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Tourism License Services in Dubai

Avantex Tourism License Services in Dubai

Get Your Tourism License in Dubai

Business license Services in Dubai

A tourism license in Dubai is the first step to starting a successful travel venture in this globally recognized hub of luxury, adventure, and culture. With millions of visitors arriving each year, Dubai's booming tourism sector presents massive opportunities for tour operators, travel agencies, desert safari providers, cruise organizers, and adventure-based startups. Whether you aim to cater to inbound tourists or offer outbound travel services, the market is ripe with potential.

At Avantex, we guide you through the complete process of obtaining your travel and tourism license in Dubai—from choosing the right license type to handling all legal documentation—ensuring a smooth, compliant, and cost-effective business setup.

Business license Services in Dubai
dubai business license

Why Dubai is Ideal for Your Tourism Company

Dubai is ranked among the world’s top 5 most visited cities, with over 17 million tourists annually. The city’s pro-business environment, world-class infrastructure, and zero corporate tax policy make it a prime destination to start a travel company in Dubai.

Metric Value
Annual Visitors (2024)
17.2 million+
Tourism GDP Contribution (UAE)
12.1%
Corporate Tax on Tourism Firms
0% (for most sectors)
Full Foreign Ownership Allowed
Yes (Free Zones & Mainland)
Average License Processing Time
5–7 Business Days

Prerequisites for a Tourism License in Dubai

You can apply for your travel and tourism license in Dubai under two main jurisdictions:

UAE residence visa icon

UAE residence visa: The applicant must have a valid UAE residence visa or a local sponsor.

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Business Premises: A suitable business location or physical office space is required.

Professional Certifications icon

Professional Certifications: For tour guides or agents, relevant certifications may be necessary.

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Background & Documentation: Clean background check and proper documentation.

tour and travel license
Operate with confidence

Benefits of a Tourism License

tour and travel license

Getting a tourism business license in Dubai opens doors to multiple benefits, including:

Dubai tourism license requirements

Documents Required for Tourism License in Dubai

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for your tourism license in Dubai:

Document Required For
Passport copy of owner/shareholders
All license types
UAE Residence Visa & Emirates ID
Mainland setup
Trade name reservation certificate
All license types
Initial approval certificate
All license types
Ejari (tenancy contract)
Mainland and some free zones
No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
Applicants under sponsorship
Step-by-Step Guide

Steps to Obtain a Tourism License in Dubai

Choose License Type

Choose Your License Type

Decide whether you need an Inbound, Outbound, Travel Agent, or Tour Guide license based on your business goals.

choosing business name

Define Business Activity and Name

Select your specific tourism-related activity and reserve a trade name for your company.

business Approval business

Apply for Initial Approval

Submit your application to the relevant authority (DED or Free Zone) for initial business approval.

Documents and Office Lease

Prepare Documents and Office Lease

Gather required documents and secure a tenancy contract registered under Ejari.

Pay Fees and Collect Your License

Pay Fees and Collect Your License

Complete the payment of government fees and receive official tourism license in Dubai.

new Business Operations

Start Your Business Operations

Apply for visas, open a corporate bank account, and begin offering your travel services.

Jurisdictions for Tourism Licensing

You can apply for your travel and tourism license in Dubai under two main jurisdictions:

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Mainland (DED)

 Ideal for those wanting to operate locally and internationally.

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Free Zones

Great for online travel businesses or those focusing on outbound tourism.

Explore. Select. Start.

Types of Tourism Licenses in Dubai

Inbound Tour License

Inbound Tour License

Authorizes businesses to organize tours within the UAE for foreign visitors.

Outbound Tour License

Outbound Tour License

Allows companies to arrange travel packages for UAE residents traveling abroad.

Travel Agency License in Dubai

Travel Agency License

Travel Agency License in Dubai Permits selling airline tickets, hotel bookings, & organizing travel packages.

Tour Guide License in Dubai

Tour Guide License

Issued to individuals who wish to operate as professional, certified tour guides in Dubai.

Your first step into tourism success

Who Should Apply for a Tourism License?

Travel agency startups

Licensed tour guides

Adventure tour operators

Online booking sites

Desert safari companies

Adventure tourism providers
Entrepreneurs opening a travel agency
Dubai tourism license
Online travel booking platforms
Companies offering guided tours and desert safaris
Certified tour guides

Cost of Obtaining a Dubai Tourism License

The cost for a tourism license in Dubai varies depending on the jurisdiction, business structure, and office space. On average, it ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000.

License Type Jurisdiction Approximate Cost (AED) Processing Time
Inbound Tour License
Mainland/Free Zone
12,000 – 20,000
5–7 working days
Outbound Tour License
Mainland/Free Zone
13,000 – 22,000
5–7 working days
Travel Agent License
Mainland
15,000 – 25,000
7–10 working days
Tour Guide License
Mainland
8,000 – 12,000
3–5 working days
Avantex: Expert Tourism License Services

Why Choose Avantex ?

Expert Guidance icon

Expert Guidance

Our dedicated team is always available to answer your questions and provide ongoing assistance.

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Full Service

Our comprehensive support covers every step, ensuring hassle-free business setup.

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Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with customizable solutions to fit your specific needs.

Fast Setup icon

Fast Setup

Get your license quickly and enjoy ongoing assistance to keep your business compliant.

Experienced Team icon

Experienced Team

Work with knowledgeable experts who understand Dubai’s travel and tourism industry inside out.

Customer Support icon

Customer Support

We are always available to answer your questions and provide ongoing assistance.

Faqs on Dubai Tourism License

Frequently Asked Questions

A tourism license in Dubai is a legal permit that allows individuals or companies to operate travel-related services, such as tour packages, hotel bookings, visa assistance, and travel guidance, within and outside the UAE.

Yes, to legally operate as a travel agency, you must obtain a travel agency license in Dubai from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant free zone authority.

The process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, depending on the jurisdiction and completeness of documentation.

Yes, foreigners can apply for a tour and travel license, especially in free zones that allow 100% foreign ownership. Mainland setups may require a local service agent.

Yes, most tourism license types require you to have a physical office space, with an Ejari-registered lease agreement.

The cost can vary depending on the license type and jurisdiction, typically ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000.

Yes, many travel businesses operate online platforms, but they still need a valid travel and tourism license in Dubai to operate legally and issue bookings or tickets.

Still Have Questions? Ask Our Experts

tourism business license in dubai

Contact us for Tourism License in Dubai

tourism business license in dubai

Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur, an experienced tour operator, or expanding your global travel brand, getting the right tourism license in Dubai is the foundation of your success — and Avantex is here to support you every step of the way.

At Avantex, we specialize in tourism and travel license solutions in Dubai, offering expert guidance and full-service support — from initial consultation to license approval and business launch. Not sure which license type suits your goals? Confused about jurisdiction or legal requirements? Our experienced consultants are here to simplify the process and get you up and running quickly.

Have questions or need tailored advice? Reach out now to speak directly with one of our tourism business setup experts.

Request a Call Back

We are always available to talk with you and address your concerns. Please contact us either phone or e-mail.

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