WhatsApp quoteDubai 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. A Dubai mainland licence, issued 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. Put simply, travel & Tourism Agency in Dubai means inbound and outbound travel, tour operating, ticketing and holiday packages, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. For Canadian business owners, the UAE is around 13 hours from Toronto from Ottawa, the UAE is 8 to 9 hours ahead of Toronto, and English is the working language.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. Just as important, 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.
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 a Canadian 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
Day to day, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Nothing is submitted for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport granted by Canada with at least six months' validity
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. For most clients, pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian 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 a Canadian founder and makes international pricing simple. In our experience, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many entrepreneurs choose it as a base for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder.
Why GoldenKey
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 Canadian founder happen the same day they are ready. Our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
Tell us about your plans for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Canadian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
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?
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Do Canadians need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No, it does not. You can apply for the licence from Canada with scanned supporting documents, and the investor UAE residence visa is processed afterwards.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
It can. Canadians can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
