Get Cafeteria license in Dubai, UAE

Cafeteria license in Dubai, UAE

Starting a small café or cafeteria in the UAE has become a popular business choice, especially as more entrepreneurs look into the cafeteria license cost in Dubai, and the demand is growing faster than ever. Dubai’s café culture is strong. Coffee is a traditional part of hospitality in the UAE, and the rise of new malls, hotels, and residential communities has created even more opportunities for food businesses. 

If you’re planning to open your own cafeteria, understanding the licensing process, required approvals, the license to open a cafe, and the actual setup costs will help you make the right decisions. 

This page will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a cafeteria license, the costs involved, and how Dhanguard can help you set up your café without stress.

Cafeteria License in UAE

Cafeteria license in UAE is mandatory for anyone who wants to open and legally operate a cafe or small food outlet in UAE. Whether you're planning a cafeteria, a coffee shop, or a small restaurant, you must first secure the right approvals. 

This license allows you to manage and run your café anywhere in Dubai or a free zone. It falls under the Restaurants and Coffee Shops activity group and is issued by the DED. If you're exploring the license to open a cafe, this is the primary requirement that ensures your business is fully compliant and ready to operate in the UAE.

Cafeteria License Cost in Dubai

The cafeteria license cost in Dubai depends on several factors, the approvals you need, and the type of food outlet you want to operate. Here’s what affects the cost and process:

• You must get two main approvals: a food license and a trade license.
• The Food and Safety Department issues the food license to make sure your café follows all health and safety rules.
• The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing issue the trade license.
• Every approval is important. Missing any step can lead to fines or even the temporary closure of your café.
• The cafeteria license cost in Dubai depends on the type of café you want to open, the location (mainland or free zone), and any extra permits needed for your menu or services.
• After completing all approvals, you can legally operate your cafeteria anywhere in Dubai.

Obtain Construction Plan Approval

Follow the food and safety department's guidelines to the letter, and obtain clearance for your construction plans.

• License for the release of food consignments.
• Pork permits are required to handle and serve pork products.
• Permit for delivering food products by vehicle.

Sign a lease agreement with the landlord.

Negotiating a reasonable rent and occupancy cost is crucial. Signing a lease agreement with your landlord is a need for obtaining a cafeteria license in Dubai.

All documents must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development.

The submission of essential documentation to DED Dubai is the final stage in your application for a cafeteria license in Dubai. 

Some of the documents required for the license to open a cafe are as follows:

For Blueprints of the Restaurant:

• the space for food processing and storage
• the sanitary spaces such as restrooms
• the windows and ventilation system
• the location of the equipment used to process the food
• the entry and exit passages
• the location of the washing machines

For Food License Approval from the Food & Safety Department

• the first approval issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)
• the layout of the premises
• approval from the Planning Department, if the restaurant is to be located outside a shopping center

Trade License approval

• a license application signed by the company managers or their legal representatives
• a Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• attested company name approval letter from the DED
• passport copy of management partners.

Certificate of No Objection

Apply to the Food Safety Department in Dubai for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) on a food product establishment trading license.

Food Safety Requirements

The cafeteria must receive licenses such as the following to assure food safety:

• a license to release food on consignment
• For handling and serving pork products, you'll need a pork permit.
• a permit for transporting food products in a vehicle

These approvals are essential for smooth operations and also influence how much cost for cafeteria license in Dubai, since additional permits can affect your overall setup expenses.

How will Dhanguard Assist you?

Starting a cafeteria in Dubai comes with a lot of steps, from meeting safety rules to getting the right approvals. Many new business owners find the process confusing at first, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Dhanguard helps you understand the cafeteria license cost in Dubai, guides you through each requirement, and takes care of the paperwork needed for the license to open a cafe.

With strong competition in the food and beverage sector, proper planning and the right support can make a big difference. Our team works closely with you, making sure every approval, permit, and document is handled smoothly. This way, you can focus on building your café, choosing your menu, and preparing for your customers.

Dhanguard is here to make the journey easier, clearer, and completely hassle-free. Reach out to us anytime for guidance or support as you take the next step toward your new café business.