Tourism Business License in UAE: Cost, Requirements & Process 2026

The UAE is one of the world’s most established tourism and travel markets, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to start travel agencies, tour companies, destination-management businesses, hospitality ventures and other tourism-related services.

However, starting a tourism company requires the correct business activity, commercial licence and, depending on the service offered, additional tourism approvals and permits.

If you are planning to obtain a tourism business license in the UAE in 2026, this guide explains the major licence categories, expected setup costs, documents, approvals and step-by-step process.

What Is a Tourism Business License in the UAE?

A tourism business licence allows a company to conduct approved tourism, travel or hospitality-related activities.

Depending on the business model, this may include:

• Travel agency services
• Inbound tourism
• Outbound tourism
• Tour operations
• Excursion booking
• Destination management
• Hotel or accommodation activities
• Holiday-home operations
• Tour guide services
• Tourism-related ticketing
• Tourism counters and kiosks

The exact licence and approval requirements depend on the emirate and selected activity.

For example, tourism companies in Dubai come under the regulatory framework of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). DET is responsible for tourism and commercial licensing functions in Dubai, including businesses such as hotels, travel agents and tour operators.

Other emirates have their own economic and tourism authorities, so the same licence conditions should not automatically be assumed across the entire UAE.

Types of Tourism Businesses You Can Start in the UAE

Choosing the correct activity is one of the most important stages of tourism business setup.

Travel Agency

A travel agency may provide services such as:

• Flight booking
• Hotel booking
• Travel package coordination
• Travel consultancy
• Reservation services

The specific activities permitted will depend on the licence.

Inbound Tour Operator

Inbound tourism companies primarily serve visitors arriving in the UAE.

Services can include:

• Airport transfers
• Hotel arrangements
• City tours
• Desert excursions
• Attraction bookings
• Group tours
• Corporate travel programmes

Outbound Tour Operator

Outbound tourism companies organise travel for UAE residents travelling overseas.

This may involve:

• International holiday packages
• Hotel reservations
• Tour packages
• Destination arrangements
• Travel itineraries

Destination Management Company

A destination management company, or DMC, coordinates tourism services for visitors, corporate groups and international travel partners.

Activities can include accommodation, transfers, excursions, conferences and customised itineraries.

Tour Operator Counter

Licensed tour operators in Dubai that wish to operate an excursion desk, counter or kiosk inside locations such as hotels or shopping malls require an additional permit through DET’s ePermits system.

Tour Guide Services

Tour guides in Dubai are separately regulated.

DET currently requires applicants to complete the Dubai tour guide programme and licensing process before working professionally as a licensed tour guide.

Hospitality Business

The tourism sector also includes hospitality businesses such as:

• Hotels
• Resorts
• Hotel apartments
• Holiday homes
• Guest accommodation

These businesses have separate classification, inspection and operational requirements.

Who Issues Tourism Licences in Dubai?

In Dubai, the principal authority is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism – DET.

DET currently handles areas including:

• Commercial business licensing
• Travel and tourism companies
• Hotels and hospitality establishments
• Tourism permits
• Tour operator permits
• Tour guide licensing
• Holiday homes
• Tourism-related events and activities

DET also operates the ePermits portal, which tourism companies and organisers use for certain tourism-related permits and activities.

Tourism License Cost in UAE

There is no single fixed price for a tourism business license in the UAE.

The total cost depends on:

• Emirate
• Business activity
• Mainland or applicable free-zone structure
• Number of shareholders
• Office requirement
• Visa allocation
• Additional tourism permits
• Business name and registration fees
• Immigration establishment costs
• Professional services required

For planning purposes, a small tourism or travel business may require approximately:

AED 15,000–30,000+ for initial licensing and basic company establishment.

A more developed tourism company with office premises, multiple visas, employees, additional permits and operational expenses may require:

AED 30,000–100,000+

Large tour operators, travel companies and hospitality projects can require substantially more capital.

These figures are indicative commercial planning ranges rather than fixed government charges.

Is a Bank Guarantee Required for a Travel Agency in Dubai?

Historically, travel agencies and tour operators in Dubai were required to provide substantial bank guarantees.

However, Dubai Tourism removed this requirement for travel and tour companies in 2019 as part of measures designed to reduce business setup costs.

The authority announced that more than 2,000 travel and tour businesses were exempted from furnishing these bank guarantees.

Investors should still confirm current requirements for their exact activity when applying, particularly where specialised or additional activities are involved.

Mainland Tourism Business Setup in Dubai

A mainland tourism company can be established through Dubai’s commercial licensing framework, subject to the required tourism approvals.

Dubai mainland can be suitable for companies that want to:

• Deal directly with customers throughout Dubai
• Work with hotels
• Operate tour desks
• Sell tourism services locally
• Employ staff
• Rent commercial premises
• Establish a physical travel office

The UAE now permits 100% foreign ownership for many mainland commercial activities, although specific regulated or strategic activities may remain subject to additional requirements.

