Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Tourism License Setup, UAE
Tour operator, travel agency or tour guide licence, matched to your activity and issued through DET.
Free, no-obligation consultation on licence type and structure.
A tourism licence in Dubai covers activities such as inbound and outbound tour operation, running a travel agency, or working as an individually licensed tour guide. DET (the Department of Economy and Tourism) is the licensing authority, having absorbed the tourism licensing function previously handled by the DTCM. Tour guides typically need activity-specific training or a recognised badge alongside their licence. Renewal needs to be completed on schedule, since late renewal can affect your ability to legally continue operating until the licence is reinstated. Contact our team for a tailored quote once your specific tourism activity is confirmed.
Why It Matters
A Dubai tourism licence covers different activities depending on whether you run inbound or outbound tours, operate a travel agency, or work as an individually licensed tour guide. DET (the Department of Economy and Tourism) is the licensing authority, having absorbed the tourism licensing function previously handled by the DTCM. Choosing the right sub-type and staying on top of renewal avoids operating gaps.
Choosing Your Licence Sub-Type
Covers inbound tour operation for visitors coming to Dubai, and outbound tour operation for UAE residents travelling abroad.
Covers ticketing, package sales and travel arrangement services as a licensed travel agency.
An individual licence for tour guides, typically requiring relevant training and a recognised guide badge.
DET (the Department of Economy and Tourism) issues and regulates tourism licences, having absorbed the former DTCM function.
Timely renewal keeps your licence active and avoids an operating gap.
Before You Apply
Confirm whether tour operator, travel agency or tour guide licensing fits your activity.
Confirm any training or guide badge requirement applicable to tour guide licensing.
Prepare your application for DET as the licensing authority.
Plan your renewal timeline to avoid a licence lapse.
Getting Started
Decide between tour operator, travel agency or tour guide licensing.
Define whether your activity is inbound, outbound, or both.
Submit your preferred company or licence name for approval.
File your tourism licence application with supporting documents.
Meet any training or badge requirement for tour guide licensing.
Confirm your business address for licence issuance.
Obtain your licence once DET approval is complete.
Set a reminder ahead of your renewal date to avoid a lapse.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Setup cost | Varies by licence sub-type and activity scope, contact us for a tailored quote |
| Licensing authority | DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) |
| Licence sub-types | Tour operator (inbound/outbound), travel agency, tour guide |
| Renewal | Required on schedule to avoid an operating gap |
| Nationality requirement | Open to any nationality |
No price figure is published for tourism licence setup on this page, since cost depends on your licence sub-type and activity scope. Contact our team for a tailored quote.
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment