FAQs about Emirabiz Services
In straightforward cases, the license itself is issued relatively quickly:
- Free Zone: Typically 3–5 working days.
- Mainland: Can be issued in 1–3 working days (Instant License) or up to a week for standard licenses. Note: While the license is fast, the full setup including the establishment card and residence visa stamping usually takes 2–4 weeks to complete.
You can verify the validity of a mainland license through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) website or the Dubai Trade portal. For Free Zone companies, Dubai trade license online check must be done through the specific Free Zone’s online verification portal (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, or IFZA directories). Banks perform this check regularly; if your license shows as "expired" in the system, your company accounts will be frozen immediately.
No, the license grants you eligibility to apply for visas, but they are not issued automatically. The number of visas you can obtain depends on your jurisdiction and facility:
Mainland: The visa quota is generally linked to the size of your office (typically one visa per 9 sq. m).
Free Zone: Visas are usually allocated based on the license package you purchase (e.g., zero-visa, 1-visa, or 3-visa packages).
You must renew your trade license Dubai annually. The renewal process involves paying the government fees and, for mainland companies, providing a valid tenancy contract (Ejari).
Operating with an expired license triggers monthly fines (e.g., AED 200/month or more depending on the jurisdiction) and can lead to the suspension of your corporate bank account.
Yes, serving certain items requires additional permits:
- Pork Permit: For serving non-halal dishes.
- Liquor License: For serving alcoholic beverages.
These permits ensure compliance with Dubai's food safety and cultural regulations.
When selecting a location, consider:
- Foot traffic: Areas with high pedestrian movement.
- Demographics: Target audience and their preferences.
- Competition: Proximity to similar establishments.
- Accessibility: Ease of access for customers.
- Rental costs: Affordability relative to your budget.
Yes, a comprehensive business plan is essential. It should cover market analysis, financial projections, and strategic planning to address challenges like unexpected costs and cash flow issues.
The steps to acquire a restaurant license in Dubai include:
- Determine the nature of your enterprise.
- Identify business activities.
- Designate a legal status.
- Select and register a trade name.
- Submit an application for initial approval.
- Lease a commercial space.
- Prepare necessary documents.
- Obtain additional approvals.
- Submit the final application to the DED.
- Pay applicable fees.
Prime areas for restaurants in Dubai include:
- Downtown Dubai: High foot traffic near landmarks like the Burj Khalifa.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): Popular with tourists and locals.
- Dubai Marina: Upscale residential and commercial area.
- Business Bay: Ideal for business-oriented and fast-casual dining concepts.
- Sheikh Zayed Road: Major thoroughfare with diverse clientele.
The initial investment to open a restaurant in Dubai typically ranges from AED 790,000 to AED 800,000, depending on factors like location, size, and concept. For fine dining establishments, restaurant license cost in Dubai can escalate to AED 3,000–5,000 per square foot due to luxury finishes and specialized equipment.
Planning to start a business in the UAE? With Emirabiz, you can navigate the process quickly and effortlessly. We provide expert assistance with company registration, licensing, residency visas, bank accounts, and comprehensive business support.