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Food License Cost in Dubai: Fees, Process, and Requirements

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Food License Cost in Dubai: Fees, Process, and Requirements
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A food license in Dubai is a permit that allows a business to legally produce, handle, and sell food. It is important because it ensures that food businesses comply with Dubai’s health, safety, and hygiene regulations enforced primarily by Dubai Municipality (Food Safety Department). Understanding the food license cost in Dubai helps you plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses when setting up your business.

A food license is obtained through a combination of a trade license and food activity approvals. In Dubai, these licenses are separately issued by the following authorities:

In this blog, we will provide details on the food license in Dubai, including the cost, process, and eligibility requirements to get one, to streamline your licensing journey.

What is a Food License in Dubai?

A Food License ensures that food-related businesses comply with health, safety, and hygiene standards in Dubai. Essentially, it is required for anyone involved in producing, selling, or handling food in Dubai. This includes:

  • Food trucks and kiosks: Mobile food vendors operating in public spaces.
  • Food distributors and wholesalers: Businesses supplying raw or packaged food.
  • Home-based food businesses: Catering or homemade food sales. You must obtain a home-based business trade license if you want to legally run any business activity from your home.
  • Caterers and event food providers: Serving food at parties, weddings, or corporate events.
  • Food manufacturers and factories: Producing frozen foods, packaged snacks, or other processed food items.
  • Packaged and loose food sellers: Grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty food shops. To legally operate a grocery store, get a grocery store trade license.
  • Restaurants and cafés: Dine-in, takeaway, or delivery services.

Read about the cost for the Cafeteria license in Dubai to manage expenses for your cafeteria business in Dubai.

What is the Average Food License Cost in Dubai (2026)?

Typically, obtaining a food license in Dubai ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000. Below is a clear explanation of each cost component involved in obtaining a food license in Dubai.

1. Trade Authority Fees

The following are the base charges for setting up your business activity:

Cost ComponentsEstimated Price (AED)Details
Trade Name Reservation 600-700 Fee to reserve your approved business name.
Initial Approval Fee 200-300 One‑time government processing fee
DET Trade License Fee (Mainland) 15,000-30,000 Core trade license fee paid to the relevant authority.
Free Zone Trade License Fee 9,000-35,000+ Licenses have separate fees and are issued by the respective free zone authority

Note: Free Zones bundle visas, flexi-desk or shared office space, and administrative services into one package, making them more cost-effective than some mainland setups.

Read how to get a DED license in Dubai for detailed information on licenses and compliance in Dubai.

2. Dubai Municipality Food Safety License

The Dubai Municipality Food Safety License includes approvals such as hygiene inspections, food-handling compliance checks, and health clearance for your premises. The table below gives a detailed cost integration of these components:

Cost ComponentsEstimated Price (AED)Details
Municipality Permit/Approval Fee 2,000-5,000+ Includes inspections and food safety approvals.
Kitchen Fit-out Approval & Inspection Variable Depends on the premises’ size and condition.
Staff Health Cards (per person) 300-500 Mandatory for food handlers.
HACCP Certification (if applicable) 5,000-10,000+ Required for high-risk food manufacturing, central kitchens, and certain catering operations.

These costs cover all essential food safety requirements, ensuring your business meets Dubai Municipality standards and operates legally and safely.

3. External Approvals & Certificates

Certain businesses require additional external approvals and certificates before operations begin:

Cost ComponentsEstimated Price (AED)Details
Document Attestation (for foreign documents) Variable Cost depends on the document’s country of origin. Embassy or consulate attestation fees may apply.
MOA Notarization (for LLCs) 500-2,000 (approx.) Covers notarization of the Memorandum of Association at a public notary or legal authority in Dubai, required for company registration.
Fire Safety Approval  2,000-4,000 Issued by Dubai Civil Defence after inspection of safety systems.
Layout Plan Approval 1,500-3,000 Approval of your kitchen and seating layout to meet food safety standards.
Ejari Lease Registration 120-300 (approx.) Mandatory tenancy contract with Dubai Land Department (DLD) through Ejari Registration.

