Café License in Dubai, UAE

Opening a café in Dubai is more than just serving great coffee. It’s about creating a space where people can relax, meet, work, and enjoy a curated experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy coffee shop, a trendy espresso bar, or a full-service café with food and desserts, getting a café license in Dubai, UAE is your first step.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process — from choosing the right location to getting approvals and launching your dream café.

Why Start a Café Business in Dubai?

Dubai is a city that loves coffee. From early morning caffeine fixes to late-night dessert runs, cafés are in high demand. The city’s multicultural population, tourism flow, and evolving lifestyle make it a great place to start your coffee journey.

Top Reasons to Open a Café in Dubai

• A strong coffee culture across all age groups

• High footfall in malls, business hubs, and residential areas

• Rising demand for specialty coffee and healthy snacks

• Opportunities to tap into dine-in, takeaway, and delivery markets

• Business-friendly ecosystem with simplified licensing options

Types of Café Businesses You Can Start

Before applying for a coffee shop license, you need to decide what kind of café you’re starting. Each type may require different space, staff, and permissions.

Coffee Shop

A classic setup offering brewed coffee, tea, and light snacks. Ideal for dine-in and takeaway.

Espresso Bar

Smaller footprint, fast service, focused on espresso-based drinks. Great for high-traffic locations like malls.

Specialty Café

A modern café with a curated menu of gourmet coffee, organic teas, and artisan pastries. Often includes third-wave coffee concepts.

Café & Bakery

Combines baked goods like croissants, cakes, or breads with hot beverages.

Café with Kitchen

Includes light meals, breakfast, and lunch items. Requires more approvals due to food preparation.

What Is a Café License in Dubai?

A café license in Dubai is an official permit that allows you to operate a food and beverage outlet focused on non-alcoholic drinks and ready-to-eat items. It is issued by:

• Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland cafés

• Free Zone authorities for café businesses operating in specific economic areas

You may also need external approvals from:

• Dubai Municipality for food safety compliance

• Civil Defense for fire safety

• Health and Safety Department for employee health cards

Mainland vs Free Zone Café Setup

Choosing between a mainland café license and a Free Zone license depends on how you plan to operate.

Mainland Café Setup

• You can open your café anywhere in Dubai

• Suitable for dine-in locations like malls, offices, or residential areas

• Apply through the DED (Dubai Department of Economic Development)

• May require local service agent (in some cases)

• Need tenancy contract and Ejari registration

Free Zone Café Setup

• Ideal for cafés inside Free Zone areas or delivery kitchens

• 100% foreign ownership

• Easier registration but limited to operating within the Free Zone unless partnered with a distributor

• Apply through authorities like Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai South, or JAFZA

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Café License in Dubai, UAE

Let’s go step by step and understand how to apply for a café license and get started with your café business in Dubai.

Step 1: Define Your Business Model

Decide your café type, menu, and concept. Are you offering only coffee and desserts or also breakfast and lunch? Your model will determine the kitchen size, staff count, and equipment.

Step 2: Choose Your Legal Structure

You can set up as:

• Sole Proprietorship

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Free Zone Company

Most café owners go with LLC for maximum flexibility and access to the full Dubai market.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Pick a name that matches your brand. Make sure it follows UAE naming rules (no religious or political terms). Submit it for reservation to the DED or Free Zone.

Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval

Get initial approval from the relevant authority confirming your chosen business activity. The activity should fall under:

• Cafeteria

• Coffee Shop

• Food and Beverage Services

Documents required:

• Passport copies of owners

• Entry visa or residence visa (if applicable)

• Trade name certificate

Step 5: Secure a Commercial Space

Find a physical location that suits your concept. Consider:

• Visibility and accessibility

• Size and layout

• Power and water supply

• Seating capacity

• Parking availability

Sign a tenancy contract and register it through Ejari (mandatory for mainland licenses).

Step 6: Get External Approvals

Before you can serve food or drinks, you must get approvals from various departments.

