Bakery License in Dubai, UAE

The bakery industry in Dubai is rising faster than ever. From local sweet shops to international pastry houses, Dubai’s food scene is filled with flavors—and bakeries play a big part in it. If you’re planning to open a bakery in Dubai, one of the first things you’ll need is a valid bakery license in Dubai, UAE.

This detailed guide walks you through every step, including license types, setup process, bakery permits, location rules, hygiene regulations, and more.

Why Start a Bakery Business in Dubai?

Dubai’s population includes locals, expats, and tourists who love fresh bakery products—from croissants and cupcakes to artisan breads and custom cakes. The demand for baked goods is growing in both dine-in and takeaway formats.

Here’s why starting a bakery business in Dubai is a profitable idea:

• Booming food and beverage sector
• High urban demand for fresh bread and pastries
• Trend toward health-conscious and gluten-free baking
• Rising use of food delivery platforms
• Low competition in niche areas like vegan or organic baking

Whether you want to open a gourmet bakery, a dessert café, or a commercial baking kitchen, Dubai offers a dynamic and profitable market.

What Is a Bakery License in Dubai, UAE?

A bakery license is a specialized trade license that allows you to produce and sell baked goods such as:

• Breads

• Cakes

• Pastries

• Cookies

• Muffins

• Cupcakes

• Pies and tarts

• Croissants and sandwiches

The license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and regulated by Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department. You cannot legally operate or sell bakery items without this license.

Types of Bakery Licenses in Dubai

Dubai offers two main types of bakery licenses: a Mainland Bakery License, which allows you to operate a retail bakery anywhere in the city, and a Free Zone Bakery License, ideal for delivery-only or cloud kitchen models. Mainland licenses offer more flexibility, especially for customer-facing or dine-in bakeries.

Mainland Bakery License

The mainland license allows you to set up your bakery anywhere in the city. You can:

• Open a retail bakery outlet
• Partner with delivery apps
  
  
• Cater to walk-in customers

• Supply restaurants or hotels

• Sell through online platforms

This license is ideal for commercial bakery operations or those planning multiple branches.

Free Zone Bakery License

Some free zones allow light food production units. A free zone bakery license suits:

• Online-only bakeries
• Cloud kitchen bakeries
• Home-based baking brands (operating commercially)
• Supply-based baking for exports or B2B sales

Keep in mind, a free zone license restricts you from opening a storefront in the main city unless you have a distribution agreement with a mainland company.

Activities Permitted Under Bakery License

The bakery license allows you to conduct:

• Manufacture and sale of bakery items

• Retail and dine-in sales

• Customized cake services

• Coffee and beverage sales (optional add-on)

• Wholesale bakery supply to retailers

You can expand your offerings with extra activities like:

• Food catering

• Dessert bar

• Pastry workshop or training

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Bakery License in Dubai

To get a bakery license in Dubai, choose a business activity, reserve a trade name, and get initial approval from the DED. Then, secure a commercial space, register Ejari, submit your kitchen layout for food safety approval, and provide all documents. Pay the fees to receive your official trade license.

Step 1: Finalize Your Business Activity and Name

Choose your primary business activity—Bakery or Bakery and Pastry Production—under DED. Pick a unique and approved trade name that reflects your brand identity.

Step 2: Decide on Legal Structure

The most common business forms are:

• Sole Proprietorship

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Civil Company

An LLC is preferred for bakery businesses due to flexibility, scalability, and shared ownership options.

Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval

Get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the DED, confirming they have no objection to your bakery business starting operations.

Step 4: Secure a Commercial Space

Choose a suitable location for your bakery. The premises must meet:

• Commercial zoning

• Dedicated baking area and oven space

• Proper ventilation and fire safety

• Separate washing, prep, and packaging areas

Sign a lease agreement and register the tenancy with Ejari.

Step 5: Get Food Safety Approval

Submit your bakery’s layout and kitchen design to Dubai Municipality – Food Safety Department. The department will check:

• Hygiene compliance

• Storage and freezer facilities

• Pest control measures

• Waste disposal setup

• Fire protection systems

Step 6: Final Submission and Fee Payment

Submit the full set of documents:

• Passport copies

• Emirates ID (if applicable)

• Trade name reservation

• Ejari certificate

• Initial approval

• Food safety approval

• Layout plan

Once verified, pay the applicable government fees and receive your bakery trade license in Dubai.

