WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. As a rule, for German business owners, the UAE is around 6 hours from Berlin, the UAE is 2 to 3 hours ahead of Germany, and English is the working language, and German-speaking advisers are available in Dubai. Put simply, food outlets need a physical unit approved by the municipality food-control department, a fit-out approval and a food safety certificate for staff. Cloud kitchens are a lower-cost entry point.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business days. Ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Nothing is submitted for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
To be clear, for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Germany with at least six months' validity
- A bank statement from your Germany bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
Pricing
Pricing for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. To be clear, all prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German 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
To be clear, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. On the ground, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the file sit. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves fast.
To be clear, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a German founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
It can. 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?
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.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Germany and the UAE?
To be clear, the UAE has double taxation agreements with more than 130 countries. Whether Germany is covered and how it applies to you depends on the current treaty position, which GoldenKey checks with a tax adviser before you rely on it.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Germans 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.