Therefore, the old assumption that every mainland tourism company requires a 51% UAE national shareholder is no longer correct.

Free Zone Tourism Company Setup

Some UAE free zones offer licences covering travel-related consultancy, tourism support, booking platforms or related commercial activities.

However, investors should be careful when selecting a free-zone licence.

A low-cost business licence does not automatically authorise every tourism activity.

For example, activities involving:

• Physical tour operations
• Tourism counters
• Dubai excursions
• Tour guides
• Hotels
• Holiday homes

may still require permits or approvals from the relevant tourism authority.

Before selecting a free-zone package, verify that the licence specifically permits the intended operational activity.

Documents Required for a Tourism Business License

Requirements vary according to the company structure and activity, but documents commonly include:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• Emirates ID for UAE residents where applicable
• Passport-size photographs
• Proposed trade names
• Initial approval documents
• Business activity details
• Memorandum of Association where applicable
• Tenancy or office documents
• Additional tourism authority approvals
• Manager details where required
• Immigration documents
• Corporate documents for corporate shareholders

The UAE Government states that mainland business licensing may also require the initial approval receipt, lease documentation, constitutional documents and approvals from other government entities where the business activity is regulated.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Tourism License in Dubai

Step 1: Select the Tourism Activity

Identify exactly what the business will offer.

For example:

• Travel agency
• Inbound tours
• Outbound tours
• Excursions
• Tourism consultancy
• Destination management

Do not select a generic licence if the actual operation requires specialised tourism approval.

Step 2: Choose the Legal Structure

Select the appropriate legal form based on:

• Number of shareholders
• Ownership
• Business activity
• Future expansion
• Investment structure

Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name

Choose and reserve an approved business name.

The name should comply with UAE commercial naming requirements.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

Complete the initial commercial approval process through the relevant licensing authority.

Step 5: Obtain Tourism Approvals

Where the selected tourism activity is regulated, obtain the applicable approval from DET or the relevant tourism authority.

Step 6: Secure Business Premises

Many operational tourism businesses require a suitable commercial address.

The UAE Government notes that mainland companies are generally required to have a physical business address that satisfies local licensing and planning requirements.

Step 7: Submit Final Licence Documents

Submit the required:

• Lease documents
• Approvals
• Shareholder documents
• Corporate agreements
• Tourism approvals

Step 8: Pay Government Fees

Once the final payment voucher is issued, complete the applicable payments.

Step 9: Receive the Business Licence

After all requirements are completed, the tourism company can receive its commercial licence.

Step 10: Complete Additional Operational Permits

Depending on the activity, additional permits may still be necessary.

For example, a tour operator operating a desk inside a hotel or mall needs the appropriate DET counter permit.

Do You Need an Office for a Tourism Business in Dubai?

For many operational tourism businesses, a physical business location is important.

The requirement depends on:

• Licence type
• Tourism activity
• Mainland/free-zone structure
• Authority requirements
• Number of visas
• Customer-facing operations

A physical office may be particularly important for traditional travel agencies and tour companies serving customers directly.

Before signing a lease, confirm that the premises are suitable for the selected activity.

Can Foreigners Own a Tourism Business in Dubai?

Yes, foreign investors can establish businesses in Dubai.

The UAE’s current commercial company framework allows up to 100% foreign ownership for many mainland businesses, although certain regulated or strategic activities may have additional conditions.

For tourism businesses, ownership should therefore be checked together with the exact activity and tourism approval requirements rather than assuming that a UAE national shareholder is automatically required.

Tourism Permits in Dubai

Obtaining the company’s trade licence does not necessarily cover every tourism operation.

Additional permits can apply.

For example:

Tour Operator Counters

Tour operators need a permit if they want to operate an excursions desk, kiosk or counter at a hotel or mall.

Events and Tourism Activities

DET’s ePermits platform is used for permits associated with certain tours, events and tourism activities.

Tour Guides

Individual tour guides require the appropriate professional tourism licence.

DET currently states that tour guide licences should be renewed every two years.

Tour Guide License Cost in Dubai

The tour guide licence is different from a tourism company’s commercial licence.

DET currently lists the English-language Dubai Tour Guide Programme at AED 7,520, paid in stages.

The Mandarin programme is priced differently.

Applicants are required to complete the relevant training and assessments before the licence is awarded.

Therefore, tourism companies employing guides should consider individual tour guide licensing costs separately from the company setup budget.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Tourism Business License?

The timeframe varies according to:

• Selected activity
• Documents
• Tourism approval
• Premises
• Shareholding structure
• Additional permits
• External approvals

A relatively straightforward setup may be completed within a few working days to several weeks once all required documentation and approvals are ready.

Highly regulated tourism or hospitality projects can take considerably longer.

Avoid advertising a guaranteed licensing timeframe unless all applicable approvals have already been confirmed.

How Much Investment Is Needed to Start a Tourism Company?

