WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. GoldenKey helps entrepreneurs compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Importantly, greek shipowners and hospitality groups are deeply connected to the UAE market, which gives Greek entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued. Just as important, payments between Greece and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, euro (EUR) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Greek business profiles.
Why Dubai
Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
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. For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
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
Importantly, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with 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 Greek founder.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Documents required
The document list for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Educational certificates attested by the Greece authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A passport issued by Greece with at least six months' validity
Pricing
Pricing for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek 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 Greek 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 3,850 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 13,200 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Why the UAE
Day to day, 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 Greek founder for international founders. As a rule, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek founder predictable.
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 Greek founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. 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 Greek founder happen the same day they are ready. Crucially, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek founder.
Tell us about your plans for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Greek founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
With paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Greeks can own 100% of a restaurant or café in the UAE. GoldenKey recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers restaurant & café?
In short, restaurant & Café is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
