Restaurant & Café in the UAE for Japanese nationals

Why Dubai

Dubai's economic department issues more than 50,000 new licences a year. Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.

How Dubai works with GoldenKey

1. 
   Step 1

   Activity and legal form

   GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder.

2. 
   Step 2

   Trade 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.

3. 
   Step 3

   Office, 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). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder.

4. 
   Step 4

   Licence, Chamber and immigration

   Your Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.

Documents required

For most clients, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder.

• A police clearance certificate from Japan if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
• Educational certificates attested by the Japan authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
• The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
• Tenancy contract for the outlet
• Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
• A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months

Pricing

Just as important, the figures below for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.

Why the UAE

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 Japanese founder predictable. In short, 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 Japanese founder no longer requires a local partner.

Why GoldenKey

In short, 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 Japanese founder happen the same day they are ready. As a rule, our quotations for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Japanese founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.

Frequently asked questions