Starting a cafeteria in Dubai means facing various costs. These include setup expenses and ongoing fees. Getting a cafeteria license is key to legally run your business. The license cost varies by several factors, such as the business size, location, and Dubai’s rules. Here’s a detailed look at these costs based on various sources.
1. Basic License Costs
The basic cost for a cafeteria license in Dubai (UAE) starts at AED 10,350. This covers the main fees for registering your business and getting the needed approvals. But, this is just the beginning, and more costs will add up.
Note: You can consult Jaxtox for your complete business setup requirement.
2. Comprehensive Licensing Costs
For a full licensing package, the cost ranges from AED 24,000 to AED 30,000. This package includes all permits and approvals. It covers steps like reserving a trade name, getting initial approvals, notarizing the MOA, and issuing the trade license.
- Trade Name Reservation: AED 620. This step is to reserve a unique name for your cafeteria to avoid name conflicts.
- Initial Approval (Tasheel): AED 115. This fee is for the first government approval needed before moving forward.
- MOA Notarization: The cost varies based on the MOA’s content. It’s a legal document outlining the company’s structure and rules.
3. Setup Costs
Setting up a cafeteria in Dubai also includes other expenses:
- Ejari Fees (Tenancy Contract): These fees depend on the rental agreement for your space. Ejari is the official platform for lease agreements in Dubai.
- Trade License Issuance: AED 6,000. This fee is for the trade license, which lets your business legally operate in Dubai.
- Foreign Trade Name Fees: AED 2,000. If your cafeteria name isn’t from Dubai, you’ll pay extra.
- Company Stamp: AED 100. A company stamp is needed for official documents.
- Immigration Card (Establishment): The cost varies by business size and nature. It’s needed for hiring employees and processing visas.
4. Additional Costs
There are more costs to consider, like interior design, fit-out, equipment, and staff salaries. These costs change based on the cafeteria’s size and location in Dubai.
- Interior Design and Fit-Out: Costs vary widely, depending on the design and size of the cafeteria. A well-designed space is key for attracting customers and success.
- Equipment and Supplies: The cost of kitchen gear, furniture, and supplies varies. It’s important to invest in quality equipment that meets Dubai standards.
- Staff Costs: Salaries for staff, like chefs and waiters, add to ongoing expenses. The cost depends on the number and experience of staff.
5. Renewal and Ongoing Costs
After setting up, there are annual renewal fees:
- Trade License Renewal: Renewing the trade license costs about AED 10,000 each year. This is necessary to keep operating legally in Dubai.
6. Hidden and Miscellaneous Costs
Some costs might pop up during setup and operation of a cafeteria:
- Local Sponsorship Fees: Some cafeterias might need a local sponsor, which can add extra costs.
- Marketing and Advertising: It’s key to budget for marketing to draw in customers and build a brand in Dubai.
- Government Fines or Penalties: Not following local rules, like health and safety, can lead to fines, affecting costs.
7. Cost Breakdown Table
Here’s a table with estimated costs for getting a cafeteria license and setting up in Dubai:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic License | 10,350 |
| Trade Name Reservation | 620 |
| Initial Approval (Tasheel) | 115 |
| MOA Notarization | 2,000 (Varies) |
| Ejari Fees (Tenancy Contract) | 5,000 (Varies) |
| Issue Trade License Basic Fees | 6,000 |
| Foreign Trade Name Fees | 2,000 |
| Company Stamp | 100 |
| Immigration Card (Establishment) | 1,200 (Varies) |
| Interior Design and Fit-Out | 50,000 (Varies) |
| Equipment and Supplies | 80,000 (Varies) |
| Staff Costs | 100,000 (Varies) |
| Trade License Renewal (Annually) | 10,000 |
| Local Sponsorship Fees | 15,000 (Varies) |
| Marketing and Advertising | 20,000 (Varies) |
| Government Fines/Penalties | 5,000 (Varies) |
Conclusion
Starting a cafeteria in Dubai means planning your finances well and knowing the costs. The investment can change a lot, depending on the business’s size and needs. It’s important to think about both the start-up costs and ongoing expenses to keep the business running smoothly.
Understanding these costs and planning your budget helps entrepreneurs get ready for the financial side of opening and running a cafeteria in Dubai. Getting advice from a business setup expert or legal advisor can also help with the complex process and ensure you follow all the rules.
