Coffee Shop in Dubai Media City for Indian nationals
Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Coffee Shop in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Coffee Shop

The UAE continues to attract Indian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DMC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for coffee shop operations. Largest expatriate community in the UAE (~3.5 million), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Media City gives your Coffee Shop business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, 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 coffee shop businesses in Dubai Media City 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 DMC for Coffee Shop?

Choosing DMC for your coffee shop business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for coffee shop operations. Additionally, home to international media houses 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 12,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 5 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Full media production ecosystem further enhances the appeal of DMC for coffee shop professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your coffee shop business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DMC 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 Indian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Indian business community.

Middle East media hub
Home to international media houses
Full media production ecosystem
100% foreign ownership
Creative industry networking

Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

For Indian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days. For business setup, a proper residence visa is required. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your coffee shop business in DMC.

Banking for Indian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your coffee shop company in DMC: Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks. Many banks have dedicated Indian business desks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Indian business structures.

Document Attestation for Indian Nationals

Document attestation for Indian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in India, (2) Attestation by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to coffee shop businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid India passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)
6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
7Detailed business plan or activity description
8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

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

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee15,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,000
Flexi Desk12,000
Shared Office20,000
Private Office45,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 32,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

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

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from India through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks.

7

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. DMC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Indian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your coffee shop in DMC? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionDMC
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 15,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota5
Activity Code56103

Official Source

dmc.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

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Get a personalised quote for setting up your coffee shop in DMC. Our advisors are ready to guide you through every step.