WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. As we tell every client, belgians are a compact community with strength in diamonds, logistics and pharmaceuticals, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Belgian applications every day and process them without hesitation. The most common businesses Belgians open through GoldenKey are in diamond trading, logistics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In practice, 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). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
In short, your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Tourism department approval
- A passport granted by Belgium with at least six months' validity
- Educational certificates attested by the Belgium authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Belgium if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment. The figures below for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder predictable. Day to day, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. For most clients, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder happen the same day they are ready. 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 a Belgian founder.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Belgian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
In practice, 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.
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?
Day to day, 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.
Do Belgians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Belgium with scanned documents, and the investor UAE residence visa is completed afterwards.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Belgians can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
