WhatsApp quoteFor most clients, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. A Dubai mainland licence, granted 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. GoldenKey has Nigerian clients from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, and our consultants understand the paperwork granted in Nigeria and how to attest them for the UAE. From day one, payments between Nigeria and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Nigerian naira (NGN) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Nigerian business profiles.
Why Dubai
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. 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
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.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Day to day, 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. For opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Nothing is submitted for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Documents required
Importantly, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the Nigeria authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- 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
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A bank statement from your Nigeria bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian 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
Put simply, 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 Nigerian founder for international founders. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder.
Why GoldenKey
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 Nigerian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. 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 Nigerian founder happen the same day they are ready.
Crucially, ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Nigerian founder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
From day one, 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.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
From day one, 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.
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.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Nigerians 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 most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
