Restaurant License in Dubai

Obtaining a restaurant license in Dubai is an exciting venture that allows you to explore the dynamic food and beverage industry in this vibrant city. 

There are two main types of restaurant licenses in Dubai: 

Food licenses are issued by the Food Safety Department in Dubai. They are required for all restaurants that prepare and serve food.

Trade licenses are issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. They are required for all businesses that operate in Dubai, including restaurants.

Preliminary Steps

Concept and Planning: Define the restaurant concept, cuisine, target audience, and unique selling points. Conduct market research to assess demand and competition.

Business Plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines the restaurant’s objectives, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational details.

Legal Structure

Choose a Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure for your restaurant. Options include Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Branch of a Foreign Company.

Location and Premises

Choose Location: Select a suitable location for the restaurant. Consider factors such as foot traffic, visibility, and proximity to your target audience.

Premises: Secure the premises for your restaurant. This involves signing a lease agreement and obtaining necessary approvals from the landlord.

Restaurant License Application

After securing a trade license, you must apply for a restaurant license from the DED. 

To do this, you need to submit an application form and all necessary documents, including a lease agreement for the restaurant space, a menu with food pricing, a layout plan, among others.

Health and Safety Regulations

Food Safety Standards: Comply with Dubai Municipality’s food safety regulations. Ensure the restaurant meets hygiene and safety standards for food preparation, storage, and handling.

Interior Design and Setup

Interior Design: Design your restaurant’s interior layout, decor, and seating arrangement to create an inviting ambiance for your customers.

Fit-Out and Equipment: Install kitchen equipment, furniture, fixtures, and other necessary infrastructure as per the approved design.

Hiring and Staffing

Recruitment: Hire qualified staff, including chefs, servers, kitchen staff, and management personnel.

Visa Applications: Process employment visas for the staff through the relevant authorities.

The process of obtaining a Dubai restaurant license is relatively straightforward. BFormations provide end-to-end support and help navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape to ensure a smooth and efficient setup process.