Dubai Municipality

They will check:

• Kitchen layout

• Food storage

• Sink placements

• Hygiene facilities

• Waste disposal

Dubai Civil Defense

They inspect:

• Fire exits

• Fire alarms and extinguishers

• Emergency lights

Health and Safety Department

Every food handler must have a valid health card issued after a medical test and food safety training.

Step 7: Submit Final Documents

Once all approvals are obtained, submit the final set of documents:

• Initial approval

• Ejari

• Tenancy contract

• Kitchen layout and approvals

• Passport copies

• Trade name certificate

Once reviewed and accepted, you’ll receive your café trade license in Dubai.

Cost of Opening a Café in Dubai

Your total cost depends on the size of your café, location, menu, and interior design. Here’s a breakdown of expected costs:

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Total Estimated Investment: AED 80,000 to 300,000+

Interior Setup & Equipment Needed

A successful café needs a functional and stylish interior. Here’s what most café owners invest in:

• Coffee machine (espresso or automatic)

• Grinder and brewers

• Refrigerators and freezers

• Display counter for pastries

• Seating area with tables and chairs

• POS system for billing

• Lighting and decor

The Dubai Municipality also requires:

• Stainless steel countertops

• Food-safe storage

• Floor drainage

• Separate washing area for dishes and hands

Hiring Staff for Your Café

You’ll need trained staff for operations. Common roles include:

• Baristas

• Kitchen assistants

• Waiters or counter staff

• Cleaners

• Café manager

All employees handling food must undergo food safety training and receive a health card from Dubai authorities.

Marketing Tips for Your New Café

Once licensed and launched, the next step is to attract customers.

Effective Café Marketing Ideas

• Launch your café on Google My Business, Instagram, and Zomato

• Collaborate with food bloggers and influencers

• Offer opening-week deals and loyalty programs

• Host events like open mic nights or coffee tastings

• Use branded packaging for takeaway and delivery

• Run geo-targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram

Café License Renewal in Dubai

Your café license and other permits must be renewed annually. Stay compliant by:

• Renewing your trade license before the expiry date

• Updating staff health cards

• Maintaining hygiene standards and passing inspections

• Renewing fire safety certificates

Late renewal can lead to fines or license suspension.

Benefits of Opening a Café in Dubai

• Access to a growing population with a love for cafés

• Opportunities to expand through franchising

• Flexible business structures

• Fast-growing coffee delivery market

• Easy access to suppliers and global brands

• High tourist footfall throughout the year

Conclusion

Starting a café business in Dubai is a great opportunity if you have the right plan, location, and concept. Whether you dream of serving specialty coffee or running a trendy coffeehouse with desserts and snacks, everything begins with getting your café license in Dubai, UAE.

From trade name registration and food safety approvals to interior design and hiring staff, each step plays a role in building your brand. With proper setup and a passion for quality service, your café can become a favorite spot in no time.

If the licensing process feels overwhelming, reach out for help from experts in Business Setup in Dubai, UAE. They’ll take care of the paperwork while you focus on making great coffee.

FAQs

How much does it cost to open a café in Dubai?

Depending on size and location, the total setup cost ranges from AED 80,000 to 300,000+ including rent, license, and equipment.

Can I serve food in my café with just a beverage license?

No. If you serve food, you must get Dubai Municipality food safety approval and include food service in your license activity.

How long does it take to get a café license?

The whole process can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly you arrange documents and get approvals.

Do I need a commercial kitchen to open a café?

Yes. Even for small cafés, a licensed kitchen space that follows hygiene codes is mandatory.

Can I open a café in a Free Zone and still sell to the public?

Free Zone cafés can operate inside the zone. To sell to the Dubai mainland, you’ll need a local distributor or delivery platform partnership.

Is it mandatory to have health cards for staff?

Yes. Every staff member handling food or drinks must have a valid health card issued after training and a medical test.