What does a Restaurant License in Dubai allow you to do?

A Dubai restaurant license allows you to prepare and serve food, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption by the public (dine-in and takeaway), subject to food safety approval and premises inspection.

Can a restaurant sell products under the same license?

Yes. Restaurants can sell activity-related items in non-commercial quantities (for example, sauces, coffee beans, or small packaged items linked to the menu). It must remain secondary to food service and not operate as a full retail or wholesale business.

What approvals are required to open a restaurant in Dubai?

You typically need trade name reservation, initial approval, a tenancy contract (Ejari), kitchen layout approval, and a food safety approval/inspection from Dubai Municipality before the final license is issued.

Which legal structure is best for a restaurant in Dubai?

Many restaurants choose an LLC for flexibility and liability protection. Other options may include sole establishment, branch, or free zone company depending on your business model and location.

How long does it take to get a Restaurant License in Dubai?

Timelines vary by location and approvals, but many restaurant setups complete licensing and food safety inspections within a few weeks once documents and layout drawings are ready.

Can foreigners own a restaurant in Dubai?

Yes. In many cases, Dubai regulations allow 100% foreign ownership for mainland restaurant businesses, depending on the activity and compliance requirements.

Do I need a separate food license in Dubai?

Yes. Along with the business/trade license, restaurants must obtain food safety approval (food license) based on kitchen design, hygiene standards, and a successful inspection.

Can a restaurant serve alcohol in Dubai?

Alcohol service is not covered by a standard restaurant license. A separate alcohol permit is required, and approvals depend on the venue type, location, and authority regulations.

Restaurant License in Dubai

The Restaurant License in Dubai offers a complete and affordable solution to legally trade, import, export, and operate internationally & Locally.

Complete Setup, Food License Rules, Costs & Legal Requirements

Dubai has become one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. Tourists, residents, and business travelers constantly explore new dining experiences, making the restaurant industry one of the strongest sectors in Dubai. With supportive business laws, 100% foreign ownership, and a growing hospitality market, opening a restaurant in 2026 presents a powerful opportunity.

This guide explains how to obtain a Restaurant License in Dubai, the legal requirements, approvals, and how to stay compliant under UAE food safety regulations.

Package Details of Restaurant License

Dubai Mainland Professional Business License
License will be issued from Dubai Economic Department ( DED/ Dubai Mainland)
Eligible for Investor Visas
Eligible For upto 3 to 6 Employee Visa Quotas depending upon labor Approval

What a Ladies Restaurant License Covers in Dubai

This activity covers restaurants in Dubai that have proper kitchen facilities to cook and serve meals, snacks, and drinks for customers to consume on-site or takeaway. It allows normal food service operations, while permitting small sales of related items like sauces or coffee. It does not cover food manufacturing, wholesale trading, or large-scale retail sales.

Why Open a Restaurant in Dubai?

Dubai is known for global cuisine, fine dining, cafés, food trucks, and cloud kitchens. The city’s diverse population creates strong demand for:

Local Emirati cuisine
International restaurants
Specialty cafés
Quick-service dining
Fine-dining establishments

Tourism, luxury lifestyle, and a fast-growing population keep the food and beverage sector expanding every year.

Dubai Mainland Professional Restaurant license

11,500

Dubai Mainland Professional Business License
Ladies Haircutting & Hair Dressing Activity
Free Company Stamp
Free Business Logo Design
100% ownership of the company
Free 5 Business Email With Domain & Hosting
Free Digital Business Bank Account Assistance
Complete Documentation

T & C Apply *
Yearly Renewal

What is a Restaurant License?

A Restaurant License allows you to legally prepare, cook, serve, and sell food and beverages to the public in the United Arab Emirates. It is issued after commercial registration and food safety approval.

This license is required for:

Restaurants
Cafés and coffee shops
Food trucks
Catering kitchens
Quick-service outlets

Types of Restaurant License in Dubai

License Type	Description
Restaurant & Café License	Full dining restaurants and coffee shops
Floating Restaurant License	Restaurants operating on water vessels
Multi-Restaurant Center	Food courts and multiple-brand kitchens
Mini Store & Restaurant	Small food retail and takeaway shops

Benefits of Opening a Restaurant in Dubai

High Market Demand
Dubai has a strong dining culture driven by tourism, expats, and residents who frequently eat out.

Profitable Industry
Food businesses generate steady daily cash flow when managed well.

Global Customer Base
You serve customers from different nationalities and food preferences.

Business Expansion Opportunities
You can open branches, franchises, or cloud kitchens.

Visa Benefits
Investor visa, staff visas, and family sponsorship available.

Brand Growth
Restaurants build strong brand identity and social media visibility.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Restaurant License

Choose Jurisdiction

Mainland or Free Zone (most restaurants choose mainland for walk-in customers).

Reserve Trade Name

The business name must comply with UAE naming laws.

Initial Approval

Owner details and activity approval are reviewed.

Secure Location

Sign tenancy contract and obtain Ejari registration.

Kitchen Plan Submission

Submit technical drawings for approval.

Food Code Compliance

The menu and food type must match safety classifications.

Final Inspection

Authorities inspect the premises before issuing the food license.

Legal Structures to Consider When Opening a Restaurant in Dubai

Before launching a restaurant, investors must choose a suitable legal structure. Each structure defines ownership, liability, and operational flexibility.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) The most common option for restaurants; offers liability protection and allows multiple shareholders.
Sole Establishment Ideal for single owners managing small-scale food outlets.
Civil Company Suitable for professional partnerships.
Branch of a Foreign Company Allows international brands to expand into Dubai.

Why Choose EBMS Business Services?

Launching a business in Dubai involves multiple approvals and technical compliance. EBMS simplifies the entire journey:

Trade license processing
Food safety approvals
Layout submission
Visa services
Bank account setup
End-to-end business setup

EBMS specializes in UAE mainland and free zone company formation, ensuring a smooth and compliant setup.

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