Tourism Agency License in Dubai, UAE
Start your travel agency or tour operator business with a Tourism License in Dubai. Get DET approval, operate legally, and offer inbound & outbound packages across the UAE. Setup costs start from AED X, with approvals in 7–10 working days.
Tourism License in Dubai, UAE
At Gulf Corporate Services, we help entrepreneurs, investors, and established businesses secure their tourism agency license in Dubai quickly and efficiently. With over 14 years of experience in UAE company formation, our consultants specialize in guiding travel startups and established tour operators through the legal framework, documentation, and approvals required by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).
Dubai is one of the world’s most visited destinations, with tourism contributing billions to the UAE’s GDP each year. Under the Dubai Tourism Vision 2030, the sector is projected to grow significantly, creating exciting opportunities for new travel businesses.
A tourism license in Dubai not only ensures legal operations but also positions your company in a high-demand sector. Whether you plan to offer desert safaris, inbound guided tours, outbound holiday packages, or airline ticketing services, our experts ensure your agency is compliant, cost-efficient, and ready to scale.
What Is a Tourism Agency License in Dubai?
A tourism agency license is the official approval issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that allows businesses to sell travel services legally. With this license, your company can:
- Organize inbound tours such as desert safaris, sightseeing excursions, and cultural experiences.
- Offer outbound packages for UAE residents traveling abroad.
- Act as a travel agent selling flight tickets, hotel bookings, and related services.
Holding a tourism license confirms your agency is compliant with local regulations. It allows you to advertise legally, sign supplier contracts, and access corporate banking. Without a license, you risk heavy fines and suspension of services.
In short, a tourism license in Dubai transforms your travel idea into a legitimate business entity backed by DET.
Types of Tourism Licenses in Dubai
The Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) issues three main categories of tourism licenses. The right choice depends on the services you want to offer and your target audience.
Inbound Tour Operator License
- Allows you to organize tourism activities within Dubai and the UAE.
- Covers desert safaris, cultural tours, adventure trips, and local excursions.
- Best suited for businesses serving international tourists visiting the UAE.
Outbound Tour Operator License
- Authorizes your agency to provide international holiday packages for UAE residents.
- Includes flights, hotels, visa assistance, and guided tours abroad.
- Popular with agencies targeting expatriates and residents seeking global travel experiences.
Travel Agent License (Ticketing & Booking)
- Permits you to sell airline tickets, book hotels, and provide travel insurance.
- May require IATA accreditation for direct ticketing.
- Ideal for agencies focusing on ticket sales, hotel bookings, and add-on travel services.
Many successful travel companies combine these categories to operate as full-service tourism agencies. At Gulf Corporate Services, we help you choose and structure your license package so your agency is legally compliant and competitive.
Mainland vs Free Zone Tourism License: Which Is Best?
When applying for a tourism license in Dubai, you must decide between Mainland (DET-issued) and Free Zone options. Each has its own benefits:
Mainland Tourism License (DET)
- Trade directly with customers anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE.
- Access to government tenders and official contracts.
- Requires Ejari (office lease) in most cases.
- Ideal for agencies targeting tourists within Dubai or UAE residents booking trips.
Free Zone Tourism License
- 100% foreign ownership guaranteed.
- Cost-effective packages and simplified setup.
- Flexible office options such as shared desks or virtual offices.
- Suited for B2B wholesalers, online-only agencies, or startups testing the market.
Still unsure? Gulf Corporate Services provides a detailed comparison of cost, visa quotas, and market access so you can choose the right model confidently.
Tourism License Requirements & Documents in Dubai
Applying for a tourism license in Dubai requires submitting accurate documents to the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) or the relevant Free Zone authority. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or rejections, so preparation is key. (Last Updated: 2025)
Identity & Shareholder Documents
- Passport & Visa Copies of all owners and the appointed manager.
- Passport-Size Photos, email address, and contact details.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) if any shareholder already holds a UAE residency visa.
