What documents does a Lebanese national need to start a hotel management business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Lebanon, attested documents via Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your hotel management venture.

How long does it take for a Lebanese citizen to set up a hotel management company in Ajman DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What documents do I need to set up a Hotel Management business in Ajman DED?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by DTCM. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

How much does it cost to set up a Hotel Management business in Ajman Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Hotel Management business in Ajman DED starts from approximately AED 5,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

How long does it take to get a Hotel Management licence in Ajman DED?

The typical processing time for a hotel management licence at Ajman DED is 2 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring DTCM approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Hotel Management company in Ajman Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including hotel management. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Hotel Management business in Ajman Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Hotel Management Ajman DED company costs approximately AED 5,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Hotel Management in Ajman Mainland for Lebanese nationals

MainlandTourismRegulated Activity

Hotel Management in Ajman DED

Starting From

AED 5,000

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ajman

About Hotel Management

The UAE continues to attract Lebanese entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Ajman DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for hotel management operations. Influential business community (~150,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Ajman Mainland gives your Hotel Management business access to Ajman's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from DTCM before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up hotel management businesses in Ajman Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Ajman DED for Hotel Management?

Choosing Ajman DED for your hotel management business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers most affordable mainland option, which is particularly valuable for hotel management operations. Additionally, fast licensing process ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in the UAE further enhances the appeal of Ajman DED for hotel management professionals. Furthermore, strategic northern emirates location positions your hotel management business for long-term success in the region. With Ajman continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Ajman DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established tourism enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Lebanese nationals specifically, the Ajman government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Lebanese business community.

Most affordable mainland option

Fast licensing process

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Strategic Northern Emirates location

Low operational costs

Visa Requirements for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your hotel management licence is issued by Ajman DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Lebanese Business Owners

Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles. Many have established successful businesses across various sectors. For your hotel management business in Ajman DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Lebanese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Lebanon-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for hotel management), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Ajman DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

7Completed application form for trade licence

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Regulatory Note: Hotel Management is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DTCM is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	5,000
Visa Package (per visa)	3,000
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	10,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 13,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your hotel management business plan and the best Ajman DED licence options for Lebanese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Lebanon through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the hotel management licence application to Ajman DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Ajman DED trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles.

Start Operations

Your hotel management business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Lebanese nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including hotel management.

Hotel Management in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750