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

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

How long does it take for an Indian 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my RAK ICC Travel & Tourism licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from RAK ICC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Offshore companies can open corporate accounts, though the choice of banks may be more limited. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

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.

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

The typical processing time for a travel & tourism licence at RAK ICC is 3 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 annual renewal costs for a Travel & Tourism business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The annual licence renewal for a Travel & Tourism RAK ICC company costs approximately AED 12,500, 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 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.

Travel & Tourism in RAK International Corporate Centre for Indian 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

The UAE continues to attract Indian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAK ICC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for travel & tourism operations. Largest expatriate community in the UAE (~3.5 million), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from RAK International Corporate Centre gives your Travel & Tourism business access to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities 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 travel & tourism businesses in RAK International Corporate Centre 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 RAK ICC for Travel & Tourism?

Choosing RAK ICC for your travel & tourism business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

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

Cost-effective offshore structure

Full foreign ownership

No tax obligation

Confidentiality protection

International business flexibility

Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days. For business setup, a proper residence visa is required. 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 Indian Business Owners

Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks. Many banks have dedicated Indian business desks. For your travel & tourism business in RAK ICC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Indian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any India-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through MEA (Ministry of External 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 India passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from DTCM

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

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

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

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 Indian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from India through MEA (Ministry of External 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. Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks.

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 Indian 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