A Tourism License in the UAE allows individuals and businesses to operate legally in the travel and tourism sector covering everything from travel agencies and tour operators to destination management companies.
These licenses are primarily issued by:
It differs from a trade license as it is specialized and often requires approval from tourism regulators, not just the economic department.
✅ 100% foreign ownership in Free Zones and, now, even in many Mainland setups
✅ Eligibility for UAE residence visas (investor/staff)
✅ Access to booming tourism markets (Dubai welcomed over 17 million visitors in 2023)
✅ Option to run online and offline travel operations
✅ No corporate tax for most SME travel firms (if under AED 375,000 annual profits)
✅ Partner with airlines, hotels, and local tour providers easily
Document | Description |
Passport Copy | For all shareholders and managers |
Visa Copy / Entry Stamp | Recent UAE entry or valid visa copy |
Passport-Size Photos | White background, recent photo |
Business Plan (optional) | Especially in Free Zones with regulated activities |
NOC (if UAE-employed) | No Objection Certificate from current sponsor |
Tenancy Contract (Mainland) | For physical office space (Ejari registered) |
Decide between Mainland or a Free Zone. Each has its own regulations and target markets.
Choose among:
Apply for:
Timeline: 2–3 business days
Upload documents via the respective portal or through your consultant. Pay fees.
Timeline: 5–7 business days (Mainland may take longer)
Especially for Mainland tourism licenses, DET’s tourism division must approve the activity.
Timeline: Up to 7 days
Once approved, receive your Tourism License and optionally apply for Establishment Card to sponsor visas.
Timeline: Within 1–2 weeks total
Component | Estimated AED | Notes |
License Issuance Fee | 10,000–18,000 | Varies by Emirate and zone |
Name Reservation | 620–1,000 | One-time |
Immigration Card | 1,500–2,000 | Mandatory for visa issuance |
Office Rental (Mainland) | 15,000–30,000 | Shared desk to dedicated space |
Visa Package (Investor) | 3,500–7,500 | Optional, depends on Free Zone or Mainland
|
Prices vary based on jurisdiction, license type, and visa needs. Always confirm final pricing.
Feature | Mainland | Free Zone |
Ownership | 100% foreign ownership (in most cases) | 100% foreign ownership |
Market Access | UAE-wide, local & international | International and B2B only |
Approvals Needed | DED + Tourism Dept | Free Zone authority only |
Office Requirement | Mandatory (Ejari lease) | Flexi desk available |
Visa Quota | Based on office size | Packages available |
Late renewal? Fines can be AED 200–500 per month, and risk of blacklisting after 6 months.
Yes! Most Free Zones allow online travel portals, mobile bookings, and remote consultancy. For Mainland, ensure your website is registered with the DED eTrader license (if home-based).
No matter if you’re a solo travel consultant, a digital nomad launching an online booking platform, or a global investor entering the UAE’s growing tourism market, a Tourism License opens the doors to unmatched potential.
The country’s world-class infrastructure, supportive regulations, and ever-growing tourist inflow make it the perfect launchpad for your travel business.
And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone.
Ready to Get Started? From choosing the right Free Zone to processing your first visa, our specialists have you covered. Start your Tourism License safari today fast, reliable, and fully compliant.
We simplify the Partner Visa process with:
✔️ Personalized business setup advice
✔️ Government liaison and documentation support
✔️ Transparent cost breakdowns
✔️End-to-end visa and ID handling
✔️Family sponsorship assistance
We will contact you under 1 Minute to analyze your case, provide solutions, and calculate costs.
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