Dubai’s café culture is booming. From sleek specialty coffee shops to cozy Instagram-worthy cafés, the city offers the perfect environment for café businesses to thrive. If you’re an aspiring café owner, now is the right time to enter this vibrant market. But to succeed, you need a clear understanding of the legal, operational, and financial requirements.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up a coffee café in Dubai, including licensing, location, costs, and compliance in 2025.

Why Open a Coffee Café in Dubai?

• High foot traffic in malls, communities, and tourist areas
• Growing demand for specialty coffee and artisan cafés
• Diverse population with a strong café-going culture
• Tax-free profits and 100% foreign ownership options

Dubai’s F&B sector continues to grow steadily, making it one of the best places in the Middle East to start a food or beverage business.

Step-by-Step Guide to Open a Café in Dubai

Step 1: Decide on Your Business Activity & Legal Structure

You’ll need a commercial trade license with a “Cafeteria” or “Coffee Shop” business activity. Depending on your business model, your activity might also include:

• Juice & beverages
• Baked goods
• Hot meals or snacks

For the legal structure, most foreign investors opt for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with 100% ownership under mainland rules.

Step 2: Choose Your Location

Your location will significantly affect rent, foot traffic, and visibility. Popular options include:

• Malls and shopping centers
• High-street retail areas (Jumeirah, Downtown, Marina)
• Business hubs (DIFC, Business Bay)
• Residential communities

✅ Tip: Make sure the premises are approved for food service operations.

Step 3: Get Initial Approvals

To open a coffee shop in Dubai, you need two main approvals:

1. Department of Economic Development (DED) – for trade name reservation and business license
2. Dubai Municipality – Food Safety Department – for food service permits and hygiene compliance

If you plan to sell pre-packed or imported products, additional approvals may be required from:

• Dubai Municipality
• Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)

Step 4: Submit the Required Documents

Common documents include:

• Passport copy of the owner(s)
• Passport-sized photos
• No Objection Certificate (if you’re employed and starting part-time)
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval receipt
• Lease agreement (Ejari)
• Detailed layout of the café (for health & safety review)

Step 5: Finalize the Café Layout Plan

Before issuing a food license, Dubai Municipality will review your café’s:

• Kitchen layout
• Food storage areas
• Waste disposal system
• Ventilation and exhaust systems
• Clean water supply access

✅ Pro Tip: Hire a consultant or architect familiar with Dubai Food Code compliance to avoid delays.

Step 6: Secure a Trade License

Once all documents and approvals are in place, DED will issue your:

• Trade license (Commercial)
• Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
• Food license (via Dubai Municipality)

You can now legally begin operations.

Step 7: Apply for Visas & Open a Bank Account

Post-license, you can:

• Apply for your Investor Visa
• Hire staff and apply for their residence and work visas
• Open a corporate bank account

Hiring staff also requires obtaining labour approvals and health cards from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Café in Dubai?

Note: Actual costs may vary depending on size, location, and services offered.

Other Key Considerations

Health & Safety Compliance

Dubai has strict hygiene and food safety standards. Your café must pass regular inspections and maintain high sanitation levels.

Menu Development

Work with a certified chef or food consultant to craft a menu that aligns with customer preferences and market trends.

Point-of-Sale & Delivery Integration

Use a reliable POS system and register with food delivery platforms (Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem) for wider reach.

Marketing & Branding

Invest in social media marketing, Google Maps optimization, and local influencer campaigns to attract your target audience.

Why Work with GCCG.ae to Start Your Coffee Business?

Setting up a café in Dubai involves multiple layers of approvals, permits, and compliance. At GCCG, we take care of the entire setup process—from licensing and permits to location scouting and bank account opening.

✅ Expert F&B licensing support
✅ DED & Dubai Municipality approvals handled
✅ Transparent cost breakdown
✅ Visa, branding, and operational assistance
✅ Free consultation to guide your café journey

Let’s Brew Your Dream Café Together

Dubai’s coffee scene is dynamic, and the opportunities are endless for those who plan well. Whether you’re opening a boutique espresso bar or a themed café, we’ll help you every step of the way.

Contact GCCG.ae today to schedule your free consultation and turn your coffee café dream into a reality.