A Dubai restaurant licence in 2026 costs between AED 40,000 and AED 70,000 (excluding fit-out), with approvals required from the Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality. The process typically takes 8–12 weeks and requires tenancy documentation, food-safety inspection, and trade licence registration. Mainland and free-zone options both available.
What Is a Dubai Restaurant Licence and Why You Need One
A restaurant licence is a mandatory authorisation from the Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality that permits you to operate a food-establishment legally in Dubai. It covers food safety, hygiene standards, labour compliance, and trading permissions. Without it, you cannot legally serve food or beverages. Dubai business setup must include this licence as a foundation step.
Get a free 20-minute scoping call with DBS: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Restaurant Licence Cost Breakdown for 2026
The total cost to obtain a Dubai restaurant licence ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 70,000, depending on location (mainland or free zone), kitchen scope, and seating capacity. This figure covers:
| Cost Component | AED Range |
|---|---|
| Trade Licence (DET) | AED 2,000–5,000 |
| DET Approval & Food Safety Inspection | AED 5,000–12,000 |
| Dubai Municipality Health Permit | AED 3,000–8,000 |
| Professional Documentation & Ejari Registration | AED 1,500–3,000 |
| Visa Sponsorship & Administration | AED 8,000–15,000 |
| Contingency & Processing Fees | AED 20,500–27,000 |
Fit-out, kitchen equipment, and interior design are excluded from these figures.
Timeline: How Long Does a Restaurant Licence Take?
Expect 8–12 weeks from application to final approval, assuming all documents are complete and inspections pass on first submission. Delays can occur if DET or Dubai Municipality requests additional documentation or kitchen modifications. Free-zone restaurants (e.g. Jebel Ali Free Zone) may follow a slightly different timeline but typically remain within this window.
Accelerate your timeline: contact DBS Dubai business setup consultants for document pre-check.
Required Documents and Approvals
DBS and the regulatory bodies (DET, Dubai Municipality, MOHRE) require the following:
- Tenancy Contract & Ejari Registration: Proof of premises occupancy; updated annually.
- DET Trade Licence Application: Submitted via DET online portal; requires passport copy, visa sponsorship form, and business plan.
- Food Safety Inspection Report: DET or Dubai Municipality conducts on-site kitchen and storage audits.
- Labour Sponsorship Documentation: MOHRE approval for employee visas; quota limits apply (see section below).
- Copy of Ownership/Partnership Deed: For UAE nationals, investors, or international sponsors.
- Health & Safety Compliance Certificate: Issued after inspection; renewable annually.
All documents must be in English or officially translated to Arabic.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Option Is Right?
Dubai offers two licensing pathways:
| Factor | Mainland (DET/Municipality) | Free Zone (e.g. JAFZA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | AED 40,000–70,000 | AED 42,000–72,000 |
| Visa Quota | Depends on turnover; MOHRE rules apply | Higher quota flexibility; free-zone rules apply |
| Alcohol Licence | Available (separate DET approval) | Available in designated zones |
| Location Flexibility | Any mainland area (Dubai Deira, Marina, JBR, etc.) | Fixed free-zone location |
| Timeline | 8–12 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
Most restaurants choose mainland licensing for location flexibility and customer access.
Visa Sponsorship and Employee Quota
Under MOHRE regulations, a restaurant can sponsor visas for staff based on turnover and kitchen size. Typical quota for a mid-sized restaurant (60–100 covers):
- 1 General Manager or Head Chef (mandatory)
- 2–4 kitchen staff (chefs, cooks, prep)
- 3–6 front-of-house (servers, hosts, cashiers)
Visa sponsorship adds AED 8,000–15,000 to your licence cost. Each additional visa requires separate MOHRE approval and medical screening.
Alcohol Licence: Separate Approval Required
If you intend to serve alcohol (beer, wine, spirits), you must apply for a separate alcohol licence from DET. This is not included in the base licence cost and requires:
- Separate DET application form.
- Proof of food-establishment licence (must be obtained first).
- Location must comply with Dubai Municipality zoning rules (distance from schools, mosques).
- Additional AED 5,000–10,000 in fees and inspection costs.
Approval timeline: 4–8 weeks additional. Alcohol is strictly regulated; unlicensed service incurs penalties up to AED 50,000.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a restaurant licence in Dubai in 2026?
Apply via the DET online portal with a completed trade-licence form, tenancy contract (Ejari), and food-safety documentation. Submit passport copy, visa sponsorship consent, and kitchen floor plan to DET. After initial approval, DET and Dubai Municipality conduct on-site inspection. Once passed, collect your trade licence and food-safety permit from DET. Timeline: 8–12 weeks. Contact DBS for end-to-end support: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
What is the total cost to open a restaurant in Dubai?
Licence costs range from AED 40,000 to AED 70,000 (all-in, excluding fit-out and equipment). This covers DET trade licence, food-safety inspection, Dubai Municipality health permit, visa sponsorship administration, and documentation. Fit-out, kitchen equipment, furniture, and initial inventory are separate and can range from AED 100,000 to AED 500,000+ depending on size and concept. DBS provides transparent cost breakdowns during scoping.
Which Dubai Municipality and food safety approvals does a restaurant need?
You require a Health Permit from Dubai Municipality’s Environmental Health Department (part of DET’s jurisdiction), a Trade Licence from DET, and a Food Safety Inspection Report. DET conducts hygiene audits covering kitchen layout, storage, sanitation, pest control, and staff training. Approval is conditional on compliance with UAE food safety standards. Annual renewal of health permits is mandatory. All approvals must be in place before operational opening.
Can a restaurant in Dubai serve alcohol, and what licence is required?
Yes, restaurants can serve alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) with a separate DET alcohol licence. You must first obtain the food-establishment licence, then apply for alcohol approval. Requirements include location zoning compliance (distance from schools/mosques), DET inspection, and additional fees of AED 5,000–10,000. Approval takes 4–8 weeks. Unlicensed alcohol service is illegal and attracts penalties up to AED 50,000.
How long does restaurant licensing take in Dubai?
Standard timeline is 8–12 weeks from application submission to final approval. This includes DET initial review (2–3 weeks), on-site food-safety inspection (1–2 weeks), Dubai Municipality health clearance (1–2 weeks), and administrative processing (2–3 weeks). Delays occur if documentation is incomplete or kitchen modifications are required. Alcohol licence approval adds 4–8 weeks separately. DBS expedites document preparation to minimise delays.
Do I need a tenancy contract and Ejari before applying?
Yes, a valid tenancy contract and Ejari (Dubai Land Department registration) are mandatory. DET requires proof of premises control; without Ejari, your application will be rejected. Ejari confirms your legal occupancy and must cover the entire licensing period. Cost is minimal (AED 100–300 annually) but non-negotiable. Ensure the premises layout meets DET kitchen standards before signing the lease.
What is the difference between mainland and free-zone restaurant licensing?
Mainland restaurants (DET) cost AED 40,000–70,000 and offer location flexibility across Dubai. Free-zone restaurants (e.g. Jebel Ali Free Zone) cost AED 42,000–72,000 but offer higher visa quotas and are geographically fixed. Both follow 8–12 week timelines and require food-safety inspection. Mainland is preferred for customer footfall; free zones suit export-focused or specialist concepts. DBS guides you on the best fit for your business model.
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.