Business Setup Documents
- Proposed Trade Name for your agency (must comply with UAE naming rules).
- Business Plan detailing your planned activities and services.
- Ejari (Office Lease Agreement) for Mainland setups, or approved Free Zone facility documents for Free Zone licenses.
Special Approvals (if applicable)
- IATA Approval may be required for agencies applying for a ticketing license to issue airline tickets directly.
At Gulf Corporate Services, we prepare and review every document carefully to ensure full compliance with DET or Free Zone requirements, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring a smooth approval process.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Tourism Agency License in Dubai
The process of securing a tourism license in Dubai may look complex, but with expert support, it’s straightforward. At Gulf Corporate Services, we handle every step with precision to ensure smooth approvals.
Consultation & Activity Fit
We confirm whether your agency will operate as an Inbound Tour Operator, Outbound Tour Operator, Travel Agent, or a combined model.Trade Name Reservation
Submit your preferred business name for approval under DET or Free Zone regulations to ensure compliance.Initial Approval
File your license application and pay initial fees for review by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) or your chosen Free Zone authority.Office/Ejari Setup
Secure an office lease (Ejari) for Mainland setups or a facility package in a Free Zone. This is required for license issuance.External Approvals
Obtain tourism activity-specific approvals from DET, and secure mandatory staff permits or tour guide badges where applicable.License Issuance
Receive your official Tourism Agency License in Dubai, enabling you to operate legally.Post-License Services
We assist with establishment card issuance, investor and employee visas, WPS registration, bank account opening, and insurance.
With this structured approach, most tourism agency setups are completed within 2–4 weeks, depending on activity type and approvals.
Tourism License Cost in Dubai & Setup Timeline
The cost of a tourism license in Dubai varies based on your activity, location, and office setup.
- Mainland tourism license: Approx. AED 18,000–25,000 depending on activities.
- Free Zone license: Starting from AED 12,500 with flexi-desk packages.
- Additional costs: Ejari, visas, external approvals, or IATA accreditations.
Most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks, provided documents are complete. Gulf Corporate Services provides a transparent cost breakdown before you commit, so you know exactly what to expect.
Travel Agent Approvals: IATA, DET Badge & Compliance
If your agency plans to issue airline tickets directly, you’ll likely need IATA accreditation. We help you:
- Choose between full IATA membership or working with consolidators.
- Apply for DET travel agent badges and ensure staff training is completed.
- Arrange tour guide licensing for staff offering guided tours.
- Draft compliant service contracts and customer policies.
This ensures your agency operates smoothly, passes inspections, and avoids penalties.
Tourism License Renewal in Dubai
A tourism license in Dubai is valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) or the relevant Free Zone authority. Timely renewal ensures your agency continues to operate legally without interruptions. (Last Updated: 2025)
Renewal Requirements
- Updated Ejari (Tenancy Contract) – Valid proof of office or facility lease.
- Cleared Government Fees – Renewal charges, typically ranging from AED 7,000 – 12,000, depending on your license type.
- Updated Documents – Submit any changes in manager details, shareholders, or business activities.
Why Timely Renewal Matters
Failure to renew on time can result in penalties, fines, or suspension of your license, disrupting your operations.
At Gulf Corporate Services, we manage the full renewal process — from tracking deadlines and updating documents to paying government fees — ensuring your tourism license renewal in Dubai is completed smoothly within 3–5 working days.
Why Choose Gulf Corporate Services for Your Tourism License in Dubai?
Choosing the right consultancy is crucial for a smooth setup. At Gulf Corporate Services, we provide:
- 14+ years of experience in UAE travel and tourism company formation.
- End-to-end support: DET filings, external approvals, visas, and renewals.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Ongoing compliance support for VAT, WPS, and staff visas.
- Local market insights to position your agency for success.
Our mission is to make the licensing process fast, compliant, and hassle-free so you can focus on building your travel business.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Gulf Corporate Services today and get your tourism agency license in Dubai without delays.