Open a Travel Agency in Ireland

Tourism industry in Ireland

Tourism is among the most thriving industries in Ireland which is why many foreign investors come to open travel agencies in the country. The Government also supports the development of this industry by providing different types of incentives, among which is also the Travel Agent's Margin Scheme under which Irish companies can benefit from VAT deductions on services related to tourism. You can find out all the relevant information about this subsidy from our specialists in company registration in Ireland.

Legislation related to providing tourism services in Ireland

The main legal framework under which local and foreign investors can set up tourism agencies in Ireland is the Transport Act of 1982. The law was amended in 1995 when the Package Holiday and Travel Trade Act was introduced. Under this legislation, any individual wanting to open a travel agency in Ireland must obtain a special license with the Travel Trade Licensing Commission for Aviation Regulation. The following types of licenses are available for opening an Irish travel agency:

• -          a tour operators license,
• -          a travel agents license.

It must be taken into consideration that the application for a tour operators or travel agents license depends on whether the applicant is a limited liability company or a sole trader. The minimum share capital for a limited liability company to start a tourism agency is 25,000 euros. Our Irish agents in company incorporation can provide you with information about the different requirements for all types of business entities registering as tourism agencies.

Obtaining a travel agents license in Ireland

The first step towards opening a travel agency is to register the company with the Companies Registration Office in Ireland. Afterwards, one must apply for the travel agents license which will grant the applicant the possibility to:

• -          sell tourism packages based on commissions,
• -          provide travel packages outside Ireland by land, sea or air,
• -          to accept payments related to the sale of tourism packages.

The travel agents license has a 12-month validity period, but it can be renewed.

For complete information about the documents required to obtain a travel agents license and related fees you can contact our Irish consultants in company formation.