WhatsApp quotePut simply, 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. Crucially, typical examples of this activity include café, cloud kitchen, fine dining and catering, which can as a rule sit together on one Dubai licence. Importantly, restaurant & Café in Dubai means operating a dine-in restaurant, café, cloud kitchen or food truck, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
Businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. 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
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.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
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. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
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. For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A bank statement from your Lithuania bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. The figures below for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the licensing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 Lithuanian founder for international company owners. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, 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 Lithuanian founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder for traders, consultants, tech entrepreneurs and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. Our quotations for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
As we tell every client, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Lithuanian founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
In our experience, 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.
What approvals does restaurant & café need?
On the ground, municipality food control, civil defence and, for alcohol, the relevant licensing authority. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Lithuanians 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.
