Tourism remains a global favourite in Dubai since it maintains a flourishing travel sector that provides multiple avenues for business owners. Every year millions of tourists visit Dubai to view its magnificent buildings and experience elegant accommodations and its dynamic way of life. Starting a business through a travel agency location becomes attractive to entrepreneurs who want to establish a venture in either Dubai or the UAE. Your agency can introduce visitors to the fantastic attractions and noteworthy places throughout this city. For entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the tourism sector, understanding how to start a travel agency in Dubai is essential.
Activities of a Travel Agency in Dubai
Benefits of Starting A Travel Agency in Dubai
Growing tourism industry
Tax-friendly environment
Free zones
Businesses in Dubai receive special advantages through its different free zones. Businesses operating in these areas receive various advantages including reduced taxation and simplified visa processes together with unrestricted foreign company management.
Strategic Location
Abundant resources
Documents Needed to Launch a Dubai Travel Agency
Passport copy of the investors
Residency visa or visit visa
Passport size Photo & passport holding photo
Office lease agreement
Travel agency appointment contract (DCCA Approval)
Trade Name Reservation Certificate
Company Insurance
Steps to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai?
Book your desired name
Selecting a business structure calls for you to generate a name for your new travel agency. Your travel agency can include ‘Global’ and ‘International’ terms but not begin with the company name. Your travel agency should not possess religious labels as part of its official name. The naming of countries with other specified prefixes or suffixes is strictly prohibited within company trade names. Companies can incorporate nationalities into their trade name together with names of worldwide geographical regions.
Get an Initial Approval
Businesses should seek an approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai as a necessary first step. Business establishment requires submitting your application together with essential documents that include passport copies as well as a business plan and trade name proposal. The Department of Economic Development uses their review process to check if your business plan follows Dubai's regulatory guidelines.
Obtaining a Trade License for a Travel Agency
The type of Trade license required for your travel agency can be determined by a business setup specialist. You must have a travel agency license if you are solely involved in ticketing. An inbound tourism license is required for tourism activities in Dubai if you also intend to participate. You would require an outbound tourism license to go outside of Dubai. Your tour guides need a license to offer guided tours.
After obtaining the necessary initial approval lease agreement and name reserved the next step goes for company insurance and final approval to obtain DCAA
Make an Office / Shop Lease Agreement
After approval, finding suitable premises for your travel agency is the next step. Office or shop leasing is necessary for your business. Additionally, you must have a written agreement that meets local standards. The lease document serves as a necessary requirement during your licensing establishment.
Get Insured for the License
You need to have proper insurance for your agency before initiating any business license application process. Business protection and client safety require public liability insurance as well as relevant forms of insurance to succeed in the industry.
Apply for DCAA Approval
After obtaining DCAA approval next you need to seek approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)). It is necessary to apply for DCAA approval when you want to operate the business through airline ticket sales or travel services. Before approval the DCAA evaluates your submitted application against aviation standards.
Final Submission in Authority to Get the License
You must submit your final application to acquire a travel agency license after getting the necessary approval from DCAA. Your application for a travel agency license requires receipt of all essential documentation which includes your lease agreement with insurance certificates and the required approvals. The business license will become available to you after approval enables you to operate lawfully in Dubai.
Open a Business Bank Account
Registering with the bank is the final step. You need a corporate bank account when you create a business. So, apply and acquire one!
Types of Travel Agency Licenses in Dubai
The expanding travel business of Dubai requires all tourism companies to obtain a proper tourism license before starting operations. The expanding tourism industry accompanies increasing demand for tourism licenses year after year. Both current and aspiring sector members need to understand the process of acquiring this license because the sector shows continuous growth. Three different Tourism licenses exist for acquisition within Dubai. They include:
Travel Agency license to operate as a travel agent
Inbound tourism license
Outbound tourism license
Cost of Travel Agency License in Dubai
Trade license in Dubai Cost Breakdown
| Fee Types | (All costs in AED) |
|---|---|
| Initial Approval | 236 |
| Trade Name Reservation & Certificate | 736 |
| Memorandum of Association & Submission | 500 |
| License Insurance | 3000 |
| Civil Aviation Approval & Process | 8620 |
| License Fee - Payment Voucher | 14,000 |
|
Total Travel Agency License Cost in Dubai
(Tenancy, Ejari (5% of Ejari Fees will be added to the license) -Will be provided by the customer) |
27,100 |
The agency needs to pay this price for obtaining a business license which does not include the Investor Visa. A professional license is required to setting up a Business in Dubai in the travel and tourism sector. Travel agency license fees together with their complete associated costs can be found by reaching out to A&A Associate for additional guidance. Reach out to A&A Associate for more guidance on detailed information on the cost of starting a business in Dubai.
Why select A&A Associate for Opening a Travel Agency in Dubai?
Our company, A&A Associate, has years of experience setting up Travel and Tourism businesses in Dubai. A capable group of in-house professionals supports us in helping businesses achieve their commercial aspirations. Clients from more than 100 countries worldwide have benefited from the competent help of our multilingual, amiable business setup specialists. Our organization aims to surpass the present client satisfaction performance by attaining an advanced level of fulfillment with the delivered services.
Please use the form below to drop us a message or contact us at +971 50 483 6190 or
info@aaconsultancy.ae for further information on how to open a travel agency in Dubai.