Licence cost is only one part of the investment.

A tourism company should also budget for:

Commercial Licence

Approximately AED 15,000–30,000+ depending on the setup.

Office Rent

Approximately AED 20,000–100,000+ annually depending on size and location.

Employee Visas

Costs vary according to visa requirements and company structure.

Salaries

Possible employees include:

• Travel consultants
• Tour coordinators
• Sales executives
• Operations staff
• Drivers
• Tour guides
• Administrative employees

Technology

Tourism companies may require:

• Booking systems
• CRM software
• Payment gateways
• Website
• Online booking platform

Marketing

Marketing costs can include:

• Google Ads
• SEO
• Social media advertising
• Hotel partnerships
• Travel-agent partnerships
• International tourism marketing

Working Capital

New companies should maintain adequate cash reserves for several months of operating expenses.

A small tourism startup may therefore require approximately AED 50,000–150,000+ in total startup capital, while larger operations may require significantly more.

Is VAT Applicable to Tourism Businesses in the UAE?

Tourism businesses should not assume that tourism services are automatically VAT-free.

The UAE applies a standard 5% VAT to taxable supplies of goods and services, subject to the specific VAT rules and registration thresholds.

Hotels and tourism facilities can also be subject to additional tourism, municipality or accommodation-related fees depending on the emirate and activity.

For example, hotels in Dubai collect the Tourism Dirham fee based on hotel classification.

Businesses should therefore obtain appropriate accounting and tax advice based on their specific services.

Benefits of Starting a Tourism Business in the UAE

Major International Tourism Destination

The UAE attracts visitors for leisure, business, shopping, events and stopovers.

International Connectivity

Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide strong air connectivity with destinations worldwide.

Diverse Tourism Products

Businesses can serve:

• Luxury travel
• Family tourism
• Adventure tourism
• Desert tourism
• Business travel
• Medical tourism
• Cruise tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Event tourism

Strong Hospitality Infrastructure

The UAE has an extensive network of:

• Hotels
• Resorts
• Airlines
• Attractions
• Convention venues
• Shopping destinations

Foreign Ownership Opportunities

Many mainland businesses can now be fully foreign-owned, subject to applicable activity requirements.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Tourism Company

Choosing the Wrong Activity

Travel agency, tour operator and tourism consultancy are not necessarily interchangeable.

Select the activity according to what the company will actually do.

Selecting a Cheap Licence Without Checking Permissions

A low-cost licence may not permit physical tourism operations in Dubai.

Ignoring Additional Tourism Permits

Tour desks, guides and certain tourism activities may require separate approvals.

Underestimating Marketing Costs

Tourism businesses compete heavily for online bookings.

A good marketing budget should be included from the beginning.

Incorrect VAT Assumptions

Tourism does not automatically mean VAT exemption.

Using Outdated Ownership Information

The old blanket requirement for a 51% UAE national shareholder no longer applies to most mainland commercial businesses.

How Beyond View Can Help With Tourism Business Setup

Beyond View can assist entrepreneurs with the administrative side of establishing a tourism business in the UAE, including:

• Business activity selection
• Trade name reservation
• Initial approval assistance
• Commercial licence application support
• Tourism approval coordination
• Office and tenancy guidance
• Visa application assistance
• Establishment documentation
• Licence renewal support
• Accounting and tax support

All licences, permits and tourism approvals are issued by the relevant government authorities and remain subject to their applicable requirements and approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tourism license cost in Dubai?

The final cost depends on the activity, business structure, premises, visas and approvals. For planning purposes, a small tourism company may spend approximately AED 15,000–30,000+ on basic licensing and establishment.

Can a foreigner start a tourism company in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign investors can own many UAE mainland companies up to 100%, subject to the selected business activity and applicable regulatory approvals.

Do I need a local sponsor for a tourism company?

Not automatically. The UAE has removed the former 51% Emirati ownership requirement for many mainland companies. Certain restricted or regulated activities may still have specific conditions.

Is a bank guarantee required for a Dubai travel agency?

Dubai removed the previous bank-guarantee requirement for travel and tour companies in 2019. Applicants should nevertheless verify current requirements for their exact activity before applying.

Can I open a travel agency in a Dubai free zone?

Some free zones offer travel- or tourism-related activities, but the licence must specifically permit the intended services. Additional Dubai tourism approvals may still be required for regulated operational activities.

Can a tourism company operate a desk inside a hotel?

A licensed tour operator wishing to operate an excursion desk, kiosk or counter at a Dubai hotel or shopping mall must obtain the appropriate DET permit.

Do tour guides need a licence in Dubai?

Yes. Dubai has a dedicated tour guide licensing and training process administered by DET.

Is VAT charged on tourism services in the UAE?

The standard UAE VAT rate is 5% on taxable supplies, subject to the applicable VAT rules. Tourism businesses should evaluate the tax treatment of each service rather than assuming that tourism activities are exempt.