Travel & Tourism in RAK Mainland for Italian nationals
MainlandTourismRegulated Activity

Travel & Tourism in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Travel & Tourism

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAK DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for travel & tourism operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from RAK Mainland gives your Travel & Tourism business access to Ras Al Khaimah'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 travel & tourism businesses in RAK 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 RAK DED for Travel & Tourism?

Choosing RAK DED 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 setup, which is particularly valuable for travel & tourism operations. Additionally, industrial land availability 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 RAK DED for travel & tourism professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth 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 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 Italian nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Cost-effective setup
Industrial land availability
Trade anywhere in the UAE
Tourism and hospitality growth
Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your travel & tourism licence is issued by RAK 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 Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your travel & tourism business in RAK DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. 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 DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Completed application form for trade licence
5Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address
6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
7Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
8Passport-sized photographs with white background

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

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee5,500
Visa Package (per visa)3,200
Ejari Office5,000
Co-Working3,000
Private Office10,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 13,700

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

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

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

7

Start Operations

Your travel & tourism 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, Italian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including travel & tourism.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your travel & tourism in RAK DED? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionRAK DED
Typemainland
EmirateRas Al Khaimah
License FeeAED 5,500
Setup Time2 days
Visa Quota0
Activity Code79110

Official Source

www.rak.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

Ready to Start Your Travel & Tourism?

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