Tourism License in Dubai: Types, Requirements & Application Process

 


Dubai has quickly become everyone’s favorite destination to visit. Every couple, family, and solo traveler wants to visit Dubai and be captivated by its breathtaking views. No wonder Dubai welcomes millions of tourists every season. And behind this popularity lies an opportunity - a path that can lead to business success. We are talking about the Dubai tourism license, a legal permit essential for individuals and business owners entering Dubai’s thriving tourism sector.  

In this guide, we will look into the process of obtaining a tourism license, how to get it, the requirements, costs involved, and its types. Let us begin.  

What is a tourism license in Dubai – meaning behind it  

A Dubai tourism license is a kind of legal permit that allows businesses to carry out various tourism and hospitality-related economic activities. For example, tour agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts, adventure sellers, and inbound and outbound tourism businesses: all of them must hold a tourism business license to operate legally in Dubai.  

License authority of tourism license in Dubai  

In Dubai, you can get a tourism license either from the mainland authority or from a relevant free zone. However, in both cases, approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the regulatory authority of the sector, is mandatory.  

Types of tourism license in Dubai  

Based on the activity or tourism services you wish to conduct, you can choose from the following types of tourism licenses in Dubai:  

Travel agency license: For planning tours, managing bookings, flights, and related travel activities.  

Hotel and accommodation license: For running hotels, resorts, guest houses, or other lodging facilities for tourists.  

Restaurants and cafés: Food places that cater specifically to tourists.  

Event organizer license: For companies organizing tourism-related events and entertainment programs.  

Adventure planners: Such as scuba diving, desert safari, and other adventure activities planned for tourists.  

Tour guide license: For individuals who guide tourists around Dubai, provide information about places, and conduct city tours.  

Transport services for tourists: Car rentals, cab services, and transport companies often working in partnership with hotels and travel agencies.  

These are just a few examples. There can be many other tourism-related activities for which you can obtain a tourism license in Dubai.  

What are requirements to get tourism license in Dubai  

To apply for a tourism license in Dubai, you need the following documents:  

  • Completed license application form  

  • Copy of your passport with at least 6 months’ validity  

  • Passport-size photographs  

  • Trade name registration certificate  

  • Initial approval and DTCM approval  

  • NOC from Civil Defense (if required)  

  • Your business plan and activity list  

  • Office lease contract  

Additional documents may be required based on your business model and location.  

What is the travel and tourism license cost in Dubai?   

You can expect to pay around AED 14,000* for a tourism license in Dubai. However, the travel and tourism license cost in Dubai can vary based on your company structure, jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), visa requirements, and other factors.  

Step-by-step process to get a tourism license in Dubai  

Here is the detailed and simplified process of applying for a tourism license:  

1. Choose your tourism activities  

Start by deciding on the tourism activities you want to pursue. There are many permitted activities in the tourism sector, such as travel agency services, accommodation arrangements, tour operations, and transport services.  

Make sure the activity is approved by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).  

2. Decide on a legal structure  

Choose the legal form of your business. It can be:  

  • Sole establishment  

  • Partnership  

  • Civil company  

  • Limited liability company (LLC)  

Each structure has different ownership rules, tax treatment, and operational frameworks. Register the selected legal entity with the relevant UAE authority.  

3. Reserve and register a trade name  

Select a unique trade name for your tourism business.  

It should:  

  • Be distinctive and not previously registered  

  • Not violate UAE naming rules  

  • Match the nature of your business activity  

Register the name with the concerned authority (mainland or free zone).  

4. Obtain initial approval  

Submit your initial business details and documents to DET or the relevant free zone authority. Once reviewed, you will receive initial approval to proceed with the setup.  

5. Secure office space  

Office space plays an important role in tourism businesses. You can lease, buy, or opt for shared office or flexi-desk options.  

Your choice will depend on whether you are setting up in the mainland or a free zone. A location with good tourist footfall and business accessibility is recommended.  

6. Obtain DTCM approval  

Before applying for the tourism license, approval from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is mandatory. This approval will be required during the license application process.  

7. Apply for the tourism license  

Once you have all approvals and documents ready, apply for the tourism license through DET or the respective free zone authority.  

Steps include:  

  • Fill in the application form with personal and business details  

  • Attach the required documents  

  • Pay the applicable fees  

  • Submit the application  

Both DET and free zone authorities offer online portals for easy license applications.  

8. Complete post-license formalities  

After receiving your license:  

  • Apply for your UAE residence visa (if required)  

  • Open a corporate bank account  

  • Start your operations  

Also, invest in marketing, run campaigns, build social media presence, create a website, and reach your target audience.  

Ongoing compliance requirements  

Remember, the journey does not end with registration and licensing. Continuous compliance is equally important.  

Make sure to:  

  • Renew your license on time  

  • Renew visas before expiry  

  • Register for corporate tax and pay 9% tax on income exceeding AED 375,000  

  • Ensure AML and CFT compliance  

  • Register for VAT and file returns if eligible  

Start a tourism business in Dubai  

With a strong inflow of tourists, a favourable tax environment, easy business setup procedures, and world-class infrastructure, starting a tourism business in Dubai is a very promising opportunity.  

If you are looking for trustworthy guidance and end-to-end business support, consider getting in touch with Dubiz Business Setup. They have more than 8 years of company formation experience across the UAE. They can help you with your business license, bank account, visas, taxation, AML compliance, and ongoing legal matters.  

  

  

  

 

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