How to Open a Travel Agency in Dubai: 2025 Complete Guide

Dubai's thriving tourism sector offers excellent opportunities for new travel agencies

Dubai's tourism sector continues to set global benchmarks, welcoming over 7 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025 and maintaining its reputation as a world-class destination. This thriving market presents lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs aiming to establish a travel agency. However, setting up a travel agency in Dubai requires careful planning, compliance with regulatory requirements, and a clear understanding of the business landscape.

At One Desk Solution, we've helped hundreds of entrepreneurs successfully launch their travel businesses in Dubai. Our business setup services provide end-to-end support for travel agency licensing and operations.

Why Start a Travel Agency in Dubai?

Dubai's tourism infrastructure supports successful travel businesses

Dubai's tourism industry is booming, with record-breaking visitor numbers and a robust ecosystem of hospitality, aviation, and retail. The city's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and government support make it an ideal hub for travel businesses.

Key Advantages:

• High Demand: Over 20 million international visitors annually pre-pandemic, with numbers now exceeding 2019 levels
• Diverse Market: Opportunities in luxury, adventure, business, and family tourism
• Government Support: Proactive tourism campaigns and streamlined business setup processes
• Global Events: Major expos, conferences, and festivals drive consistent tourist inflow
• Infrastructure: World-class airports, hotels, and attractions that attract travelers worldwide

Mainland vs. Free Zone: Choosing Your Jurisdiction

Your first major decision is whether to register your travel agency in Dubai's mainland or a free zone. Each option offers distinct advantages:

Feature	Mainland Travel Agency	Free Zone Travel Agency
Market Access	Operate anywhere in UAE	Operate within free zone; limited UAE mainland access
Ownership	Local service agent required	100% foreign ownership allowed
Government Contracts	Eligible	Not eligible
Regulatory Body	Department of Economy & Tourism (DET)	Free Zone Authority
Setup Cost	From AED 14,500 (excluding office rent)	From AED 12,500 (excluding office/flexi-desk)
Office Requirement	Physical office (Ejari lease)	Flexi-desk or office in free zone
Visa Eligibility	Yes	Yes

Step-by-Step Process to Open a Travel Agency

1. Choose Your Business Structure and Jurisdiction

• Decide between mainland (LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership) or free zone setup
• Consider your target market, ownership preferences, and expansion plans

2. Register Your Trade Name

• Select a unique business name compliant with UAE naming conventions
• Reserve your trade name with DET (mainland) or free zone authority

3. Apply for Initial Approvals

• Submit business setup application to relevant authority
• Obtain initial approval certificate to proceed

4. Prepare and Submit Required Documents

• Gather all necessary documents (see detailed list below)
• Submit application for tourism license specifying your services

5. Obtain DTCM Approval

• Secure approval from Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
• Mainland agencies must deposit AED 100,000 security deposit

6. Secure Office Space

• Mainland: Rent physical office with Ejari-certified lease
• Free zone: Opt for flexi-desk or office space

7. Finalize Licensing and Registration

• Pay all government fees and receive official license
• Open corporate bank account

8. Recruit Staff and Apply for Visas

• Hire qualified travel consultants and support staff
• Apply for employee visas through UAE immigration

9. Launch and Market Your Agency

• Develop comprehensive marketing strategy
• Build partnerships with airlines and hotels
• Launch website and social media presence

Required Documents and Approvals

Document	Required For	Notes
Passport copies (all shareholders/owners)	Mainland & Free Zone	Valid for all applicants
No Objection Certificate (NOC)	Mainland (if employed elsewhere)	From current employer
Trade Name Reservation Certificate	Mainland & Free Zone	Proof of approved business name
Initial Approval Certificate	Mainland & Free Zone	Issued by DET or free zone authority
Office Lease Agreement (Ejari)	Mainland	Must be certified by Ejari
DTCM Approval	Mainland & Free Zone	Includes AED 100,000 deposit (mainland)
Completed Application Form	Mainland & Free Zone	Standard business setup form
Proof of Educational Qualifications	Mainland & Free Zone	For owner(s) or manager
Detailed Business Plan	Mainland & Free Zone	Outlines services, target market, strategy
NOC from Civil Aviation Authority	If offering air ticketing	Required for air travel services

