Which format fits
Tourism activity in Dubai is licensed by the relevant department. If you send clients to different countries from an online platform, the format and licence may differ. Check the current requirements.
What to pay attention to
- Licences and requirements differ for a travel agency and a tour operator.
- Client payments and settlements with suppliers mean a large turnover through the account.
- Contracts with hotels and carriers are more conveniently signed by the company.
Structure and asset protection
The operating company sells tours and is answerable to clients. The brand and the platform are held by a holding company. With several destinations, several companies can be used.
The overall logic of the structure is described on the page “Asset protection and ownership structures”.
Bank account
The bank needs contracts with suppliers, sample itineraries and the procedure for settlements with clients. Some payments go through online acquiring.
More: bank account opening.
Common mistakes
- Operating without a tourism licence
- Client deposits are not separated from the company’s own funds
Where to start
Tell us about your business. We will review your situation and propose a company format, a jurisdiction and an ownership structure. You can compare the options in the article “Free zone or mainland”, and costs are covered in the article “How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai”.
Regulations and licensing requirements change. Current conditions must be verified before launch. The decision to open an account is made by the bank. Tax consequences depend on your residency.