What documents does an Iranian national need to start a restaurant business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for an Iranian citizen to set up a restaurant company in Fujairah 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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Restaurant licence from Fujairah DED?

Yes, your restaurant licence from Fujairah DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,200.

What are the tax implications for a Restaurant business in Fujairah 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.

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

Your Fujairah DED licence can include restaurant 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 annual renewal costs for a Restaurant business in Fujairah Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Restaurant Fujairah DED company costs approximately AED 6,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Restaurant company in Fujairah Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including restaurant. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

Restaurant in Fujairah Mainland for Iranian nationals

MainlandFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Restaurant in Fujairah DED

Starting From

AED 6,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Fujairah

About Restaurant

Setting up a Restaurant business in Fujairah Mainland as an Iranian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Iran-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Iranian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at Fujairah DED has been streamlined significantly, with most food & beverage licences processed within 3 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 6,000, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your restaurant business in Fujairah Mainland. 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 Fujairah DED for Restaurant?

Fujairah Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for food & beverage businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers east coast port access, which is particularly valuable for restaurant operations. Additionally, oil and shipping hub 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 across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Fujairah DED for restaurant professionals. Furthermore, cost-effective licensing positions your restaurant business for long-term success in the region. With Fujairah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Fujairah 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 Iranian nationals specifically, the Fujairah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Iranian business community.

East coast port access

Oil and shipping hub

Trade across the UAE

Cost-effective licensing

Growing commercial centre

Visa Requirements for Iranian Nationals

For Iranian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your restaurant business in Fujairah DED.

Banking for Iranian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your restaurant company in Fujairah DED: Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements. IBA assists with navigating compliance procedures for successful account opening. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Iranian business structures.

Document Attestation for Iranian Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

6Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Completed application form for trade licence

Regulatory Note: Restaurant 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	6,000
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	12,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 14,200

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your restaurant business plan and the best Fujairah DED licence options for Iranian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the restaurant licence application to Fujairah DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements.

Start Operations

Your restaurant 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, Iranian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including restaurant.

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