WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. In short, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. GoldenKey has licensed travel agency businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Importantly, typical examples of this activity include inbound tour operator, outbound travel agency, visa and ticketing and destination management, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
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. As a rule, 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
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
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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder is audit-ready.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In short, 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
For most clients, your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder in real time.
Documents required
Importantly, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder.
- A bank statement from your Pakistan bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- 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
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. On the ground, pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Put simply, 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 Pakistani founder. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
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 Pakistani founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. As we tell every client, our quotations for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Pakistani founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. On the ground, most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
From day one, 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 Pakistani founder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
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.
Which licence type covers travel & tourism agency?
As a rule, travel & Tourism Agency is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Is travel & tourism agency allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Pakistanis can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
