Start a Food Truck

About this service

Great choice! Starting a food truck normally means visiting 5 different agencies with 5 separate applications. I've bundled everything into one smart checklist, several steps can even run in parallel, so you'll be serving customers much sooner.

What happens, step by step

• 1

  Business Registration (Trade License)

  Department of Economic Development (DED)

  Register your food truck as a licensed business and receive your trade license.

  ~3 days AED 600
• 2

  Food Safety Permit

  Dubai Municipality, Food Safety Department

  Health clearance for preparing and selling food, including a food handler screening.

  ~7 days AED 300
• 3

  Vehicle Inspection

  Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)

  Technical inspection of the truck to certify it is road-safe and fitted correctly for food service.

  ~2 days AED 170
• 4

  Mobile Vending Approval

  Dubai Municipality, Mobile Vending Unit

  Approval of your proposed operating locations and vending schedule.

  ~10 days AED 500
• 5

  VAT / Tax Registration

  Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

  Register the business for VAT so you can issue compliant receipts from day one.

  ~2 days Free

Documents you'll need

• Emirates ID
  Valid Emirates ID of the applicant
• Food Handler Health Certificate
  Issued after a basic medical screening
• Menu & Food Item List
  Simple list of what you plan to sell
• Vehicle Registration (Mulkiya)
  Ownership card of the truck
• Vehicle Insurance Certificate
  Active insurance policy for the truck
• Truck Photos (interior & exterior)
  Clear photos showing the serving area
• Proposed Operating Locations
  Map or list of spots where you want to vend
• Trade License Copy
  Issued automatically after Step 1 completes