WhatsApp quoteCrucially, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Dubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. As a rule, the most common businesses Czechs open through GoldenKey are in engineering, glass and crystal, aviation and software, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Czech engineering and manufactured goods have a long-standing market in the Gulf, which gives Czech entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Importantly, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
The document list for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A police clearance certificate from Czech Republic if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Pricing for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In our experience, all prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder for international entrepreneurs. In our experience, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Czech founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
To be clear, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Czechs can own 100% of a restaurant or café in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Czech Republic and the UAE?
Absolutely. The UAE and Czech Republic have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
