Opening a café in Dubai is more than just brewing coffee—it’s about building an experience. The demand for trendy, relaxing, and unique cafés continues to rise, thanks to Dubai’s growing population of tourists, professionals, and foodies.
Whether you’re launching a coffee shop, espresso bar, bistro, or a dessert café, understanding how to get a café license in Dubai, UAE is the first step to turning your vision into a successful reality.
Why Start a Café Business in Dubai?
Dubai is a global city where the café culture thrives. From corporate workers seeking caffeine boosts to tourists wanting Instagram-worthy lattes, there’s always demand.
Here’s why now is the right time to open a coffee shop in Dubai:
- High number of expats and international visitors
- Strong local love for specialty coffee and artisan drinks
- Fast-growing food and beverage sector
- Year-round tourism supporting the hospitality industry
- A culture that values ambiance, aesthetics, and great service
With the right setup and strategy, your café business can become a beloved spot in the city.
What Is a Café License in Dubai?
A café license is a legal approval granted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and Dubai Municipality to operate a coffeehouse or casual dining venue.
This license allows you to serve:
- Hot and cold beverages
- Snacks, sandwiches, and desserts
- Breakfast or light meals (with kitchen approval)
Depending on your business model, your café can be:
- Standalone café
- Kiosk in a mall
- Coffee bar inside a bookstore or co-working space
- Franchise or international coffee brand outlet
To operate legally, you must hold a valid trade license for café operations.
Types of Café Licenses in Dubai
Dubai offers two main types of café licenses: Mainland Café License and Free Zone Café License. A mainland license allows you to open your café anywhere in the city and serve the public, while a free zone license limits operations within the designated zone and is ideal for niche setups.
Mainland Café License
Issued by the DED, a mainland license allows you to:
- Open your café in any area in Dubai
- Serve local and international clientele
- Expand into multiple locations
- Offer dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services
This license is ideal if you want a full-service café, in malls, main streets, or business hubs.
Free Zone Café License
You can set up your café in a free zone such as Dubai Airport Freezone, DMCC, or Dubai Silicon Oasis, but this limits you to serving customers within the zone.
A free zone license works well for:
- Employee cafeterias
- Tech-park food outlets
- Small food stalls or café kiosks
- Limited customer reach
For full public access, mainland licensing is the best option for a café business in Dubai.
Activities Permitted Under a Café License
Your trade license activity will be listed under:
- Coffee Shop
- Café Services
- Hot & Cold Beverage Services
- Snack and Light Food Preparation
Optional additions may include:
- Baked goods and pastries
- Juices and smoothies
- Retail sale of packaged coffee or merchandise
Be specific with your license application to include all the services you plan to offer.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Café License in Dubai
To get a café license in Dubai, you must choose a trade name, select a legal structure, get initial approval from DED, rent a commercial space, register Ejari, obtain food safety approvals from Dubai Municipality, and submit all required documents. After paying the fees, your license will be issued.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Name
Your café’s name must follow UAE naming laws. Avoid religious words, political references, or anything offensive. It should reflect your brand and concept.
Step 2: Select Your Legal Structure
Most café owners register as:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company) – common for food businesses
- Sole Proprietorship – for individual ownership
- Civil Company – if there are professional partners
LLC is the most flexible and protects your personal liability.
Step 3: Initial Approval from DED
Apply for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development to get a go-ahead for your business activity.
This is a no-objection approval that lets you proceed with renting space and preparing documents.
Step 4: Rent a Commercial Space and Register Ejari
Find a space in a commercial zone that fits café standards. Your lease contract must be registered with Ejari.
Requirements:
- Minimum shop space per authority
- Proper ventilation
- Clean water supply
- Separate washing and kitchen areas
Step 5: Get Food Safety and Planning Approvals
Before the final license, you must get these:
- Food Safety Department approval from Dubai Municipality
- Floor plan layout showing kitchen, storage, dining, and hygiene areas
- Approval from Dubai Civil Defense for fire safety
If your café has a kitchen, it must meet all hygiene and structural requirements.
Step 6: Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees
Once all approvals are ready, submit the complete file with:
- Passport copies of owners
- Emirates ID or entry visa
- Ejari
- DED initial approval
- Food safety clearance
- Trade name certificate
After submission and payment, you will receive your Dubai café trade license.
Documents Required for Café License in Dubai
Here’s what you need:
- Passport copy of owner/partners
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Entry visa and stamp (if foreign investor)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial DED approval
- Ejari (registered tenancy)
- Floor plan layout
- Food safety and hygiene approval
- NOC from landlord (if required)
All documents should be valid and match your license details.
