How Much Does a Cafeteria License Cost In Dubai

By Rajib Hasan -- Tuesday, 29 Aug, 2023
cafeteria license cost in dubai

The cafeteria is a type of restaurant where people receive food from the counter and sit at a table. A cafeteria is sometimes called an outside canteen. It is basically located at a large office building, a big institute, schools, colleges, universities, and other places. This type of restaurant is more popular in the USA, Canada, the UK, Dubai and others. Most cafeterias offer fast food or bakery food (sandwiches, breakfast items, bakery items, coffee, etc.). In most cases a few questions come to mind: Can I start a café business? What are the requirements to start a cafeteria? How much does a cafeteria license cost in Dubai, and others. In this section, we will figure out the essential answer to such crucial questions. So, here we go.

How Much Does a Cafeteria License Cost In Dubai?

Basically, the license cost in Dubai depends on the type of business. Opening a modern cafeteria in Dubai requires some legal documents but a business license is one of them. If you have a business license, it means that you are allowed to do business in Dubai. But how much does a cafeteria license cost in Dubai? 

Basically, the cafeteria license cost in Dubai is around 10,350 AED. On the other hand, complete licensing costs on average 24000 AED to 29000 AED. What is the cafeteria setup cost in dubai? It ranges from 140000 AED to 200000 AED? 

The modern cafeteria license cost may be different depending on the location such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, etc. It is noted that a cafeteria license is renewable. The cafeteria license renewal fee in the UAE varies according to locations. The renewal fee in Dubai is AED 10,000. The renewal fee in Abu Dhabi is AED 8,000. The renewal fee In Sharjah is AED 5,000.

However, we have given cafeteria license fees that include some other costs. So, take a look and get your idea. Here are the other fees that you need to pay to renew a cafeteria license in the UAE (United Arab Emirates).

  • The trade name reservation fee is AED 620
  • MOA (Memorandum of Association) notarization fee is AED 100
  • Ejari fees (Tenancy Contract Attestation) is AED 500
  • The company stamp fee is AED 100
  • The immigration card (establishment card) fee is AED 500

You should remember that you may also need to pay other charges, such as the cost of renewing your food safety license and the cost of renewing your liquor license (if applicable).  

What Exactly A Cafeteria License Is?

A cafeteria license is a legal document that is certified by the government. It allows the business owner to do business in a legal way. It means that you are paying some amount to the government to do the café business in Dubai. Its amount varies depending on the location. 

There are some requirements to apply for the license. Besides this license issue do you know how to start a coffee shop business in Dubai? It is because these strategies are crucial before starting a business. So, make your cream plan, start your business in an authentic way, and rush for your future. 

How Much Does A Food License Cost In Dubai?

how much does a food license cost in dubai

A food license is another important thing. A food license allows you to serve food and make sure that you prepare food by following all the food safety requirements. Besides those things, if any people become sick (food poisoning) by eating your restaurant meal then you will never have responsibilities for this thing. For this reason, a food license is required. But how much does a food license cost in Dubai? The food license cost starts from 15000 AED to 25000 AED.

Why cost variation? Basically, food license price depends on the type of food served and the size of the restaurant business. This license limitation is one year. After a year you have to renew it again. On the other hand, if you have catering food service from home then how much license cost do you have to pay? 

Basically, the home-based food serving license cost is comparatively low 200 AED. But this permission will be valid for one year. Home-based food-serving business owners must renew it every year.

How Much Money Do I Need To Open A Cafeteria In Dubai?

Are you looking to open a cafeteria? No doubt you are going to an expensive step. Dubai is a costly country in all aspects. Most entrepreneurs keep cost as a primary consideration. Alright, let’s discuss how much money you need to open a cafeteria in Dubai. The opening cost depends on some crucial factors, especially the size of the cafeteria. 

It ranges from 120000 AED to 175000 including cafeteria license cost. This cost includes cafeteria interior decoration, rent, food and beverage, café equipment, staff salaries, and others. It is noted that this price limit can be different depending on the locations, shape, business type, and other factors.  