Cost Breakdown: Mainland vs. Free Zone

Understanding costs helps plan your travel agency budget

Expense Item	Mainland (AED)	Free Zone (AED)	Notes
License Fee	14,500+	12,500+	Varies by location and authority
DTCM Security Deposit	100,000	Not always required	Refundable (mainland only)
Office Rent	Variable	Variable	Depends on size, location
Name Reservation & Approvals	Included	Included	Often bundled in license fee
Visa Fees (per person)	3,000 – 7,000	3,000 – 7,000	Staff/owner visas
Bank Account Opening	2,000+	2,000+	Varies by bank
Insurance, Other Permits	Variable	Variable	Depending on business activities

Office Space Requirements

Mainland Requirements:

• Must lease physical office space with Ejari-certified tenancy contract
• Minimum size requirements vary by location (typically 200-300 sqft)
• Office must meet DET's operational standards for travel agencies
• Proper signage displaying company name and license

Free Zone Options:

• Flexi-desk or shared office options available
• Virtual office packages in some free zones
• Business center solutions for cost-effective setups
• No Ejari requirement in most free zones

Staffing and Visa Process

Key Staff Requirements:

• Minimum 2-3 staff members typically required (manager, travel consultants)
• Multilingual staff preferred (Arabic, English, Russian, Chinese)
• DTCM may require certified travel professionals

Visa Process:

1. Apply for establishment card
2. Submit employee labor contracts
3. Apply for entry permits
4. Medical testing for residency visa
5. Emirates ID registration
6. Visa stamping in passport

Marketing and Launch Strategies

Essential Marketing Channels:

• Digital Presence: Professional website with online booking system
• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for visual travel content
• Google Ads: Targeted campaigns for key source markets
• Partnerships: Collaborate with airlines, hotels, and influencers

Launch Strategies:

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Solution	Our Support
Regulatory Compliance	Work with local consultants or PRO services	Full compliance management service
High Initial Capital	Consider free zone setup for lower costs	Cost-effective setup packages
Market Competition	Niche targeting, superior customer service	Business strategy consulting
Changing Tourism Trends	Stay updated, diversify service offerings	Market intelligence reports
Staff Recruitment	Hire experienced, multilingual professionals	Recruitment assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can foreigners own 100% of a travel agency in Dubai?

A: Yes, in free zones. For mainland, a local service agent is required, but full operational control can be maintained through a service agreement.

Q: How long does it take to open a travel agency?

A: Typically 2–4 weeks for free zones, 4–6 weeks for mainland, depending on document readiness and approvals.

Q: What is the minimum capital required?

A: Mainland agencies must deposit AED 100,000 as security with DTCM; free zones may require less (typically AED 15,000-30,000 initial capital).

Q: Do I need tourism experience to open an agency?

A: While not mandatory, DTCM prefers owners/managers with relevant qualifications or experience in tourism/hospitality.

Q: Can I operate online only?

A: Physical office is mandatory for mainland; free zones allow virtual office options but may restrict certain activities.

Conclusion

Opening a travel agency in Dubai in 2025 presents an exciting opportunity in one of the world's most dynamic tourism markets. With the right planning, jurisdiction selection, and marketing strategy, your travel business can thrive in this competitive but rewarding environment.

Key success factors include:

• Choosing the right setup (mainland vs free zone) for your business model
• Ensuring complete compliance with DTCM regulations
• Developing strong industry partnerships
• Implementing efficient digital systems
• Creating unique value propositions in a crowded market

At One Desk Solution, we've helped numerous entrepreneurs successfully launch their travel agencies in Dubai. Our comprehensive business setup services handle everything from licensing to office setup, allowing you to focus on building your travel business.