Get Your Restaurant License in Dubai with PROBIZ

Opening a restaurant or cafe in Dubai is not just about getting one license. You need a commercial trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism, and you may also need Food Control approval from Dubai Municipality before you can legally cook, store, prepare or serve food.

PROBIZ helps restaurant owners, cafe investors, cloud kitchen operators and food business entrepreneurs complete the full setup process. We guide you with trade license requirements, kitchen layout approval, Food Control approval, Civil Defence requirements and other related authority steps.

What You Need to Open a Restaurant in Dubai

To legally open a restaurant, cafe or food outlet in Dubai, you usually need more than one approval. The exact requirement depends on your concept, location, business activity and whether you are opening a dine-in restaurant, cafe, cloud kitchen, bakery or food trading business.

• Trade License: This registers your company and food and beverage activity.
• Food Control Approval: This relates to Dubai Municipality food safety, kitchen layout, hygiene and food handling requirements.
• Kitchen Layout Approval: Your kitchen design may need to meet Municipality requirements before operations begin.
• Civil Defence Approval: Fire safety approval may be required depending on your premises and fit-out.
• Additional Approvals: Certain concepts may require extra approvals depending on the food activity, entertainment, delivery model or location.

Along with your restaurant trade license, you may also need Food Control approval in Dubai from Dubai Municipality before you can start handling, preparing or selling food.

Mainland or Free Zone Restaurant License?

For a public-facing dine-in restaurant or cafe, mainland is usually the better option because it allows you to serve walk-in customers across Dubai. Free zones may be suitable for some cloud kitchens, delivery-only kitchens or food trading businesses depending on the business model.

PROBIZ can help you decide the right structure based on your restaurant concept, target customers, location, visa needs and future expansion plans.

Documents Required for Restaurant License

The document requirement can change depending on your activity and jurisdiction, but the common documents may include:

• Passport copies of owners or shareholders
• Trade name reservation
• Initial approval
• Tenancy contract or Ejari
• Kitchen layout plan
• Menu or list of food items
• Landlord NOC, if required
• Pest control contract, if applicable
• Civil Defence-related documents, if required

How the Restaurant License Process Works

Step 1: Activity and Jurisdiction Check

We review your restaurant concept and confirm the right business activity, jurisdiction and approval route.

Step 2: Trade Name and Initial Approval

We help with trade name reservation, initial approval and the required company setup documents.

Step 3: Premises and Kitchen Layout Review

Once your premises is selected, the kitchen layout and related approval requirements are reviewed to avoid unnecessary rejection or delay.

Step 4: Food Control and Authority Coordination

PROBIZ helps coordinate Food Control approval, documentation and related authority follow-up.

Step 5: License Issuance and Ongoing Support

After approval, we support you with license issuance, visa processing, PRO services and bank account opening if required.

Cost of Restaurant License in Dubai

The cost of a restaurant license in Dubai depends on your activity, location, premises size, Food Control approval requirement, Civil Defence requirement, visa needs and other authority approvals.

Rent, fit-out, kitchen equipment, staff visas, insurance and optional approvals are separate from the basic licensing and approval cost.

Send us your restaurant concept on WhatsApp and PROBIZ will give you a clear quote based on your exact requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a restaurant license cost in Dubai?

The cost depends on your business activity, location, premises size, Food Control approval requirement, Civil Defence requirement, visas and other authority approvals. PROBIZ can give you a clear quote after reviewing your restaurant concept.

Is Food Control approval separate from my trade license?

Yes. Your trade license registers the company. Food Control approval from Dubai Municipality is a separate approval that allows you to legally cook, store, prepare and serve food. You need both before opening.

Can foreigners own 100% of a restaurant in Dubai?

Foreign investors can own a mainland restaurant in Dubai for many activities. The exact structure depends on the selected activity, jurisdiction and approval requirements.

Should I choose mainland or free zone?

For a public-facing dine-in restaurant, mainland is usually the better option because you can serve walk-in customers across Dubai. Free zones may be more suitable for cloud kitchens, delivery-only kitchens or food trading businesses depending on the model.

How long does the whole process take?

The timeline depends on your documents, premises readiness, kitchen layout approval, Food Control approval and inspection requirements. Delays usually happen when the trade license and Food Control approval are not managed properly together.

Do I need to secure a premises before applying?

You usually need premises details and tenancy-related documents before the kitchen layout can be reviewed. PROBIZ can guide you on what to check before signing a lease, so you do not choose a unit that creates approval problems.

Can PROBIZ handle this if I am outside the UAE?

Yes. PROBIZ can coordinate documents, submissions and authority follow-up for clients who are outside the UAE and planning to open a restaurant, cafe or food business in Dubai.

Which is the best location to open a restaurant in Dubai?

The best place to open a restaurant in Dubai depends on your target customers, budget, concept, foot traffic, delivery demand and licensing requirements. Popular areas for restaurants include Business Bay, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Deira, Karama and Al Barsha. Before choosing a location, PROBIZ can guide you on the trade license, tenancy, Food Control approval and Dubai Municipality requirements.

Call us now at +971503877111 . You can also email us at info@probiz.ae .