Dubai isn’t just a luxury destination anymore—it’s a global tourism hub. With visitor numbers rising and new visa reforms in 2025, more entrepreneurs are exploring the opportunity to launch travel-related businesses in the city.

But many assume a tourism license is simply a form submission. It’s not.
It involves approvals, insurance, documentation, and compliance.
This guide gives you a clear and updated roadmap.

What Is a Dubai Tourism License?

A tourism license Dubai allows you to run tourism-related activities in the mainland under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Depending on your business model, you may need:

Inbound Tour Operator License

For handling tourists arriving in Dubai.

Outbound Tour Operator License

For arranging international travel.

Travel Agency License

For ticketing, hotel bookings, and packages.

Combined Travel & Tourism License

For companies offering complete services.

This is one of the most in-demand activities in 2025 due to increased travel, events, and Dubai’s global positioning.

Why Tourism Is Growing in 2025

Factors driving the rise include:

• New tourism visas
  
• Expo City becoming a permanent attraction
  
• GCC-wide tourism integration
  
• Digital transformation by DET
  

This increasing demand has pushed more investors toward business setup in UAE, especially in the tourism sector.

Steps to Obtain a Tourism License in Dubai (2025)

Setting up a tourism company is similar to a mainland company setup Dubai, but with additional approvals.

Step 1: Select Your Tourism Activity

Your activity determines fees, documents, and required approvals. Choosing incorrectly causes delays or rejections.

Step 2: Choose a Legal Structure

Most companies choose an LLC because:

• Allows 100% foreign ownership
  
• Easy expansion across the UAE
  
• Supports visa quotas
  

This makes LLCs popular for entrepreneurs exploring corporate services Dubai and long-term tourism operations.

Step 3: Pick a Trade Name

It must:

• Reflect your activity
  
• Avoid restricted terms
  
• Be unique
  

Short, clear names get faster acceptance.

Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval

This confirms that DET has no objections to your company.
It’s not your license—just permission to proceed.

Step 5: Prepare the Required Documents

Tourism businesses need:

• Professional indemnity insurance
  
• A qualified tourism manager (if required)
  
• Notarized MOA
  
• Guarantee deposit for tour operator activities
  

Every detail must match your selected activity.

Step 6: Secure Office Space

Tourism companies must have a verified office space. Options include:

• Flexi desks
  
• Co-working offices
  
• Private offices
  

Your Ejari must match your commercial activity.

Step 7: Obtain External Approvals

Based on your business, you may need approvals from:

• DET
  
• Civil Aviation (for ticketing)
  
• Dubai Police
  
• GDRFA (for tourism visa support)
  

Skipping this step is one of the main reasons investors face delays in mainland license Dubai applications.

Step 8: Submit Documents & Pay Fees

You will submit:

• Passport copies
  
• Insurance
  
• Ejari
  
• Initial approval
  
• MOA
  
• Required guarantees
  

As of November 2025, fees typically range from AED 15,500 to AED 22,000.

Step 9: Receive Your Tourism License

Once approved, you can operate legally.
Next comes:

• Opening a bank account
  
• VAT registration
  
• Setting up booking or ticketing systems
  

Step 10: Apply for Visas

Tourism companies usually apply for:

• Establishment card
  
• Employee visas
  
• business visa Dubai for partners
  
• Immigration file
  

Dubai has increased visa quotas due to tourism workforce demand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most new businesses face issues because they:

• Select the wrong activity
  
• Forget insurance or guarantee requirements
  
• Use incorrect Ejari documents
  
• Skip aviation-related approvals
  
• Misunderstand DET compliance updates
  

These are avoidable with proper guidance.

How Neo Vision Corporate Helps

Neo Vision Corporate (https://neocorphub.com/) is a corporate business hub offering trusted corporate services in Dubai—including company formation in Dubai mainland, visa support, and tourism license setup.

They assist with:

• Accurate activity selection
  
• DET approvals
  
• Bank account assistance
  
• visa services in UAE for owners and employees
  
• Tourism compliance and documentation
  

Whether you’re opening a travel agency or a full service tour operator, they simplify the entire process.

Final Thoughts

A tourism license remains one of the strongest business opportunities in Dubai for 2025. The industry is expanding rapidly, and Dubai’s policies continue to support tourism investors.

If you want a smooth, compliant, and fast launch, work with professionals who understand the updated rules.

Ready to set up your tourism company? Neo Vision Corporate will guide you step by step so you can start confidently and grow faster.