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. GoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. To be clear, typical examples of this activity include inbound tour operator, outbound travel agency, visa and ticketing and destination management, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. Just as important, 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. 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.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. If the authority raises a query on opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
From day one, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder.
Documents required
For opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your Denmark bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A police clearance certificate from Denmark if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision. As a rule, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Importantly, 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 Danish founder happen the same day they are ready.
For most clients, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Danish founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Just as important, 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
In our experience, 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.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
It can. Danes 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 I combine travel & tourism agency with other activities?
In practice, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
