A Dubai restaurant licence costs AED 40,000–70,000 (excluding fit-out) and takes 8–12 weeks from application to approval. The Dubai Municipality and Department of Tourism (DET) issue food establishment permits after you submit tenancy contracts, food-safety plans, and architectural drawings. Mainland and free-zone options are available; visa entitlements vary by structure.
Dubai Restaurant Licence 2026: What You Need to Know
Opening a restaurant in Dubai requires a food establishment licence issued by the Dubai Municipality and the Department of Tourism (DET). This is a Dubai business setup requirement that protects public health and ensures compliance with emirate hospitality standards. Whether you’re targeting mainland Dubai or a free zone, the licensing framework in 2026 follows strict food-safety, operational, and financial protocols.
Restaurant Licence Cost in Dubai: Full Breakdown
The total cost to establish a restaurant licence in Dubai falls between AED 40,000 and AED 70,000, depending on restaurant size, cuisine type, and location. This all-in figure includes:
| Component | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Business registration and trade licence | 2,000–5,000 |
| Dubai Municipality food permit | 15,000–30,000 |
| DET tourism classification and inspection | 10,000–20,000 |
| Health and safety certification | 5,000–10,000 |
| Labour and visa processing (if applicable) | 8,000–15,000 |
Request a free cost audit from DBS — email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for your exact restaurant type.
Timeline: How Long Does a Restaurant Licence Take?
Expect 8–12 weeks from initial application to final licence issuance. The timeline breaks down as follows:
- Weeks 1–2: Document preparation, tenancy contract (Ejari), and architectural plans.
- Weeks 3–4: Dubai Municipality pre-inspection and food-safety submission.
- Weeks 5–8: DET classification, health authority clearance, and site inspection.
- Weeks 9–12: Licence issuance and final approvals.
Delays occur if documents are incomplete or if site conditions require remediation. Our Dubai business setup consultants accelerate this by managing all submissions.
Required Documents and Approvals for Restaurant Licensing
The Dubai Municipality and DET require:
- Tenancy contract (registered with Ejari, Dubai Land Department).
- Architectural plans showing kitchen layout, storage, and customer seating.
- Food-safety and HACCP plan (hazard analysis and critical control points).
- Health and safety risk assessment (completed by an approved consultant).
- Passport and visa copy of the restaurant owner or beneficial stakeholder.
- Proof of capital injection (bank statement showing initial investment).
- Alcohol licence application (if serving alcoholic beverages — separate approval required).
Missing even one document delays approval by 2–4 weeks; DBS ensures 100% compliance on first submission.
Mainland vs. Free Zone: Which Is Right for Your Restaurant?
Mainland Dubai: Issued by Dubai Municipality and DET. Suitable if you target UAE nationals and tourists. Visa quota allows one visa per AED 5,000 monthly salary. Licence covers a single location; transferability requires full reapproval.
Free Zone: Options include Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Faster licensing (6–8 weeks), higher visa quota, and 100% foreign ownership. Cost is typically 15–20% higher due to zone administrative fees. Best for export-oriented or multinational restaurant concepts.
Alcohol Licence and Food Safety Approvals
If you serve alcohol, you must apply for a separate alcohol licence from the Dubai Municipality Licensing Department. This requires:
- Proof of premises ownership or long-term tenancy (minimum 3 years).
- Approval from the Department of Tourism (DET).
- Attestation that the restaurant is at least 500 metres from a mosque (verified by authorities).
- Additional cost: AED 15,000–25,000 per licence class.
Food safety approvals come from the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department (part of the Dubai Health Authority). They inspect kitchen hygiene, cold storage, pest control, and staff certification. All kitchen staff must hold a valid food-handler certificate.
Visa Eligibility and Ownership Structure
Restaurant ownership in Dubai depends on your residency status and investment capacity. UAE nationals and GCC residents can own 100% of a mainland restaurant. Foreign investors must either partner with a UAE national (49% minimum stake) or establish operations in a free zone (100% foreign ownership allowed). Each restaurant generates one visa for every AED 5,000 of declared monthly salary; the Department of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues these after licence approval.
Visa planning is critical — talk to DBS about your ownership goal; WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a restaurant licence in Dubai in 2026?
Submit a completed application to the Dubai Municipality, including a registered tenancy contract, architectural plans, and food-safety plan. After Dubai Municipality approval, apply to the Department of Tourism (DET) for tourism classification. Both bodies conduct site inspections. Once all approvals are issued, collect your unified food establishment licence from the municipality. Timeline: 8–12 weeks. DBS handles all submissions to avoid delays.
What is the total cost to open a restaurant in Dubai?
Licensing costs AED 40,000–70,000 (all-in, excluding fit-out and equipment). This covers trade registration (AED 2,000–5,000), Dubai Municipality permit (AED 15,000–30,000), DET approval (AED 10,000–20,000), and health certification (AED 5,000–10,000). Additional costs depend on fit-out, kitchen equipment, initial inventory, and staff recruitment. Free-zone establishments cost 15–20% more due to administrative fees.
Which Dubai Municipality and food safety approvals does a restaurant need?
The Dubai Municipality issues the food establishment permit; the Dubai Health Authority (Food Safety Department) inspects premises and certifies compliance with hygiene standards. The Department of Tourism (DET) classifies the restaurant and validates tourism classification. All three bodies must sign off. Kitchen staff require valid food-handler certificates issued by an approved training provider. Licenses are renewed annually.
Can a restaurant in Dubai serve alcohol, and what licence is required?
Yes, restaurants can serve alcohol if they hold a separate alcohol licence from the Dubai Municipality. Requirements include a long-term tenancy (minimum 3 years), DET approval, and verification that the premises is 500+ metres from a mosque. Cost: AED 15,000–25,000 per licence class. Alcohol licences are issued only for on-premises consumption (not off-licences). Approval typically takes 4–6 additional weeks.
How long does restaurant licensing take in Dubai?
Expect 8–12 weeks from initial application to licence issuance. Weeks 1–2 involve document prep and Ejari registration; weeks 3–4 cover Dubai Municipality pre-inspection; weeks 5–8 involve DET classification and health clearance; weeks 9–12 are final approvals. Delays occur if documents are incomplete or site conditions need remediation. DBS reduces timelines by ensuring 100% compliance on first submission and following up with authorities.
Do I need a tenancy contract and Ejari before applying for a restaurant licence?
Yes. A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) from the Dubai Land Department is mandatory before submitting any licence application. The contract must be in the owner’s or nominated investor’s name and must be valid for at least 3 years if alcohol is served. Ejari registration costs AED 300–500 and takes 1–2 days. Without Ejari, the Dubai Municipality will not process your application.
Can foreign investors own a restaurant in Dubai, and do they get visas?
Foreign investors can own 100% of a restaurant in a free zone (DAFZA, JAFZA). On mainland Dubai, they must partner with a UAE national (minimum 49% stake). Each restaurant generates one visa per AED 5,000 declared monthly salary, issued by MOHRE after licence approval. Free-zone restaurants have higher visa quotas but require a UAE-based service agent and typically cost 15–20% more to license.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
