Translation & Legal Drafting Fees (if applicable)
Documents Required to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai
Here are all the documents you will require to start a travel agency in Dubai:
| Document Name | About the Document |
| Completed application form | The official form submitted to the authorities (DED, DTCM) requesting issuance of the travel agency license |
| Passport copy (investors & manager) | Valid passports of shareholders and key manager(s), demonstrating nationality and identity |
| Residence or visit visa copies | If applicable, copies of resident or entry/visit visas for investors/managers |
| Trade name reservation options | Several proposed company names, as Dubai requires name pre-approval before license issuance |
| Office lease agreement (Ejari) | Proof of physical or virtual office via a lease registered under RERA/Ejari |
| Manager qualification certificates | Educational or professional credentials of the manager, often attested by the UAE embassy |
| Manager experience letters | Proof of at least 2–3 years’ experience in travel/tourism management |
| Business plan with feasibility study | A document outlining the proposed travel agency’s financial and operational viability |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | Issued by the sponsor or the Civil Aviation Authority, especially if the applicant is on a UAE residence visa |
| Criminal record / good conduct certificate | Police clearance certificate ensuring the legal standing of the investor or manager |
| Indemnity insurance policy | Insurance covering liabilities stemming from travel agency operations |
| Appointment contract as a travel agent | Official agreement appointing the manager or leading agent of the agency |
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting up a Travel Agency in Dubai
Don’t do this:
- Not researching the license type properly
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction
- Delays in visa processing
- Ignoring DTCM approval
- Underestimating the marketing budget
Final Thoughts
In Dubai’s booming tourism market, a travel agency is a choice with opportunities. The difference lies in how to move ahead with the process. Though you may be aware of the travel agency license cost in Dubai, expert help can help you plan better. Ready to set up your travel agency in Dubai, UAE?
Business setup experts at Vista are right here to guide you every step of the way. From the initial guidance to all the paperwork, we take care of everything end-to-end, so you don’t have to. Work on what needs your undivided attention. We are here for the rest.
FAQs
1. Who can open a travel agency in Dubai?
Anyone who wants to open a travel agency in Dubai can. Whether you are an expert or a novice, a Dubai resident or a citizen, you are eligible to start and run your travel agency in Dubai. But remember, the right guidance is the key, or you can end up making mistakes that can cost you time and money. That’s where Vista Business Setup comes to your rescue.
2. What’s the timeline to get a tourism license in Dubai?
If all the required documentation is complete and in place, it typically takes around 2-3 weeks to get a tourism license in Dubai.
3. Will I require a physical office space in Dubai to set up a travel agency?
Yes, a physical office is required to set up a travel agency in Dubai in most cases. You need to submit the proof of an office in both the free zone and the mainland business setup for a travel agency.
4. Why is Dubai the best place to start a travel agency?
Dubai is a hotspot for high-end travellers, like businessmen, elites, and people who love luxury. Catering to luxury tourists and corporate travellers means great potential for high earnings.
5. Can I open a travel agency in Dubai, UAE, as a sole proprietor?
Yes, you can open a travel agency in Dubai, UAE, as a sole proprietor, given that you meet all licensing and regulatory requirements with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and other relevant authorities.
6. How is a new travel agency supported by Dubai tourism?
Millions of tourists visit Dubai each year since it is a popular travel destination. The government is investing in the tourism sector to open doors for travel agencies through programs like the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
7. How much does it cost to start a travel agency in Dubai?
The cost to start a travel agency in Dubai depends on multiple factors, like the business’s size, location, mainland fees, free zone fees, etc. All these elements together determine the final cost. Consider every minor and major factor when preparing a budget.
8. Is the travel agency license cost in Sharjah less than that of Dubai?
Yes. The travel agency license cost in Sharjah is comparatively less than that of Dubai, especially if you’re targeting basic travel services like ticketing, tours, and hotel bookings. For those exploring other emirates, the travel agency license cost in Ajman is also considered affordable and worth comparing.
