WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. On the ground, typical examples of this activity include café, cloud kitchen, fine dining and catering, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. the Netherlands is a major European gateway for UAE re-exports, and Dutch logistics expertise is in demand across Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port, which gives Dutch entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is issued.
Why Dubai
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. Popular districts for a Dubai mainland office include Business Bay, Deira, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Al Quoz, each with different rent levels and customer footfall.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity 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.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder.
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. If the authority raises a query on opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
On the ground, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A passport issued by Netherlands with at least six months' validity
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Netherlands if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
Pricing
The figures below for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch 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
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 Dutch founder no longer requires a local partner. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many business owners choose it as a base for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. 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 Dutch founder happen the same day they are ready. For most clients, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other company owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Dutch founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
From day one, with paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) usually issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Absolutely. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes — Dutch nationals 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.
Which licence type covers restaurant & café?
Crucially, restaurant & Café is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
