What documents does an Italian national need to start a catering services business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your catering services venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a catering services company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How much does it cost to set up a Catering Services business in Dubai Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Catering Services business in Dubai DED starts from approximately AED 12,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,500 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Dubai DED Catering Services licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Dubai DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What business activities can I include on my Dubai DED licence?

Your Dubai DED licence can include catering services as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the tax implications for a Catering Services business in Dubai Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Catering Services company in Dubai DED?

Most of the setup process for a catering services business in Dubai DED can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Catering Services in Dubai Mainland for Italian nationals

MainlandFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Catering Services in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Catering Services

As an Italian national looking to establish a Catering Services business in Dubai Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Italy has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Italian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Catering Services business will benefit from trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. The Dubai DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your catering services setup in Dubai DED. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why Dubai DED for Catering Services?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Mainland continues to attract catering services entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for catering services operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for catering services professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your catering services business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established food & beverage enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

For Italian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your catering services business in Dubai DED.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your catering services company in Dubai DED: Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Italian business structures.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Document attestation for Italian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Italy, (2) Attestation by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to catering services businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

6Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

7No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

8Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

Regulatory Note: Catering Services is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your catering services business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the catering services licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your catering services business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Italian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including catering services.

Catering Services in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750