A tea shop? Great idea – we always keep an eye on the business landscape of Dubai and we see the benefit of such a business. The city not only has bustling streets full of tourists, but meetings are extremely commonplace. With a café, you’ll never be short of customers. But how much does a tea shop license cost in Dubai when you want to settle in with something small and cheap? It’s fairly low cost – around as much as you’d pay to get a general trading license in Dubai.
Keep reading to get a full breakdown from the experts in our team.
Table of Contents
How Do Tea Shop License in Dubai Work?
To start, let’s talk about the basics of tea licenses.Â
In Dubai, tea shops fall under the category of cafeteria licenses, where you can serve a variety of beverages and light snacks.Â
These licenses are overseen by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland operations or through different free zones if you opt for that route.Â
You’ll need to deal with a lot of specifics, and you also need to keep in mind that Dubai has a tight regulation regarding food businesses – it has a big population, and can’t afford to have people be sick.Â
What Kinds of Tea Shop Licenses Are There?
When setting up a tea shop, you primarily need a cafeteria license. However, the specific type of license might vary based on the scope of your operations:
- Small Cafeteria License: This one will do if you’re just going to get a small tea shop focusing mainly on beverages and light snacks.
- Full Cafeteria License: This is better if you’re planning for a larger establishment that may also serve a more extensive food menu.
Tea Licenses Cost Breakdown – Mainland and Free Zone
Acquiring a tea license entails various expenses, depending on your chosen setup. Let’s go through all the things you have to pay for.
Mainland
Operating in the mainland comes with upfront costs, including the initial Dubai mainland license fee, trade name reservation, local service agent fee, and other government charges.
Free Zone
On the other hand, this kind of Dubai freezone company formation for tea shops involves expenses such as the license fee, office space rental, and visa costs. It’s essential to weigh these costs against the benefits of operating within a free zone.
How Do You Purchase a Tea License in Dubai?
Setting up a tea license involves a series of steps to ensure compliance and obtain official approvals – if you’re not sure about something, you can look for some good business consultancy services in Dubai. Here’s a full overview of the broad process.
- Define Your Business Activity: Think about the the scale and scope of your tea shop operation.
- Choose Your Location: Decide between mainland or free zone setup. There’s more than a few free zones to pick from, too.
- Register Your Business Name: Submit your desired business name for approval.
- Obtain Initial Approval: Secure preliminary clearance from the DED.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) if required and secure a lease for your business location.
- Submit Your Application: Provide all required documents and fees to finalize your license application.
What Other Licenses Might You Need for Your Cafeteria?
Next up, you’ll need to apply for a food license from the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department.Â
You’ll also need to get your tea shop plans approved by the Food Control Department of Dubai.
In addition to these and the primary cafeteria license, other permits and licenses that may be necessary such as:
- Signage Permit: You’ll need this approval for any signage or advertisements.
- NOC from the Dubai Municipality: This will secure clearance for modifications to your shop’s layout or structure.
What Will the DED Inspect for Your Tea License?
That’s right, the DED is very involved with the process, too.Â
They’ll conduct inspections to verify compliance with various regulations, focusing on aspects such as cleanliness, fire safety measures, and structural requirements.Â
You need to ensure that your tea shop meets these standards is essential to pass inspections smoothly.
What Documentation Do You Need with a Tea Shop?
You have to collect the following documents when applying for a tea license in Dubai.
- Passport Copies: For all business partners.
- Visa Copies: Valid documentation of visas for each business partner.
- Emirates ID Copies: Identification documents for all business partners.
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate: Issued upon approval of your business name.
- Initial Approval Certificate: Confirmation of preliminary clearance from the DED.
- Lease Agreement: Documentation of your business premises.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): Required for mainland operations.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Licensing Process
We have a few tips for how you can get a smooth licensing process. Keep reading.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with business setup experts to navigate the process efficiently.
- Plan Ahead: Allocate sufficient time and resources for each step of the process.
- Communicate Effectively: Maintain clear communication with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
- Prioritize Compliance: Familiarize yourself with all regulations and standards to ensure full compliance.
- Invest Wisely: Allocate resources to quality equipment and staff training to uphold high standards.
And to make sure you stay within budget – you can always take the help of accounting and bookkeeping services in Dubai.
Get Started With Licensing Right Away
You’re on the right track – most of the ambitious entrepreneurs coming into Dubai are looking into big and oversaturated industries like tech industries.
But a tea shop will be a far easier way to get into Dubai’s thriving economy.Â
In fact, while you’re at it, you’ll be setting up something that’ll be sustainable for a very, very long time as well.
If you found this post an enjoyable read, come give Company Setup Consultants a try, we can help you get started!
For comprehensive support with your business needs, whether it’s company setup in Dubai or finding a fully furnished office space for rent, our experienced consultants are here to assist you. We also offer expert guidance on the golden visa application process and trademark services. To speak with our team, call us at +971 582595164, send a WhatsApp message for chat queries on +971 582595164, or email us at info@companysetup.ae.