Cost of Getting a Café License in Dubai
Starting a café involves setup and regulatory costs. Here’s a general idea:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| DED License Fees | 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Ejari & Rent (Annual) | 30,000 – 150,000+ |
| Municipality Food Safety Approval | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Interior Fit-Out & Furniture | 50,000 – 250,000+ |
| Equipment & Kitchen Setup | 40,000 – 100,000 |
| POS & Software | 2,000 – 8,000 |
| Trade Name & Legal Fees | 2,000 – 3,000 |
Total Estimate: AED 100,000 – AED 300,000+
Premium locations, design, and equipment increase costs—but also boost your brand value.
Health, Safety, and Hygiene Standards for Cafés
Dubai has strict guidelines to protect public health in the food and beverage sector.
Kitchen & Food Handling Rules
- Separate hand-washing, food prep, and cooking zones
- Pest control contracts and records
- Food handlers must wear gloves, hairnets, and uniforms
- Daily sanitation and waste disposal
Temperature & Storage
- Freezers and refrigerators must have thermometers
- Food must be labeled and stored at correct temps
- Expired products must be discarded immediately
Fire & Safety Compliance
- Fire extinguishers and alarms installed
- Clear evacuation exits
- Staff trained in emergency response
Can You Sell Packaged Coffee or Merchandise?
Yes, you can. Add retail trade activity to your license. This allows you to:
- Sell branded coffee beans
- Offer merchandise like mugs, tumblers, or shirts
- Launch an eCommerce store for delivery and online orders
This expands your income sources and strengthens your café brand.
Hiring Staff for Your Café
Dubai requires that all food workers hold:
- Health Cards issued by the Dubai Municipality
- Work permits and legal residence visas
- Food safety training certifications
You can hire:
- Baristas and coffee specialists
- Kitchen helpers and chefs
- Waiters and service staff
- Cashiers and delivery drivers
Each hire must be registered under your trade license.
Can You Operate a Home-Based Café?
No. The UAE does not permit public cafés or coffee sales from private homes.
All food businesses must operate from commercially approved spaces, meet all safety and structural standards, and hold a valid license.
However, you can sell from a licensed cloud kitchen, delivery-only kitchen, or dark kitchen with the right permit.
Marketing Tips for Your Café in Dubai
After licensing, your success depends on visibility and customer loyalty.
Build a Local Instagram Presence
Post daily photos, reels, and behind-the-scenes content. Showcase drinks, ambiance, and customer moments.
List Your Café on Google
Create a Google My Business profile with reviews, hours, location, and images.
Partner with Delivery Apps
List your café on Talabat, Careem, and Deliveroo to reach more customers.
Launch a Loyalty Program
Offer digital or stamp cards for repeat customers. Free drinks or snacks after multiple visits boost retention.
Franchise vs. Independent Café in Dubai
You can:
- Buy a café franchise (international or local brand)
- Start your own concept from scratch
Franchises offer brand awareness and marketing support but require high fees and brand restrictions.
Independent cafés allow full creative freedom, branding, and product decisions, but require more effort to grow.
Choose based on your budget, vision, and business experience.
Adding More Services to Your Café
Want to grow your business? Add new offerings under the right licenses:
- Bakery items or desserts
- Books, board games, or co-working spaces
- Events, workshops, or coffee classes
- Live music nights or private bookings
Each addition may require updates to your license. Always check with DED first.
Conclusion
Getting a Café License in Dubai, UAE is your first step toward entering the city’s thriving coffee culture and hospitality sector. Whether you’re brewing artisan blends or serving specialty pastries, Dubai offers a vibrant market full of opportunity.
From licensing to design to daily operations, every detail matters. If you want to open your café the right way, stay compliant and make sure your business aligns with government standards.
To make the journey smoother, it’s always smart to work with professionals who understand the system. For expert help, choose a trusted team for your Business Setup in Dubai, UAE.
FAQs
Can a foreigner open a café in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can fully own a café in Dubai under a mainland license.
What is the cost to start a café in Dubai?
Depending on location and size, it can range from AED 100,000 to AED 300,000+.
Is Dubai Municipality approval required?
Yes, all cafés must get food safety and health approvals from Dubai Municipality.
Can I sell packaged coffee or branded items?
Yes, if your license includes retail activity permissions.
Do I need a professional kitchen to serve food?
Yes, all cafés offering food must have a kitchen that meets structural and hygiene standards.
Can I operate a coffee kiosk in a mall?
Yes, you can with proper permissions and a leased space from the mall authority.
What are the renewal requirements for a café license?
Renew it annually with updated Ejari, valid tenancy, and payment of license fees.
Is VAT registration needed for cafés?
If your revenue exceeds AED 375,000 annually, VAT registration is mandatory.
Do I need a trade name for my café?
Yes, your café must have a registered and approved trade name under UAE naming rules.
Who can help me open a café smoothly?
Business setup consultants can handle the licensing, legal work, and municipality approvals for you.