Cafeteria License Cost In Ajman

Ajman is the fifth largest city in the UAE. It is located beside the Persian Gulf. So, it is a beautiful place and it is a hotel and restaurant business hub. That’s why, cafeterias, restaurants, food trucks, etc are available in number. These are plenty in numbers. However, you must require a cafeteria license that is permitted by the food and safety department. License cost depends on the cafeteria size.

If you have 50 seats available for the customer then you have to pay the cost of a cafeteria license in Ajman is AED 10,000 per year. On the other hand, if you have a low seat limit then, you have to pay the low charge. However, let’s see the table where we have included individual license types and license costs.

License type

Cafeteria cost (License cost)

Cafeteria license for 50 seats

10000 AED

License for additional seats (if you require)

500 AED

Food hygienic license

5000 AED (yearly chargeable)

Equipment registration

1000 AED for each item

However, do you know what is the cost of setting up a business in Ajman? Cafeteria startup costs depend on some factors, such as café size, location, number of seats, type of food, and others. However, to start a cafeteria in Ajman, you have to spend an average of 150,000 AED. On the other hand, those who have a tight budget for at least 120,000 AED.

Cafeteria License in Sharjah

Sharjah is the third most famous and populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is the third capital after Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For this reason, it is an expensive city but not more than Dubai city. However, the license cost is also low. But how much is a cafeteria license in Sharjah? An entrepreneur should pay at least 250 AED to 2500 AED.

There are some topics that are included, such as 100 AED for license approval, 100 AED for your smart card, and 50 to 2500 AED for your business name. It is noted that the total cost of starting a cafeteria in Sharjah can vary widely. But you should spend at least 100,000 AED.

It is a crucial question for most entrepreneurs as those who are interested in setting up a business in Sharjah. Basically, we have been told several times that a business license cost depends on some factors. However, the business start-up cost in Sharjah starts from 6,100 AED per license.

Cafeteria License Cost In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a beautiful place and the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is also a populous city and it can be said it is a restaurant business hub. Wherever you do restaurant business in the UAE, you must require a license (trade license, and food license). 

We know well license cost varies on some points, but we have given here some points in detail of cafe license cost in Abu Dhabi. You should remember that the average cost for a cafeteria license is around 10,000 AED.

On the other hand, there are some breakdowns of the costs involved in obtaining a cafeteria license in Abu Dhabi.

  • The trade license for a cafeteria is 10,000 AED.
  • The food hygiene license cost of the food hygiene is 5,000 AED. It is issued by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA).
  • The equipment registration cost is 1,000 AED per item. 

How can I open a cafeteria in the UAE?

How to start a bakery or cafeteria in Dubai? It is a crucial question that comes to the investor's mind. Nowadays it is challenging but if you have the right strategy then you can easily reach success. Basically, there are many strategies that you should think about before opening a cafeteria business in the UAE. We have given a few of them. But these are common things that everyone follows. So, take a look at some steps on how to open a cafeteria in the UAE.

Choose a Main Zone

The location of your cafeteria is very important. Basically, almost 50% business success depends on the zone. It should be in a high-traffic area with easy access to customers. You should also consider the size of the space, the rent, and the availability of utilities.

Get the Necessary Licenses Permits

You will need to obtain a trade license, a food license, and a liquor license (if applicable) from the relevant authorities in your emirate. You will also need to get approval from the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department.

Hire Cafeteria Staff

You will need to hire a team of staff to help you run your cafeteria. This includes chefs, waiters, and cleaners. Cafeteria staff cost includes running cost. So, you have to offer a monthly or hourly charge for them according to UAE labor law. So, it is a bit high. That's why be conscious about the cafeteria overall cost. 

Stock up on Supplies

You will need to stock up on food, drinks, and other supplies for your cafeteria. You should also get all the necessary equipment, such as ovens, refrigerators, and tables and chairs. You should also contact the suppliers who can provide you with the coffee beans, bakery items, and some other things timely.

Cafeteria Marketing

Once your cafeteria is ready, you need to start marketing it to attract customers. You can do this through advertising, social media platforms for promotion, highlight menus and spread them away through leaflets, banners, and others. Because, the importance of social media for restaurants or cafeterias is immeasurable. The best way for cafeteria marketing is to use some social platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.) 