Documents Required for Bakery License in Dubai

To complete your license application, prepare the following:

• • Valid passport copies of shareholders/owners

  • UAE visa or entry stamp (if applicable)

• Emirates ID (if resident)

• Trade name reservation approval

• Initial DED approval

• Lease agreement and Ejari

• Floor plan for food safety

• Health and safety documents

• NOC from landlord (if required)

Make sure all details are consistent to avoid delays.

Cost of Bakery License in Dubai, UAE

The total investment depends on your location, equipment, size, and staff. Here’s an estimate:

Estimated Total Cost: AED 100,000 – AED 250,000+

Premium areas like Jumeirah, Downtown, or malls cost more but bring higher footfall.

Can You Sell Online with a Bakery License?

Yes. You can sell via:

• Your own website

• Delivery apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, or Careem
  
  
• Social media (with online ordering systems)

• WhatsApp business orders

But your license must include eCommerce or delivery permissions. Always list your food origin clearly, and follow labeling and expiry rules.

Home-Based Bakery Business in Dubai – Is It Legal?

Selling baked goods from home is not permitted without a valid commercial license. However, many home bakers upgrade to a cloud kitchen setup, ghost kitchen, or free zone baking unit to go fully legal.

To sell safely and professionally, always operate under a proper license.

Design and Layout Rules for a Bakery Shop

Dubai Municipality requires bakeries to follow these layout standards:

• Dedicated baking area with oven safety

• Display zone for ready items

• Refrigerated storage for perishables

• Wash and prep zones

• Pest control and ventilation system

• Staff hygiene stations and restrooms

All designs must be submitted and approved before operations begin.

Hiring Staff for Your Bakery

You can employ:

• Bakers and pastry chefs

• Kitchen assistants

• Packaging and cleaning staff

• Cashiers and servers

• Delivery drivers

Each team member must:

• Hold a valid work visa
  
  
• Pass medical screening
  
  
• Carry a Dubai Municipality-issued health card

Train staff in food safety to stay compliant.

Marketing Your Bakery in Dubai

Grow your brand with targeted promotion:

• Use Instagram reels and stories to show your baking process
• Offer custom cakes and seasonal treats
• Run giveaways and loyalty discounts
• List your bakery on Google Maps
• Partner with event planners, cafes, or hotels

Focus on visual appeal and customer experience—two things Dubai foodies love.

Bakery Franchise vs. Independent Brand

You can either:

• Launch your own bakery brand, or
• Invest in a bakery franchise in Dubai

Franchise benefits:

• Proven recipes and systems

• Marketing support

• Supply chain access

Independent bakery benefits:

• Full creative control

• Brand ownership

• Flexible pricing and strategy

Choose based on your business goals, capital, and baking experience.

Adding Beverages and Café Services

To serve coffee, tea, or smoothies, you must include Beverage Service Activity in your license. This lets you operate a:

• Bakery café

• Coffee + pastry counter

• Sit-down pastry lounge

Make sure your location and kitchen meet café layout and safety standards.

Conclusion

Getting a Bakery License in Dubai, UAE is a structured process—but one that opens the door to a creative, fulfilling, and profitable business. Whether you’re a home baker ready to go pro or an entrepreneur looking to start a bakery chain, Dubai’s food-loving market is full of opportunity.

Stay compliant, invest in quality, and focus on branding. And for a smooth, stress-free experience, work with professionals who know the licensing and legal system inside out.

Start your delicious journey with the right help for your Business license in Dubai, UAE.

FAQs

Can a foreigner open a bakery in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can fully own a bakery with the right trade license and approvals.

How much does it cost to get a bakery license in Dubai?

Costs typically range from AED 100,000 to AED 250,000 depending on location and scale.

Can I sell bakery items online with this license?

Yes, but your license must include delivery or online activity permissions.

Do I need a food safety certificate?

Yes, food safety approval from Dubai Municipality is mandatory.

Can I start a home-based baking business?

Not legally. All food production must be done in licensed commercial kitchens.

How long does it take to get a bakery license?

With complete documents, it usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I serve drinks and coffee?

Yes, with the correct beverage service activity added to your license.

What permits are required for a bakery kitchen?

Dubai Municipality food safety approval, Civil Defense clearance, and layout certification.

Do I need a local sponsor?

No, under current laws, you can have 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.

Who can help with the entire process?

Business setup consultants in Dubai can handle licensing, approvals, location, and compliance for your bakery.