How to Open Travel Agency in Dubai

Dubai is one of the top global business destinations. The high expatriate populace and immense tourist arrival make this emirate suitable for investment in travel agencies. The number of travelers is increasing year after year, making this business sector more promising. In this section we will discuss how to open a travel agency in Dubai.

Starting a travel business in Dubai is as easy as any other business. The investor-friendly regime has been welcoming towards the entrepreneurs. You can go for travel company formation by either yourself or seek our support for completing business setup formalities on behalf of you.

Hiring a business setup service for undertaking the travel company formation would be advantageous in several ways. They would advise you regarding the ideal jurisdiction and company location that can earn you a better outcome. Furthermore, the professional assistance from the services will give an upper hand to your entity among the others.

Steps to establish a travel agency in Dubai?

The steps to open a travel agency in Dubai are simple and straightforward. Any ex-pat or resident entrepreneur can pursue the process without any dilemma. Dubai is renowned as an investor-friendly destination. The regime ensures that the identity remains intact. And undertakes amendments in regulations, from time to time, for improving the ease of doing business.

Check out and confirm the jurisdiction before you commence the travel agency set up in Dubai. You can establish a travel firm in Dubai Mainland or Free Zone. The procedure would depend on the domain you choose. In addition, you can choose the company setup from the following options.

  • Inbound tour operator
  • Outbound tour operator
  • Travel agent

Once you have determined all of the above aspects, you can start the company formation formalities.


Company Name

You have already decided the type of travel agency you want to start. It’s time to decide on a name now. The name of the travel agency in Dubai should be according to the naming stipulations existing in the country.

Know more on Rules and regulations on how to choose a business name in UAE

Legal Structure

Prepare the legal structure depending on the type of the company and get it notarized by an authorized public notary.

License Formalities

The travel company license for the firm in the Dubai Mainland jurisdiction would be issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). The company incorporation in the Free Zone would be by the Free Zone authority. Once you have registered the name, submit the license application along with the required documents to the authority. The governing body will scrutinize the documents and issue business license in Dubai.

Bank Account

With the license and other company documents, you can open a corporate account in the bank of your choice. Check out the prerequisites at the bank before approaching them.

Visa for the Employees

Travel companies in Dubai can employ an authorized number of ex-pats in employment visas. Submit the application for a Dubai employment visa to the authority.

You can start full-fledged business operations after obtaining the business license. Do a strong promotion to reach out to potential clients.

Type of License you need to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai

Three types of travel agency licenses are available in Dubai. Decide on the license based on your expected form of operation.

The type of travel company license in Dubai to open travel agency :

  • Inbound tour operator license
  • Outbound tour operator license
  • Travel agent 

Documents Required to Open Travel Agency in Dubai

The Dubai authorities do not ask for an exhaustive number of documents for travel company formation in Dubai. The expatriates can submit the limited documents sought and start a travel business without any further impediments.

The documents required to open travel agency in Dubai are:

  • Copies of passports of the ex-pat entrepreneurs, designated manager, and other designated persons
  • Experience certificate, notarized by an authorized public notary
  • NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority
  • Family history book and ID proofs of the individuals who are the residents of UAE
  • Good conduct certificate for the designated manager

Why Kiltons Business setup services to to Open Travel Agency in Dubai

Kiltons would be your reliable partner for setting up a travel agency in Dubai. We have professionals with extensive experience in business setup in Dubai. Besides undertaking the business setup formalities on behalf of you, they would also extend fruitful guidance for you. The expertise of our team would be the guiding light for you.

We offer comprehensive services to make your travel agency in Dubai a success. Our strong relationship with the top echelons in the authority would be advantageous for you and your business firm.

Reach out to us to open a travel agency in Dubai at the earliest. Contact Kiltons now. 

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