Procedure to start a travel agency in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is known as a prime destination for tourists around the world. For this reason, a travel agency in Dubai may be a smart business choice. Since the UAE is a preferred country for visitors, you can take advantage of this fact and open a travel agency to boost your income. In this article, we will explain the answer to: how can I start a travel agency in Dubai? For you to get the best advice for experts on business setup. This is the chance to start a promising business in the most solid economy of the Middle East. Let us observe: 1. Procedure to start a travel agency in Dubai The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was detrimental to the tourism sector in many cities. But, since there are no travel restrictions anymore, the number of tourists is expected to increase. In fact, the Tourism Vision 2020 of the UAE had a target of 20 million visitors and it is expected to reach that number within this year. For this reason, it is the best time to start a travel agency in Dubai and have a successful business. Moreover, the official statistics predict that the tourism sector will be among the most lucrative ones in the future, and it will create more than 700.000 jobs in the UAE. Travel agencies are a good business since they are constantly gaining new clients. Furthermore, with a tourism establishment, you can take advantage of the wonderful features and landscapes in Dubai to start making a profit. Starting a business in Dubai is a simple process, but if you do not have enough knowledge about the process, you may not know how to go through it successfully. Moreover, you have to make sure to comply with the requirements and the rules to ensure you do not have any trouble with the law. If you want to open a travel agency in Dubai you have to follow the next steps: 1.1 Determine your business activity The first step for opening your travel agency in Dubai is to establish your business activity. This refers to selecting the type of activities you are going to perform. For example, you may want to operate merely as a travel agency, or you want to work as an inbound tour operator or an outbound tour operator. It is important to determine what you want to offer to your clients since you will have to select this on your license application. However, there is the option to apply for the three types of activities in your license. This way you will have no limitations when it comes to the activities you want to perform. With an inbound operator license, you can offer tours within the city limits, while with an outbound operator license you can offer travel packages abroad. And, with a travel agent license, you can carry out several activities such as selling plane tickets, making hotel reservations, and more. For this reason, it is crucial to determine what you want to do and what you are going to offer to your clients. 1.2 Select a business name Every business in the UAE should have a trading name. However, you have to follow the rules so it can receive approval. You cannot use profanities or bad words in your company’s names, and neither registered trademarks nor your personal name. Moreover, if you want to include words such as “international”, “east”, and “global” you may have to pay an additional fee. In addition, you have to consider three different names, so when you submit your application you can get approval in case the first name is already taken by another company. 1.3 Business license application Once you have decided on your business name, you have to start the business licensing process. If you want to open a travel agency in Dubai, you have to apply at the DED. The DED is in charge of issuing trade or business licenses, which are important documents for establishing your business. Regardless of your sector, you need to have a business license to operate legally in the UAE. But, first, you need to prepare your documentation. Therefore, you have to consider which type of business entity you want to incorporate. Most business owners opt for an LLC since it gives more benefits. In this case, you will have to provide, along with your business license application, the Memorandum of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, NOCs, shareholders’ passport copies, and more. Some businesses may require additional or external approvals that are issued by relevant authorities. In the case of a travel agency, you have to request approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). 1.4 Tourism license application To obtain the tourism license for your travel agency in Dubai, you must apply at the DTCM and determine which additional license you want: inbound operator, outbound operator, or travel agent. But, keep in mind that you can receive the three types of licenses with a single application. You will need to submit additional documentation such as a business plan, clean criminal record certificate, and others. Once you receive your license you can start operating as a travel agency and getting clients to purchase your services. It is important to consider that the license has an expiration date, and you should renew it 30 days before it expires. Regarding the question “How much does a travel agency cost in Dubai?” It will depend on the type of activity and license, as well as the location you have chosen. You can rent an office in a business center. Consider additional expenses that will add up to the final cost. 1.5 Apply for employee visas To reside legally in the UAE, you need to have a residency visa. The best news is that with most Free Zones businesses comes visa eligibility. Therefore, you can get your investor visa and start operating in the country. Getting your business license is not the last step of the process, since you
