Tourism License in Dubai

Getting a travel and tourism license in Dubai could be your best business decision. Why? Because UAE broke its own record in 2025 as its tourism industry reached USD 70 billion! DET’s official report says that Dubai welcomed over 17.55 million visitors in the year 2025. Making tourism business in UAE one of the most profitable ventures worldwide.

In this guide you will get step by step licensing process of tourism businesses for Dubai, whether you are applying through DET or a free zone authority. We will be also talking about the types of tourism licenses, cost of the license as well as tourism license in Dubai requirements. Thus, making you completely informed before you proceed with your UAE business formation.

What is a Dubai Tourism License?

Dubai tourism license is the legal permit to run any travelling and tourism related business in Dubai, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET-Dubai) or a local free zone authority.

Every individual or business operating in Dubai’s tourism sector, including tour operator, accommodation provider, transportation, inbound and outbound tourism, needs to hold a valid tourism license.

It ensures that they meet service standards established by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and builds customer trust.

Benefits of Tourism License in Dubai

Benefits of getting a Dubai tourism license are many including fast issuance, 100% foreign ownership, a promising market, and a solid business reputation. Here are some unique advantages:

Access to Dubai’s tourism industry:

Tourism industry in Dubai in booming and you can be a part of it:

• High tourist footfall: Millions of people visit Dubai every year, across all seasons. More visitors mean large client base, more income and high profit earning capacity.
• Specialized visitor categories: There is a growing scope for sustainable and medical tourism businesses in the UAE. If you are interested, you can grow in that niche.
• Growing demand for tourism activities: Activities like desert safari, city tour, skydiving, along with luxury shopping and stunning beaches, are gaining popularity in Dubai. Many international visitors wish to experience them, and you can help them plan.

Faster and efficient business setup:

It will take probably 1-3 weeks to get a tourism license in Dubai from DET or free zone, along with your residence visa, Emirates ID, and bank account setup. Here is what makes Dubai business setup efficient:

• Transparent and digitized processes: DET and free zones offer convenient online portals where you can apply for your tourism license and visa.
• Top notch infrastructure: Dubai’s roads, ports, office spaces, internet, and overall infrastructure is world class.

Massive government support:

UAE offers a regulatory framework and business environment that supports international entrepreneurs:

• Promotion of tourism sector: The UAE government relies heavily on tourism, as it contributes around 14% to its economy and generates major revenue. Therefore, the government strongly supports businesses operating in this sector.
• Strong political ties: The UAE has peaceful relations with most major countries, including Europe, China, the US, and India.
• Stable economy: The UAE’s massive sovereign funds (worth $2.49 trillion) and a fixed currency against the US dollar make it attractive for investment, given minimum financial risks, and high returns.
• 100% capital/profit repatriation: Foreign businesses can take back their capital to their home country without any deductions.

Credibility and global recognition for business:

Licensed tourism business is deemed to be more credible and trusted:

• Global status: Holding a Dubai license sends signals that your business follows best industry practices.
• Quality assurance: Your tourism license in Dubai is a proof that you follow best quality and safety standards.
• Legal compliance: Having a valid business license makes your business respected and accepted by law.

Who Must Apply for a Tourism License in Dubai?

Anyone interested in doing tourism and hospitality business in UAE can apply for a tourism license in Dubai, provided they meet legal requirements set by DTCM and licensing authority.

Below given are few common examples of business establishments that must hold travel and tourism license in UAE:

• Travel agencies: Companies or professionals that plan complete tourist itineraries and arrange travel packages.
• Hotels and accommodation services: Establishments that provide lodging and stay facilities to visitors in Dubai.
• Transportation services: Transportation businesses that offer vehicle and car rental services to tourists, often with designated drivers.
• Restaurants: Dining establishments where food and beverages are served to tourists.
• Guest houses: Includes vacation home rentals and guest house services for visitors.
• Event organizers: Organizers and planners of tourism related events and exhibitions.
• Luxury concierge services: Luxury limousine services for high-profile travellers and business executives.
• Adventure planners: Businesses that organize fun adventure activities such as skydiving and desert safaris.
• Tour guides: Professionals who assist international tourists with booking flight tickets and arrange accommodation, meals, and show them around.

Remember, if you are also planning to start any such business setup in Dubai, then holding a tourism license is compulsory. Now question arises: What can be done with tourism license in UAE? Which one will best suit your Dubai business? Let us understand that in the next section.

What are the Types of Tourism License in Dubai?

According to DTCM, the types of tourism license in Dubai includes inbound tourism license, outbound tourism license, and travel agency license. They cover a wide range of hospitality services, and you can choose the one that matches your desirable business activities.

Below given are the major types of tourism business license in Dubai along with their respective activities:

Inbound tourism license (Inbound tour operator):

An inbound tourism license is issued to companies that organize and conduct domestic tours within the UAE. These companies cater to international tourists visiting UAE.

• Services include processing visa applications, arranging travel services, hotel accommodations, and organizing conferences and events.
• Surge of tourism in Dubai makes inbound tour operator license a popular choice.

Outbound tourism license (Outbound tour operators):

With an outbound tourism license, businesses can help UAE residents as well as international visitors plan trips to other countries.

• Services are similar to inbound operators: creating international tour packages, arranging flights, planning accommodations, and preparing itineraries.
• Outbound operators facilitate tours to destinations outside UAE while as inbound operators facilitate trips within UAE.

Travel agency license (Tour and travel agents):

If a company wants to provide both inbound and outbound tourism services, then they can get travel agency license in Dubai.

• Travel agents organise trips to both UAE and to rest of the foreign countries.
• Full spectrum of tourism services, including ticketing, lodging, meals, transportation, visa handling, travel insurance, and much more.
• Suitable for those targeting broader business scope.

Tour guide license:

A DET tour guide license allows individuals to legally work as tour guide professional in UAE. It is indeed an exciting job where you can introduce tourist and international visitors to Dubai’s iconic history.

• Dubai tour guide license remains valid for 2 years.
• Applicants need to complete training program and sit down for an exam. Upon successful completion, DTCM will issue their tour guide license.
• They should be able to speak English or Mandarin
• Tour guides must work under a tour company. They cannot deal directly with tourists.

How to Apply for Tourism License in Dubai?

Applying for tourism license in Dubai includes the following steps:

1. Determine type of tourism license

The first and most important step is to identity the tourism activity you want to conduct and what type of license you will need. You can choose to be tour operator, travel agency, transportation company, or some other.

2. Choose mainland or free zone

You can get tourism license in UAE mainland or in free zones.

• In mainland: Enjoy access to the entire UAE market. You can now get 100% business ownership as a foreigner on the mainland just like free zones. However, it may include higher setup costs.
• In free zone: You can qualify for corporate tax exemption and pay 0% corporate tax. Free zones have in-built business communities, and the setup process takes lesser time.

3. Decide the legal structure

Next, you must select the legal structure for your tourism business. Legal structure defines how a business is owned, managed, and taxed. In UAE, these are the most common business structures:

• Limited liability company: A company owned by group of shareholders (maximum 50). They are liable for business’s debts to limited extent.
• Sole proprietorship: A single person starts a business, owning its profits and losses individually. You can choose this structure for your tourism venture if you want to go solo.
• Branch office: If you have an existing tourism business in some other foreign country, you can open its branch easily in Dubai.

4. Get trade name registered

Choose a suitable business name, one which fulfils Dubai naming rules. Here are some rules to watch out for:

• You cannot copy others. Therefore, it must not be already taken.
• It should respect religious and moral sentiments.
• Similarity to any government authorities’ name leads to instant rejection.
• Your name and business nature must match. You name cannot be XYZ pet shop, if you are an IT company.

5. Obtain the initial approval

For any kind of UAE business license, including a tourism license in Dubai, initial approval remains equally important. It is like getting the first green signal from the government that you can proceed with licensing.

Wondering who issues initial approval for license in Dubai? It is DET in mainland and respective authority in free zone.

6. Secure office space

A physical office space will be required in case of mainland license. DET often inspects the proposed office space. In fact, the number of visas your company can apply for (visa quota) relies on the office size in most of the cases.

On the other hand, in free zones, companies may get the flexibility to operate from a virtual address/flexi desk.

7. Get DTCM approval

Following initial approval and office space arrangement, you must get NOC from DTCM. The authority confirms that you satisfy the special requirements for relevant tourist activity.

