Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: August 31, 2022
In the past two decades, the UAE has fast become a global tourism hotspot. Millions of business and leisure travellers visit every year for its world-class dining offering, eye-popping architecture, and brilliant beaches. The opportunities don't only lie in inbound tourism either. With an expatriate population accounting for 89% of the population, there are – literally – millions of prospective holidaymakers looking to explore the next best destination.
This guide covers the complete process of opening a travel agency in Dubai, UAE, including:
As with any other business in the UAE, you will need to obtain a travel agency license to legally set up a company and operate your business. Getting hold of one is relatively straightforward, though it's worth working with a partner on the ground who is familiar with local laws and regulations to avoid any bureaucratic holdups.
The process of setting up your travel agency in Dubai, UAE kicks off with your license application. This requires details such as your business activity and your company name.
Company Name Requirements:
Processing Time: You can receive your license in as little as 45 minutes in SPC Free Zone (provided there aren't any hiccups).
To speed up your travel agency in the Dubai, UAE license application process and make it easier to manage each step, the UAE has introduced a handy e-channel service that eliminates unnecessary paperwork.
Benefits:
Entry Permit Validity: Once your entry permit is approved, you have 60 days to stay in the country and complete the setup process.
After you've received your entry permit, you can activate your status change.
Requirements:
Emirates ID Card Application:
Once you have activated your status change, you can apply for your Emirates ID card. This process involves:
Emirates ID Benefits:
Support Available: SPC Free Zone has helped countless travel agents set up their businesses in the UAE and can help make the process as easy and affordable as possible.
Minimum Cost: AED 6,500 in a free zone like SPC Free Zone
Physical Premises:
Insurance:
Custom Quote: For a more accurate idea of how much it will cost you to open your travel agency in the UAE, SPC Free Zone's knowledgeable business advisors will provide a bespoke quote tailored to your specific needs for free.
The UAE offers something for everyone, from beaches and luxurious hotels to yachts and golf clubs. It attracts everyone from high net-worth individuals, including A-list celebrities and VIPs, to culture vultures. This diverse holiday offering is ripe with opportunities for savvy travel agents.
The UAE is well connected to Asia, Europe and North Africa. It's home to one of the busiest airports in the world, as well as prestigious airlines such as Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airlines.
Tourism contributes approximately 10% of the UAE's GDP and around 317,400 jobs, so it follows that the government would do everything it can to keep numbers up. Tourism policies and legislations are constantly reviewed and updated to support tourism development.
Fuel is significantly cheaper in the UAE than elsewhere, which helps make tours and travel more cost-effective.
Foreign nationals can set up a travel agency in the UAE easily with the help of a company formation advisor like SPC Free Zone. What's more, providing you set up in a free zone, expatriates can enjoy 100% ownership without a UAE sponsor.
SPC Free Zone is located in the heart of Sharjah, just 15 minutes from one of the world's busiest international airports.
Business Activities:
Visa Allocation:
Financial Advantages:
Interested in launching a travel agency in Dubai, UAE? Reach out to the SPC Free Zone team to get started.
For more information about opening a travel agency in Dubai, UAE: