Starting a food truck business in the UAE is an exciting opportunity, especially with the growing demand for street food, events, and mobile catering. However, the first and most important step is obtaining a food truck permit — a legal requirement to operate safely and professionally.
In this guide, we’ll explain the required documents and the process to get a food truck permit in the UAE, and how PKC Garage can support you with vehicle readiness and compliance.
1. Understand the Type of Permit You Need
In the UAE, food truck permits can vary based on:
- Location (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)
- Type of food service (street vending, events, catering)
- Whether you operate from a dedicated truck or a mobile kitchen
Before applying, you must identify the correct permit category based on your business model.
2. Key Documents Required for Food Truck Permit
Here’s a complete checklist of documents typically required in the UAE:
A. Business & Ownership Documents
- Passport copy of owner(s)
- UAE residency visa & Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Trade license / business license
B. Food Safety & Hygiene Documents
- Food safety certification (HACCP)
- Food handler certificates for staff
- Health and medical fitness certificates
C. Vehicle & Equipment Documents
- Vehicle registration and ownership documents
- Vehicle inspection certificate
- Truck layout and kitchen design plan
- Equipment list and safety certificates
D. Location & Operating Documents
- Location permit (approved operating areas)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord or event organizer
- Waste management plan
3. Step-by-Step Process to Get the Food Truck Permit
Here is a simplified process you can follow:
Step 1: Register Your Business
Register your business with the relevant authority (e.g., Dubai Economy & Tourism or Abu Dhabi DED) and obtain your trade license.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle
Ensure your food truck is fully compliant and road-safe. This includes:
- Vehicle inspection
- Electrical safety
- Fire safety equipment
- Kitchen layout compliance
PKC Garage can help with full vehicle readiness, modification support, and safety checks.
Step 3: Apply for Food Safety Certification
Submit your food safety plan and get approval from the Municipality Food Safety Department.
Step 4: Submit Documents for Permit
Submit all required documents to the relevant municipality or licensing authority.
Step 5: Inspection & Approval
A food safety inspector will review:
- Hygiene standards
- Kitchen setup
- Waste disposal plan
- Vehicle safety and cleanliness
Once approved, you will receive your food truck permit.
4. Common Reasons for Permit Rejection
To avoid delays, here are common issues that can cause rejection:
- Incomplete or missing documents
- Unapproved truck layout or kitchen design
- Poor hygiene standards
- Lack of proper waste disposal
- Unlicensed staff or missing food handler certificates
5. How PKC Garage Supports Your Food Truck Permit
At PKC Garage, we help entrepreneurs with:
- Vehicle inspections & maintenance
- Truck modification support
- Safety checks (fire, electrical, structural)
- Road readiness & compliance
Our goal is to ensure your vehicle meets all regulatory requirements before you submit your permit application.
Conclusion
Getting a food truck permit in the UAE requires careful planning, correct documentation, and strict compliance with food safety and vehicle standards. But with the right preparation, the process can be smooth and quick.If you’re planning to launch a food truck business, PKC Garage is here to help you ensure your vehicle is fully compliant and ready for operation.