8. Apply for Dubai tourism license

Once you receive NOC from DTCM, you can confidently apply for the tourism license with DET or respective free zone. The process involves submitting license application and some documents (like your passport copy, passport photo, list of business activity, tenancy contract, etc.).

The concerned licensing authority will review your application. After everything is found to be in line, your license will be issued without any delays.

9. Obtain necessary UAE residence visa

UAE residence visa is necessary for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Dubai. They can also obtain visas for their dependents and staff.

UAE residence visa application includes these steps:

1. An entry permit is issued to applicant
2. On arrival in UAE, applicant completes medical tests and background checks
3. Emirates ID and biometrics are completed
4. An application for a residence visa (business visa, investor visa, family visa, or employment visa) is submitted
5. Upon approval, the visa is issued and foreigner’s legal stay in the UAE begins!

10. Set up corporate bank account

Every business in Dubai needs to have its own bank account (no, we are not talking about the owner’s personal account!). A corporate bank account is opened in the name of the company and is an essential requirement for all transactions and financial dealings.

You will need to request for one at UAE bank. The process can be a little complex, so we recommend contacting one of our business experts in Dubai.

11. Create attractive tour packages

You can offer unique and personalized tour packages that cater to different interest and preferences of visitors. Also, think about bundle offers like family packages, couple special packages, that will make your services more appealing.

For example, someone is visiting Dubai from India on a business trip. You can offer a package where they get ticketing done, hotel room bookings, a car with a driver, and food arrangements. There can also be add-ons, such as city tour planned during their leisure time.

12. Promote business and attract visitors!

Get social media accounts setup like Instagram handle and Facebook page for your tourism business.

Create engaging posts, shoot interesting reels displaying beauty of destination, run ads, participate in local events and network with industry people. Given the tourism potential of Dubai, your business could do well.

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What is DTCM and why should you care about them?

DTCM stands for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, which is a government authority regulating Dubai’s tourism sector.

So, if you are planning to start any travel, tourism, or hospitality business in Dubai, you will be dealing with DTCM, as it issues the approval for tourism license in Dubai.

Documents Required for UAE Tourism License

Here are the basic documents required for a tourism business license in UAE:

• Completed license application form
• Copy of passport (6 months validity)
• Recent passport size photos
• Trade name registration certificate
• NOC from DTCM
• NOC from Civil Aviation Authority (in some cases)
• Your business plan (may be required)
• Office lease contract

Documents may vary based on your tourism business activity in UAE.

And these are documents required to become a licensed tour guide:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Attested education certificate (minimum high school)
• NOC from their sponsor
• First aid certificate
• Dubai police clearance certificate

Travel and Tourism License Cost in Dubai

The average tourism license cost in Dubai starts from AED 14,000*, but it can be less or more depending on company structure, license type, business location, and other factors.

While selecting a license package for tourism business setup in Dubai, you must be also prepared to pay for some essential services. Here is a breakdown:

Please note that costs are subject to variations. You can get customized company setup packages according to your budget and service requirement, from our experts.

Process of Tourism License Renewal in Dubai

Dubai tourism license is typically valid for one year after which it needs to be renewed to stay operational. Here are the steps of renewal process:

• Apply for renewal: You can apply for tourism license renewal through DET or respective free zone authority. They offer online portals for convenient applications. Submit the necessary documents including copy of existing trade license. Pay the renewal fees.
• Get refreshed approvals: During the renewal process, you will need to get the NOC from DTCM again. This ensures your business is compliant with all new rules and updates in tourism regulations.
• Receive renewed Dubai tourism license: The authority will conduct the reviews and inspections as may be required, and on approval, your tourism license will be renewed.

Pro tip: Start your renewal process at least a month before license expiry to avoid last minute panic.

Dubiz Can Help You Get Tourism license in UAE, Faster!

Dubiz Business Setup can help you secure your tourism license in UAE much efficiently. We have mainland and free zone business experts who have substantial knowledge about local business laws and procedures. They can help you start your entrepreneurial journey in Dubai hassle free.

• Instant trade licensing
• Residence visa application
• Strong ties with UAE authorities and banks
• End-to-end UAE company setup
• PRO and document clearance services
• Business bank account opening
• Tax and accounting services

Once we get your business established, we can also help you with ongoing legal compliance. Our goal is to help you start as well as thrive in UAE markets.

Get your tourism license in Dubai today:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)