WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. GoldenKey helps business owners compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Crucially, the most common businesses Dutch nationals open through GoldenKey are in logistics, agri-tech, water technology and trading, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Put simply, dutch nationals are an active community in logistics, water, agriculture technology and trading, so the Dubai authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Dutch applications every day and process them without hesitation.
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. 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.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
To be clear, 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
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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
Just as important, your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder is audit-ready.
Documents required
The document list for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Netherlands if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
Pricing
All prices for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
As a rule, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, so so many founders choose it as a base for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder for traders, consultants, tech company owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast. As we tell every client, our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. In our experience, 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 Dutch founder happen the same day they are ready.
Tell us about your plans for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Dutch founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
For most clients, 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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
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.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
It can. Dutch 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.
Which licence type covers travel & tourism agency?
Travel & Tourism Agency is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
