UAE Home Made Food License Requirements for Small Businesses

Yes, residents and citizens in the UAE are allowed to sell food made at home, but only under certain conditions, including obtaining a trade license for home based business .

• Registering a legal business activity: Get your food business officially registered with the proper licensing authority.
• Obtaining municipality food safety approval: Your kitchen and food should be approved by the local municipality for safety.
• Hygiene and labeling rules: Follow hygiene and label food with ingredients, dates, and allergen information.
• Selling via approved channels: To sell homemade food, the license platforms select registered online shops or delivery services.

Operating without a license could lead to fines or the shutdown of your company.

1. Valid UAE Residency

You must:

• Valid Emirates ID
• UAE residence visa
• Meet emirate-specific eligibility rules

Note: Some emirates only grant permits to UAE citizens or require specific permission for foreigners before issuing a trade license.

2. Trade License for Food Activity

Food-related activity such as:

• Home bakery
• Meal preparation
• Catering from home
• Online food sales

Note: Depending on your business setup, if you are selecting mainland authorities or free zones may grant this license.

3. Municipality Food Safety Approval

Authorities may inspect:

• Kitchen cleanliness
• Storage conditions
• Food preparation process
• Waste disposal system
• Pest control measures

Before selling any food products you need approval.

4. Food Safety Training Certificate

Many emirates require the applicant to complete a food safety course covering:

• Safe cooking temperatures
• Contamination prevention
• Proper storage methods
• Personal hygiene practices

This certification about food handling regulations.

5. Approved Kitchen Setup

Your kitchen must:

• Be separated from personal living areas (in some cases)
• Have proper refrigeration
• Use food-grade utensils
• Maintain sanitation standards

In some emirates, only specific food categories are allowed (low-risk foods like baked goods).

6. Product Labeling Compliance

All food sold must include:

• Product name
• Ingredients list
• Production date
• Expiry date
• Allergen information

Improper labeling can cause penalties or product bans.

7. Online Selling Registration (If Applicable)

If you plan to sell via:

• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Website
• Delivery apps

You may need e-commerce or delivery platform approvals.

Typical documents include:

• Passport copy
• Emirates ID copy
• Residence visa copy
• Passport-size photo
• Trade name approval
  Tenancy contract / home address proof
• Food safety training certificate
• Kitchen photos or inspection approval

Additional guide on: How Much Does a Cafeteria License Cost in Dubai?

If you sell the home made food without license it may result very negatively such as:

• Heavy fines
• Product confiscation
• Social media account restrictions
• Business shut down

Both your clients and your company’s reputation will be protected by compliance.

Ready to start your homemade food business in the UAE? SafeLedger can help you obtain your home food license, municipality approvals, and complete business registration quickly.