WhatsApp quoteA Dubai mainland licence, released 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. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Filipino entrepreneurs run thousands of UAE restaurants, salons, clinics and trading firms, which gives Filipino entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released. Day to day, the most common businesses Filipinos open through GoldenKey are in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and hospitality, although Dubai supports almost any activity.
Why Dubai
Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
In our experience, 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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
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.
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). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
For most clients, your Dubai mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Day to day, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder.
- Tourism department approval
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Educational certificates attested by the Philippines authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Philippines if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A bank statement from your Philippines 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
Pricing
The figures below for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino 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
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 Filipino founder for international founders. Crucially, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
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 Filipino founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with opening a travel agency in the UAE as a Filipino founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Filipino founder.
As we tell every client, 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 Filipino founder.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes, it can. 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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
As a rule, 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 — Filipinos can own 100% of a travel agency in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
What approvals does travel & tourism agency need?
DET (Dubai), DCT (Abu Dhabi) or local tourism authority; IATA for ticketing. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
