Despite being a business hub, Dubai has evolved over the years as one of the demanding tourist spots enticing tourists across the map. It has been the home for over 200 nationalities. Every nation has its own way of tastes and preferences. Food always remains an emotion to many but, in Dubai, it is more of a business. Are you planning to start a restaurant business? Dubai is the perfect spot serving this purpose. Starting a restaurant in Dubai is a painful process having its own set of rigid rules and regulations. Starting your very first restaurant or extending your branch can be hassle-free when it comes to free zones. Free zones facilitate a quick process. This article discusses the factors to consider before starting a restaurant in Dubai free zone. Here is the get-go!
Reasons why you start a restaurant in Dubai
Before getting started, you have to overlook several factors that affect the existence of your business. The factors like best-in-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, minimal legalities, etc make Dubai-free zones an ideal location for starting your restaurant business. In free zones, you are limited to conduct the business within the jurisdiction only.
There exists a common misconception that starting restaurants are restricted to the mainland only. But, now, free zones also support restaurant businesses except for industrial areas. Restaurants are allowed in residential areas of free zones. Three restaurants allow you to obtain a restaurant license in Dubai. They are:
- Dubai Silicon Oasis(DSO)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone(DAFZ)
- Dubai Multi Commodity Centre(DMCC)
Steps to start a restaurant business in Dubai Free zones
Setting up a business in the free zone is a quick and painless process that can be possible within a minimum time period. Here are the steps to start a restaurant business in free zones. It requires minimum paperwork and the process is as follows:
- Selecting the preferred jurisdiction
Selecting the ideal jurisdiction matching your needs is the first step toward acquiring a restaurant license. As we have already mentioned, there are three free zones where you can head start a restaurant business. You need to select the ideal one from the three in accordance with the activities allowed and the convenience of your business.
- Obtaining food & trading license and permits
The next step towards your restaurant is acquiring a food and trading license through the free zone authority. After this, you’ll be required to seek approval from the food safety department. Far from this, you’ll also need to get some additional permits such as liquor permits, pork permits as well as delivery permits. You have to conform to the UAE food code for the smooth functioning of your business.
- Submit application forms and required documents
After grabbing your license, you need to submit the application forms and required documents such as a copy of your trade license, information regarding restaurant plans and storage areas.
For tracking your companies expenses and to facilitate effortless functioning you’ll need to set up a business bank account. Setting up a business bank account is the final step towards your business.
Documents required to start a restaurant business in Dubai
The documents required may vary according to the free zones you opt for. Here are the basic documents you need to submit for starting a restaurant business in Dubai.
- Copy of your trade license
- Blueprint/layout of the restaurant (only applicable for certain free zones)
- Additional permits that may have been acquired such as liquor permit
- Passport copy of the investor
- Visa copy of the investor
- 2 colored passport sized photographs
- Business plan
To know more
Al Arabiya ensures you a smooth processing of your restaurant. Your restaurant dream is no more a dream with us. Our expert team of consultants will guide you throughout the entire process. To know more, feel free to contact us.
