WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Importantly, typical examples of this activity include inbound tour operator, outbound travel agency, visa and ticketing and destination management, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence. External approvals for travel & tourism agency are: DET (Dubai), DCT (Abu Dhabi) or local tourism authority; IATA for ticketing.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Instant Licence lets some activities start within minutes with a one-year office exemption.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs. Nothing is submitted for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). For opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
The document list for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your Australia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A police clearance certificate from Australia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Educational certificates attested by the Australia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A passport granted by Australia with at least six months' validity
Pricing
From day one, the figures below for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Day to day, pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder and makes international pricing simple. In short, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. As a rule, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder. Our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
Put simply, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a travel agency in the UAE as an Australian founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
To be clear, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Australians can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can my family from Australia join me?
As a rule, once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
