Dubai’s travel and tourism industry continues to soar, establishing the city as one of the world’s most visited destinations — and a high-growth market for travel agencies. In 2024, Dubai welcomed a record 18.72 million international visitors, marking a 9 % year-on-year increase and reinforcing its appeal as a global tourism hub.
The momentum hasn’t slowed in 2025: Dubai recorded over 15.7 million international visitors between January and October 2025, representing continuous growth as the city enhances its destination offerings and hospitality infrastructure.
This surge in travel demand — across leisure, business, and cultural segments — creates significant opportunities for travel entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand a travel agency in Dubai. Whether you plan to serve inbound tourists, design bespoke travel experiences, or cater to corporate and MICE travel needs, Dubai’s strategic connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and supportive business environment make it an ideal base.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the step-by-step process on how to open a travel agency in Dubai — from choosing the right license and legal structure to understanding jurisdiction options, compliance requirements, and operational essentials that will set your business up for success.
Let’s dive into the complete setup journey.
Top Reasons or Benefits of Opening a Travel Agency in Dubai
As the rapidly growing tourist country in the world, Dubai wants to be the world’s number 1 destination for tourism. Therefore, opening a travel agency in Dubai can increase your revenue tenfold and offer you many more benefits that include:
Supporting the UAE GDP by about 10% with the Tourism Industry
The tourism sector of the country contributes about 10% of the UAE’s GDP which automatically attracts the attention of the government, giving it undivided attention. It is said that the tourism industry of UAE keeps growing about 3% every year and it is predicted to continue its growth in the future.
UAE Welcomes Over 200 Countries
One of the reasons why the country’s tourism industry is developing is the fact that UAE has no barriers to welcoming people from all over the world. This is why it greets tourists from more than 200 countries every year.
Iconic Landmarks and Holiday Destinations that Increase the Tourism Industry
From Palm Deira and Palm Jabel Ali to the largest manmade island currently under construction called Dubai World, Dubai is full of eye-candy tourist destinations and luxurious hotels. People like to visit these destinations and spend their time in the best hotels in the world.
Luxury without Tax
The best part of the UAE is that it’s a tax-free country therefore, more and more tourists like to enjoy the beauty and luxury that Dubai has to offer without paying a dime in tax.
Steps to Open a Travel Agency in Dubai and the UAE
To open a travel agency in Dubai, here are some steps that you need to follow:
Determine the Type of Travel Agency You’re Going to Establish
First of all, from the types of travel agencies you have to choose what business activity are you going to go for. Are you going to be handling tours inside and outside Dubai, or are you just going for inbound Dubai tour activities? Or you will be acting as travel agent where your activity would be issuing air tickets.
Establishing that will allow you to know the extent of your business activities. You can also take the help of a company formation expert like Avyanco to help you set up your company.
Decide Your Company Name
After that, you have to determine the name of your business. Using the right words, you can select the name of your business and start the registration process.
Apply for Your Tourism License
In Dubai, before officially establishing any business, you’re required to get a business license. When you’re at it, you should also apply for the tourism license that will allow you to conduct traveling-related business in Dubai.
Get Office Space Rented
In Dubai, before officially establishing any business, you’re required to get an office space rent agreement which must be attested by Dubai Land department. When you’re at it, you should also apply for the tourism license in Ministry of Economy & Tourism.
Apply for Your Tourism License
In Dubai, before officially establishing any business, you’re required to get a business license. When you’re at it, you should also apply for the tourism license that will allow you to conduct traveling-related business in Dubai.
Get license registered in Immigration department and labour department.
As soon as you have a business license In Dubai, you have to register in immigration department and labour department ( MOHRE) for getting investor/partner or employee visas under the company.
Apply for Your Employees’ Visa
Before you bring in employees, it is important to have their visas prepared. Apply at least 30 days before your employees arrive as they would then have a visit visa in place already.
Set Up Your Corporate Bank Account
The last thing is to register with the bank. You open a company, you need a corporate account, apply and get that!
Documents Required to Open a Travel Agency in Dubai
The legal documents required to open a travel agency in Dubai are:
- Passport copies of the investors along with the resident visa or visit visa.
- Few name choice for the company name reservation
- Office lease agreement
- Degree certificate of manager (attested by UAE embassy in country of Origin)
- Indemnity insurance Policy
- Travel agent appointment contract
Cost of Travel Agency License in Dubai
Any business license is dependent upon many factors like the company’s size, the activities performed by the business, and the number of owners. The people who are eligible to set up a business in Dubai need to be qualified for a visa in Dubai.
Conventionally, travel agency license cost in Dubai can be of vary from business to business, but it starts from AED 35000 if the agency is owned by a single person who is eligible for one visa in the country.
Travel Agency License Cost Breakdown
| Fee Types | Amount in AED |
| Initial Approval Fees | 120 |
| Trade Name Reservation Fees | 620 |
| Tasheel Fees for Initial Approval | 345 |
| Tasheel Fees For Local Sponsor Agent | 350 |
| Estimate License Cost with Foreign Trade Name | 8960 |
| Approval From Dubai Tourism Authority Fees | 10000 |
| Estimate Dubai Civil Aviation Approval Fees | 6800 |
| Company Immigration Card fees | 750 |
| Local Service Agent & PRO Services fees | 7000 |
| Total Travel Agency License Cost in Dubai | 34,945 |
This is the cost of a travel agency business license without Investor Visa. The license required to start a travel business in Dubai is a professional license. To know more about the total cost and fees to get a travel agency license. Contact Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for a further guidance.
Some Other Requirements to Open a Travel Agency in Dubai
If you’re planning to open a travel agency in Dubai and get a travel agency license, then you’re required to provide:
- An outline of your business plan
- A “No Objection Certificate” NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority
- A good conduct certificate from Police.
- And all above other documents mentioned above
How Avyanco Helps You Setup a Travel Agency in Dubai?
With the help of a well-reputed business setup advisory like Avyanco, who works with investors in establishing their businesses swiftly, can enable you to open a travel agency in Dubai without any hassle.
Team Avyanco is trusted by countless investors in Dubai and UAE who have worked with them and had no problem initiating their organization.
We make it our priority to provide the right advice and business consultation to startups and SMEs that allows them the opportunity to establish their business by providing a streamlined process for its execution!
Reach out to us today and start with establishing your business right now!
FAQs Related to Opening a Travel Agency in Dubai or the UAE
As tourism is a growing business sector in Dubai, it is essential for the travel and tourism establishments to own a valid tourism license to operate. As the industry is developing each year, so is the demand for tourism licenses. Therefore, if you’re planning on joining this ever-growing sector, then you need to know how to acquire this license. There are three types of Tourism Licenses that you can get in Dubai. They include:
– Travel agency license as a travel agent
– Inbound tourism license
– Outbound tourism license
Yes, a travel agency can be profitable in Dubai due to the city’s strong and diverse tourist inflow. Business travelers, holidaymakers, and luxury tourists create year-round demand for flights, tours, visas, and packages. Agencies can target multiple segments, increase margins with specialized services, and benefit from Dubai’s global connectivity and growing tourism industry.
