What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a cloud kitchen business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your cloud kitchen venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a cloud kitchen company in Ajman DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What are the tax implications for a Cloud Kitchen business in Ajman 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.

How much does it cost to set up a Cloud Kitchen business in Ajman Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Cloud Kitchen business in Ajman DED starts from approximately AED 5,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Cloud Kitchen company in Ajman DED?

Most of the setup process for a cloud kitchen business in Ajman 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.

Is Ajman Mainland good for cloud kitchen start-ups?

Ajman DED is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering most affordable mainland option and fast licensing process. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 5,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

How long does it take to get a Cloud Kitchen licence in Ajman DED?

The typical processing time for a cloud kitchen licence at Ajman DED is 2 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Cloud Kitchen in Ajman Mainland for Egyptian nationals

MainlandFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Cloud Kitchen in Ajman DED

Starting From

AED 5,000

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ajman

About Cloud Kitchen

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Ajman DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for cloud kitchen operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Ajman Mainland gives your Cloud Kitchen business access to Ajman's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up cloud kitchen businesses in Ajman Mainland since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Ajman DED for Cloud Kitchen?

Choosing Ajman DED for your cloud kitchen business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers most affordable mainland option, which is particularly valuable for cloud kitchen operations. Additionally, fast licensing process 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 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in the UAE further enhances the appeal of Ajman DED for cloud kitchen professionals. Furthermore, strategic northern emirates location positions your cloud kitchen business for long-term success in the region. With Ajman continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Ajman 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 Egyptian nationals specifically, the Ajman government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Egyptian business community.

Most affordable mainland option

Fast licensing process

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Strategic Northern Emirates location

Low operational costs

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your cloud kitchen licence is issued by Ajman DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your cloud kitchen business in Ajman DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for cloud kitchen), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Ajman DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Cloud Kitchen 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	5,000
Visa Package (per visa)	3,000
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	10,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 13,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your cloud kitchen business plan and the best Ajman DED licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Egypt through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the cloud kitchen licence application to Ajman DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Ajman DED trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 2 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, Egyptian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including cloud kitchen.

Cloud Kitchen 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