Obtaining these external approvals and certificates ensures your business meets all legal and regulatory requirements before starting operations in Dubai.

4. Additional Permits (Business-Specific)

You may need the following extra permits in addition to your Food Trade License in the UAE to validate your business:

Cost ComponentsEstimated Price (AED)Details
Food Truck and Specific Permits (RTA / Municipality) 1,500-2,500+ (variable) Covers RTA approval for vehicle modification and operation, along with Dubai Municipality food safety and hygiene permits. Food truck business license cost varies by truck type and activity.
Alcohol License 30,000-50,000 Typically issued to hotel-based restaurants and approved venues, subject to additional approvals from relevant authorities.
Outdoor Seating Permit 1,000-2,000 Needed for tables placed outside the premises.
Shisha Permit 10,000-15,000 Mandatory for serving shisha.
Tourism Permit 15,000-20,000 Required for businesses operating in tourist zones or hotels.

Note: Costs may vary depending on business size, category, location (mainland or free zone), and additional approvals. Always check with the Dubai Municipality or the relevant free zone authorities for accurate, up-to-date fees before applying for a license.

How to Get a Food License in Dubai? Step-by-Step Process

Setting up a food business in Dubai requires following a structured process to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses:

1. Choose Your Business Structure

Start by selecting your business activity and the appropriate license type (Commercial, Service, or Industrial). Next, decide whether to operate on the mainland or in a free zone, considering your target market, budget, and specific operational requirements.

Opt for the business setup in the Dubai Mainland if you plan to trade directly across the UAE market without restrictions and want flexibility in business operations. Alternatively, a Dubai Free Zone setup may be suitable if you prefer operating within a specific free zone jurisdiction.

  • Timeline: 3-7 working days (mainland); 4-6 working days (freezone).
  • Estimated Fees: AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 (mainland); AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 (Freezone).

Note: Mainland setups cost more and take longer as they may require a physical office and additional regulatory approvals depending on the activity. On the other hand, free zones offer 100% ownership, bundled services, and faster, simpler registration.

2. Reserve Trade Name

Reserve your business name with the relevant authority (Mainland or Free Zone). The name must follow UAE naming guidelines.

  • Timeline: 1-2 working days, depending on the authority and document verification.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 600 to 700, depending on the authority and business activity.

3. Initial Government Approvals

Apply for initial approval (like trade activity approval, food safety clearance, etc.) to confirm that authorities have no objection to your food activity.

  • Timeline: 3-7 working days, depending on the type of approval and verification process.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 200-1,000, depending on the type of approval and business.

4. Submit Documents to Dubai Municipality

Submit your food safety plan, kitchen layout, and hygiene compliance documents to the authorities. They review your food handling procedures and storage systems.

  • Timeline: 5-15 working days, depending on review and verification.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 2,000-5,000.

5. Get Technical & Fire Safety Approvals

Obtain safety clearance from Dubai Civil Defence. This approval is required for most indoor kitchens and larger food operations. Officials inspect ventilation, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits of your food business.

  • Timeline: 5-10 working days, depending on inspections and document verification.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 2,000-4,000.

6. Ejari & Premises Registration (Mandatory for Mainland)

Before final license issuance, register your physical premises with Ejari at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This step ensures your commercial location is officially recognized and compliant with regulations for operating a food business.

  • Timeline: 1-2 working days.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 120–300.

Note: This is mandatory for all mainland food businesses with a physical location.

7. Final License Issuance

Pay the remaining government fees and receive your commercial license and food safety approval certificate.

  • Timeline: 2-5 working days after all prior approvals are completed.
  • Estimated Fees: AED 10,000-30,000+.

The cost of a Dubai restaurant license, including cafés, cloud kitchens, or businesses serving alcohol, varies depending on business type and approvals. Proper planning helps avoid delays and additional charges

How to Reduce Food License Cost in Dubai?

You can lower your overall cost of food license in Dubai by planning carefully and avoiding common errors that increase costs later.