How to Calculate Cafeteria License Cost In Dubai?

how to calculate cafeteria license cost in dubai

The cost of a cafeteria license in Dubai varies depending on a number of factors, such as the location, size, and type of food served. However, the average cost is around AED 140,000 to AED 200,000. Let’s see some of the factors that will affect how much cost for cafeteria license in Dubai.

  • The cost of a cafeteria license is higher in prime locations.
  • The larger the cafeteria, the higher the cost of the license.
  • The cost of a license is higher for cafeterias that serve food that requires special handling, such as meat or seafood.
  • There may be additional requirements for cafeterias that sell alcohol or operate in a specific location.

We have given a chart for what and how much you have to pay. Basically, these are the government fees that are required for obtaining a cafeteria license in Dubai. It is noted that this cost can be different depending on business type, shape of business, etc.

  • AED 620 is required for the trade name reservation fee.
  • AED 115 requires tasheel fees for initial approval.
  • You have to pay AED 100 MOA notarization.
  • Ejari fees AED 500 (Tenancy Contract Attestation).
  • Company stamp fees AED 100.
  • Immigration card (establishment card) fees is AED 500.
  • Food safety license cost is AED 5,000.
  • Liquor license fee (if applicable): AED 10,000

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Commercial License In Dubai?

A commercial license is an attractive option for food business establishments. This license allows you to participate in a trading relationship locally and globally. To start a cafeteria anywhere else in the USE you need a license. The commercial license's approximate cost is 10,000 AED. An entrepreneur also requires some additional costs, such as visa permission, registration fees, and other expenses. It may take around 30,000 AED.

What Are The Types Of Licenses In Dubai?

A business license offers valid permission to do the business. A license is required to open any kind of business in the UAE. But what type of license do you require? It depends on your business perspective. However, how many business licenses are there in the UAE? There are many types of business licenses in the UAE but we have given few of them.

Commercial License

The commercial license is issued for individuals or companies in selling and buying goods. It conducts trading activities inside and outside of the United Arab Emirates. Commercial licenses are involved with some activities, such as logistic materials, rental and real estate business, electronics or automobiles trading, and others. The investor must choose any categories which license categories relate to their business.

Industrial License

An industrial license is designed for industrial things like industrial products and manufacturing materials. This license allows the investor to process and assemble the industrial goods. In this case, the company owner must follow one thing that they must have a physical office in the UAE. However, there are some industrial manufacturing categories where industrial licenses are available.

  • Food and beverage
  • Textile
  • Paper
  • Petroleum
  • Automobiles and electronic materials
  • Machinery equipments

Travel and Tourism License

A Travel and Tourism License in the UAE is a permit issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to businesses that operate in the travel and tourism sector. To apply for a Travel and Tourism License, you have to make sure that your businesses meet certain requirements, such as having a registered business name, and a physical office in Dubai. However, there are three types of Travel and Tourism Licenses in Dubai. 

  • Outbound tour operator license
  • Inbound tour operator license
  • Travel agent license

Do You Know The Cafeteria License Approval Requirements?

There are some requirements that you must meet to apply for the cafeteria license. You will be given a form that you have to fill up with your crucial information. Basically, it is an online form and you must fill up the red star mark. However, what are the requirements for the cafeteria license approval?

  • Your company name or cafeteria name.
  • Follow the guidelines provided by the food safety department.
  • If you have a local sponsor in the UAE then get help or show him as a witness.
  • Show your cafeteria rental document.
  • Get the Ejari (tenancy contact) for the rented place.
  • Sub all the required documents to the DED (Department of Economic Development)
  • Apply for the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the food safety department and from your local or nearer municipality in the UAE.  
  • Find a solicitor or lawyer who can show you the right way to get approval (if you need).
  • Now check all the documents and submit them.    

Final Thought

A license is a valid document that permits a business in the UAE. The license allows the business owner to set up a business legally. It means you are paying costs to the government for doing business in the UAE. However, this cost varies depending on the business categories and business size. This business cost is not negotiable. 

It is fixed for everyone based on the location and business category. However, we have shown the price and explained in detail in different areas. So, take a look, get a cafeteria license, and do business in an authentic way.