What documents does a Chinese national need to start a coffee shop business in the UAE?

You will need a valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in China, attested documents via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, and a business plan for your coffee shop venture.

How long does it take for a Chinese citizen to set up a coffee shop company in ADGM?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Coffee Shop licence in ADGM?

The typical processing time for a coffee shop licence at ADGM is 5 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.

What documents do I need to set up a Coffee Shop business in ADGM?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a Coffee Shop business in Abu Dhabi Global Market?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in ADGM may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Abu Dhabi Global Market good for coffee shop start-ups?

ADGM is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering international financial centre and common law jurisdiction. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 15,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my ADGM Coffee Shop licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from ADGM, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Coffee Shop in Abu Dhabi Global Market for Chinese nationals

Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Coffee Shop in ADGM

Starting From

AED 11,700

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

4 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Coffee Shop

Setting up a Coffee Shop business in Abu Dhabi Global Market as a Chinese citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to China-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Chinese business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at ADGM has been streamlined significantly, with most food & beverage licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 11,700, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your coffee shop business in Abu Dhabi Global Market. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why ADGM for Coffee Shop?

Abu Dhabi Global Market is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for food & beverage businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers international financial centre, which is particularly valuable for coffee shop operations. Additionally, common law jurisdiction ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 15,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 4 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Own courts system further enhances the appeal of ADGM for coffee shop professionals. Furthermore, robust regulatory framework positions your coffee shop business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, ADGM 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 Chinese nationals specifically, the Abu Dhabi government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

International financial centre

Common law jurisdiction

Own courts system

Robust regulatory framework

Abu Dhabi's premier business hub

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your coffee shop licence is issued by ADGM, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. For your coffee shop business in ADGM, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Chinese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any China-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

Regulatory Note: Coffee Shop 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	11,700
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	15,000
Shared Office	30,000
Private Office	70,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,200

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your coffee shop business plan and the best ADGM licence options for Chinese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the coffee shop licence application to ADGM. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official ADGM trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. ADGM allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Chinese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Coffee Shop in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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