  • Choose the Right Business Jurisdiction: Select a cost-effective free zone or mainland setup based on your activity and target market.
  • Compare Consultancy Packages: Many business consultants in the UAE offer bundled packages that are cost-efficient and effective.
  • Start with a Minimal Setup: Begin with a simple restaurant layout and avoid oversized kitchens or premium interiors in the initial stage.
  • Negotiate Your Ejari Contract: Office or restaurant rental costs make up a major part of your expenses. Negotiate lease terms carefully before registering your Ejari contract to control recurring costs.
  • Submit Complete Documents: Missing paperwork can lead to rejections, delays, and resubmission fees. Always double-check documents before filing.
  • Comply with Municipality Inspection Standards: Failure to meet hygiene or layout standards can delay approvals and increase modification costs. Follow food safety guidelines strictly.
  • Budgeting for Visa Fees: Investor and employee visas add to your overall setup cost. Include visa and medical test expenses in your financial plan.

Careful planning and compliance help you control expenses and avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining your Dubai food license.

Conclusion

Obtaining a food license in the UAE involves multiple approvals, inspections, and government fees. Your total cost depends on your business structure, location, premises size, and required permits. Proper planning, accurate documentation, and timely submissions help you avoid delays and unexpected expenses. When you understand each stage clearly, you can control costs and start operations smoothly.

Take professional assistance from SafeLedger to gain a detailed understanding of cost components and save on overheads. We can guide you through the registration process and suggest cost-efficient ways. Our team supports you on every step of the process and helps you secure your food license without unnecessary delays in Dubai. Contact us today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, every food-related business in Dubai must obtain a valid food license before starting operations. This applies to restaurants, cafes, catering services, cloud kitchens, food trucks, bakeries, and food trading companies. Operating without a license can lead to fines, closure, and legal action. The license also confirms compliance with food safety and hygiene standards set by local authorities.

Food license approval in Dubai usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. The timeline depends on your business activity, document readiness, inspection schedules, and authority approvals. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or if inspection requirements are not met. Faster approval is possible when all technical and safety requirements are fulfilled in advance.

Yes, you can legally sell homemade food in Dubai, but you must obtain the necessary approvals. You need a valid trade license and food safety approval from the concerned authorities in Dubai. Selling homemade food without registration or inspection is not permitted and may result in penalties. You must also ensure that your kitchen setup complies with approved hygiene and safety guidelines.

No, you cannot operate a food business in Dubai without a license.  Authorities can impose heavy fines, close the business, or take legal action against the owner operating a food business without a valid license. A valid food license is mandatory to sell, manufacture, or handle food products. Having the license also reassures customers about hygiene standards and boosts trust in your business.

Several factors influence the food license in Dubai cost. These include your business type (restaurant, café, catering, trading, or manufacturing), the size and scale of operations, and the location. Mainland businesses and free zone businesses may have different fees. Additional approvals, such as fire safety certificates, layout approvals, or health inspections, can also add to the overall cost. Understanding these factors helps plan your budget accurately.

Yes, a food license in Dubai can be transferred to a new owner if the business is sold. However, the new owner must meet all Dubai Municipality requirements, including updated documents and approvals. Transfer fees may apply, and the municipality will verify compliance with health, hygiene, and safety regulations before finalizing the transfer. This ensures the food business continues to operate legally and safely under new ownership.

Yes, there are different types of food licenses in Dubai. It offers multiple types of food licenses, tailored to different business activities. These include licenses for restaurants and cafés, food trucks, catering businesses, food trading and import/export businesses, home-based food production, and food manufacturing or processing units. Choosing the correct license type is essential to remain compliant with Dubai Municipality regulations and avoid fines or penalties.

Food licenses in Dubai must be renewed every year and involve paying the municipality fees, updating business details, and ensuring ongoing compliance with health, hygiene, and safety standards. Some businesses may also need to renew additional approvals, such as fire safety or layout certificates. Timely renewal is critical to avoid penalties, business interruptions, or closure by the authorities.

Yes, food safety training and valid staff health cards are mandatory for obtaining a food license in Dubai. Key staff members must complete approved training programs to ensure they understand safe food-handling practices, and all food handlers must hold health cards issued by Dubai Municipality. These requirements protect public health, ensure hygiene standards are maintained, and are checked during initial licensing and periodic inspections.

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Joel Dsouza

About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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