A Dubai catering licence in 2026 costs AED 25,000–50,000 all-in, including DET registration, Dubai Municipality central kitchen approval, and food safety certification. You must operate from a dedicated central kitchen facility meeting HACCP standards and MOHRE staff regulations. Contact Dubai Business Services for rapid setup: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
What Is a Dubai Catering Licence?
A catering licence in Dubai is a food-service permit issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that allows you to prepare, store, and deliver meals to events, corporate offices, and private functions. Unlike restaurant licences tied to fixed locations, a Dubai business setup for catering grants flexibility across multiple client sites—provided all food preparation happens in an approved central kitchen. Dubai Municipality and Dubai Food Control Department oversee compliance.
Need a catering licence breakdown? WhatsApp Dubai Business Services at +971 54 332 2846.
Cost & Fee Structure: AED 25,000–50,000 All-In
Your total investment for a catering licence in 2026 includes:
| Cost Component | Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| DET Trade Licence (catering activity code) | 3,000–5,500 |
| Central Kitchen Approval (Municipality inspection & registration) | 2,000–4,000 |
| HACCP & Food Safety Certification | 1,500–3,000 |
| Staff Accommodation & Vehicle Registration | 5,000–10,000 |
| Professional Setup & Consultancy (DBS) | 8,000–12,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 25,000–50,000 |
Timeline typically runs 3–6 weeks with Dubai Business Services managing DET registration, municipality approvals, and compliance.
Central Kitchen Approval by Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality requires a dedicated, purpose-built central kitchen for all catering operations. This facility must feature separate zones for raw and cooked foods, refrigeration (4°C or below), and washing stations. The kitchen undergoes inspection to verify layout, equipment sterilisation, and staff hygiene protocols. Only after Municipality sign-off can you hold your DET trade licence.
Central kitchen standards unclear? Dubai Business Services handles inspections—contact us now.
Food Safety, HACCP & Compliance Standards
The Dubai Food Control Department mandates HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification for all catering entities. Your Dubai business setup consultants will guide you through hazard mapping, critical control points (e.g., cooking temperatures, cooling procedures), and corrective action protocols. Staff must complete food-safety training; records are audited annually. Non-compliance incurs fines up to AED 20,000 and licence suspension.
Staff Accommodation & Vehicle Permits
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) requires proof of staff accommodation—either on-premises, in a labour camp, or in approved residential facilities. Catering delivery vehicles must be registered with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and carry valid food-transport permits. Vehicles must include insulated compartments (minimum 8°C maximum storage). Annual vehicle inspection and labour accommodation certification are mandatory for licence renewal.
Food Delivery Licence Options in Dubai
If your catering operation includes food delivery to customers’ homes or offices, you need a separate food-delivery activity code from DET (in addition to catering). This adds AED 1,500–2,500 to your licence fee. Delivery staff must wear uniforms, undergo health screening, and carry food-handler certificates. Delivery zones may be restricted if you operate from a free-zone kitchen; mainland-based central kitchens have broader delivery coverage across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman via the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework.
Combining catering and delivery? Let DBS clarify activity codes and zones.
Next Steps: Fast-Track Your Setup
Dubai Business Services has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs through food-service licensing since 2009. We handle central kitchen registration, food-safety certification, staff permits, and DET approval—reducing your timeline to 3–6 weeks and cost uncertainty to transparent AED 25,000–50,000 all-in. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catering licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete catering licence costs AED 25,000–50,000 all-in. This covers DET trade registration (AED 3,000–5,500), Dubai Municipality central kitchen approval (AED 2,000–4,000), HACCP food-safety certification (AED 1,500–3,000), staff accommodation and vehicle permits (AED 5,000–10,000), and professional setup consultancy (AED 8,000–12,000). Costs vary by kitchen size and location.
Do I need a central kitchen for a catering licence in Dubai?
Yes, absolutely. Dubai Municipality requires a dedicated, purpose-built central kitchen for all catering operations. This must include separate zones for raw and cooked foods, approved refrigeration (4°C or below), and hand-washing stations. The kitchen undergoes inspection before your DET trade licence can be issued. Home-based or shared kitchens are not permitted.
What food safety approvals are required for catering services?
The Dubai Food Control Department mandates HACCP certification for all caterers. You must develop hazard-analysis plans, define critical control points (e.g., cooking temperatures, cooling), and establish corrective-action procedures. Staff must complete food-handler training, and all records are audited annually. Compliance costs AED 1,500–3,000; non-compliance incurs fines up to AED 20,000.
Can a catering company also do food delivery in Dubai?
Yes, but you need a separate food-delivery activity code from DET, adding AED 1,500–2,500 to your licence fees. Delivery staff must wear uniforms, hold health certificates, and carry food-handler permits. Vehicles require insulated compartments (8°C maximum storage) and RTA registration. Mainland-based kitchens allow delivery across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman under FTA rules.
What staff accommodation is required for catering?
MOHRE mandates documented staff accommodation—either on-premises, in a registered labour camp, or an approved residential facility. You must provide proof (tenancy contract or labour-camp registration) as part of your DET application. Staff must have valid UAE residence visas and health certificates. Annual re-certification is required for licence renewal.
How long does it take to get a catering licence in Dubai?
With Dubai Business Services, expect 3–6 weeks. This timeline includes central kitchen registration, Municipality inspection, HACCP certification, DET application, and MOHRE staff approval. Processing varies if municipalities require re-inspections or if your kitchen location requires additional permits (e.g., from the Free Trade Authority if in a free zone).
What DET activity codes apply to catering in Dubai?
DET assigns activity code 5610 (Catering Activities) to standard food-preparation and delivery services. If you also operate a central kitchen for third-party rental, code 5221 (Food Manufacturing) may apply. Food delivery (code 4711) is separate. Dubai Business Services ensures the correct codes are registered—incorrect codes delay approvals and create compliance risks.
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.
