Restaurant in Sharjah Mainland for Indian nationals
MainlandFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Restaurant in Sharjah DED

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Restaurant

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

As a mainland entity regulated under Sharjah's commercial laws, your Restaurant business will benefit from cost-effective setup and adjacent to dubai. The Sharjah DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 7,500.

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

Why Sharjah DED for Restaurant?

There are several compelling reasons why Sharjah Mainland continues to attract restaurant entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for restaurant operations. Additionally, adjacent to dubai 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 4,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Sharjah DED for restaurant professionals. Furthermore, industrial areas available positions your restaurant business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Sharjah 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 Indian nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Indian business community.

Cost-effective setup
Adjacent to Dubai
Trade across the UAE
Industrial areas available
Growing business hub

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 restaurant business in Sharjah DED.

Banking for Indian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your restaurant company in Sharjah DED: 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 restaurant 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
4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality
5Passport-sized photographs with white background
6Detailed business plan or activity description
7No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable
8Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

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

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee7,500
Visa Package (per visa)3,500
Ejari Office8,000
Co-Working4,000
Private Office15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 19,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your restaurant business plan and the best Sharjah DED 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 restaurant licence application to Sharjah DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Sharjah DED trade licence within 3–6 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 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, Indian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including restaurant.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your restaurant in Sharjah DED? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionSharjah DED
Typemainland
EmirateSharjah
License FeeAED 7,500
Setup Time3 days
Visa Quota0
Activity Code56101

Official Source

www.sharjah.gov.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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