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. 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. In short, payments between Germany and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle without delay and UAE banks are familiar with German business profiles. For most clients, travel agencies need approval from the emirate's tourism department and a bank guarantee. Inbound tour operators in Dubai register with DET and must employ a licensed tour guide for guided activities.
Why Dubai
Popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. Ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder is audit-ready.
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). If the authority raises a query on opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
In practice, gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder.
- A bank statement from your Germany bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport issued by Germany with at least six months' validity
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German 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
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 German founder predictable. Importantly, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder for international entrepreneurs.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. 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 German founder. On the ground, 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 German founder happen the same day they are ready.
Importantly, if you would like a written quotation for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a German founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
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.
Do Germans need a UAE visa before applying for Dubai?
No. You can apply for the licence from Germany with scanned supporting documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Germans can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
