WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. Day to day, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. For most clients, typical examples of this activity include café, cloud kitchen, fine dining and catering, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence. Spanish engineering and construction firms have delivered major UAE infrastructure, and food exports continue to grow, which gives Spanish entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is granted.
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. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Day to day, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder in real time.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Day to day, 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.
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). If the authority raises a query on opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder.
- A bank statement from your Spain bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- Educational certificates attested by the Spain authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A police clearance certificate from Spain if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
Pricing
Put simply, all prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
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 Spanish founder predictable. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, and that is why so many business owners choose it as a base for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. 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 Spanish founder.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a consultant will walk you through opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Spanish founder step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
Just as important, with paperwork and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for most applicants issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
On the ground, 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 restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Spanish 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.
Can I combine restaurant & café with other activities?
From day one, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
