What documents does an American national need to start a travel & tourism business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your travel & tourism venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a travel & tourism company in KIZAD?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Travel & Tourism licence in KIZAD?

The typical processing time for a travel & tourism licence at KIZAD is 5 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.

What are the tax implications for a Travel & Tourism business in Khalifa Industrial Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in KIZAD may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Khalifa Industrial Zone good for travel & tourism start-ups?

KIZAD is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering industrial powerhouse and adjacent to khalifa port. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 12,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Travel & Tourism business in Khalifa Industrial Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Travel & Tourism KIZAD company costs approximately AED 10,000, 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Travel & Tourism business in KIZAD?

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.

Travel & Tourism in Khalifa Industrial Zone for American nationals

Free ZoneTourismRegulated Activity

Travel & Tourism in KIZAD

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Travel & Tourism

As an American national looking to establish a Travel & Tourism business in Khalifa Industrial Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. United States has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of American professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Abu Dhabi's commercial laws, your Travel & Tourism business will benefit from industrial powerhouse and adjacent to khalifa port. The KIZAD licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 10,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your travel & tourism setup in KIZAD. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why KIZAD for Travel & Tourism?

There are several compelling reasons why Khalifa Industrial Zone continues to attract travel & tourism entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers industrial powerhouse, which is particularly valuable for travel & tourism operations. Additionally, adjacent to khalifa port ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 12,000 per year for a office, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Massive land availability further enhances the appeal of KIZAD for travel & tourism professionals. Furthermore, purpose-built for manufacturing positions your travel & tourism business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, KIZAD remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established tourism enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Industrial powerhouse

Adjacent to Khalifa Port

Massive land availability

Purpose-built for manufacturing

Competitive infrastructure costs

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your travel & tourism licence is issued by KIZAD, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your travel & tourism business in KIZAD, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for travel & tourism), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to KIZAD.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

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

6Relevant industry experience documentation

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Travel & Tourism 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	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Office	12,000
Warehouse	25,000
Industrial Plot	50,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your travel & tourism business plan and the best KIZAD licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the travel & tourism licence application to KIZAD. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official KIZAD trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

Start Operations

Your travel & tourism business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. KIZAD allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including American nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Travel & Tourism 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