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

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your travel & tourism venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a travel & tourism company in RAK ICC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

What are the tax implications for a Travel & Tourism business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Offshore entities are generally exempt from UAE corporate tax on income earned outside the UAE. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

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

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.

Is RAK International Corporate Centre good for travel & tourism start-ups?

RAK ICC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering cost-effective offshore structure and full foreign ownership.

How much does it cost to set up a Travel & Tourism business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The total setup cost for a Travel & Tourism business in RAK ICC starts from approximately AED 12,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 0 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What business activities can I include on my RAK ICC licence?

Your RAK ICC licence can include travel & tourism as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Travel & Tourism in RAK International Corporate Centre for Egyptian nationals

OffshoreTourismRegulated Activity

Travel & Tourism in RAK ICC

Starting From

AED 12,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Travel & Tourism

As an Egyptian national looking to establish a Travel & Tourism business in RAK International Corporate Centre, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Egypt has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Egyptian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As an offshore entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Travel & Tourism business will benefit from cost-effective offshore structure and full foreign ownership. The RAK ICC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,500.

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

Why RAK ICC for Travel & Tourism?

There are several compelling reasons why RAK International Corporate Centre continues to attract travel & tourism entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective offshore structure, which is particularly valuable for travel & tourism operations. Additionally, full foreign ownership ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. The offshore structure provides maximum confidentiality and is ideal for holding assets, intellectual property, and international trade operations. Many international businesses choose the offshore route for its streamlined compliance requirements and ability to open multi-currency bank accounts with leading UAE banks. No tax obligation further enhances the appeal of RAK ICC for travel & tourism professionals. Furthermore, confidentiality protection positions your travel & tourism business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAK ICC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established tourism enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Egyptian nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Egyptian business community.

Cost-effective offshore structure

Full foreign ownership

No tax obligation

Confidentiality protection

International business flexibility

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your travel & tourism licence is issued by RAK ICC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your travel & tourism business in RAK ICC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 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 RAK ICC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Relevant industry experience documentation

7Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

8Notarised power of attorney (if applicable)

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	12,500
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 12,500

* 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 RAK ICC licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAK ICC trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Travel & Tourism in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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