WhatsApp quoteA 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. Importantly, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. French brands and groups have a major footprint in the UAE, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Sorbonne campus, which gives French entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. In short, 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.
Why Dubai
Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. On the ground, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
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.
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Just as important, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
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. For opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
As we tell every client, the document list for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Tourism department approval
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
In our experience, the figures below for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- 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 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 French founder. 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 a French founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. 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 French founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. In our experience, 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 French founder.
Tell us about your plans for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a French 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.
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?
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. French nationals 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 France join me?
Once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
