The UAE, and particularly Dubai, has quickly gained a reputation as something of a cuisine capital of the Middle East. We’ve got it all here, from fine dining to food trucks, and everything in between.
But we’re not just a nation that loves to eat. We’re great at importing and exporting foodstuffs too. Each and every year, the UAE trades billions of dollars’ worth of food and beverages – chocolate, juices, malt, seasonings, and much more – with every corner of the world.
Our success in this field is thanks in large part to the country’s excellent location and access to some of the world’s largest sea- and airports. On top of this, our time tested customs procedures and company formation process make setting up an import-export business incredibly straightforward – at least that is the case when you work with a local expert.
Start your foodstuff trading business with Trade License Zone, and one of our dedicated business setup consultants will assist you throughout the application process and beyond.
What are the benefits of starting a foodstuff trading business in Dubai, UAE?
Incredible trade infrastructure, a strategic global location, 0% tax on personal and corporate income. The list of reasons to start a foodstuff trading business in the UAE goes on and on.
And when you set up in one of Dubai’s many free zones, the benefits continue. Not only can you repatriate all capital and profits, but you can also take advantage of zero currency restrictions, and 100% customs tax exemption – ideal for anyone looking to import and export goods around the world.
What activities are covered by a foodstuff trading license in Dubai?
The foodstuff trading license in the UAE allows you to trade in a wide variety of goods, from fruits and vegetables to water and ingredients such as sugar and flour. Other common foodstuffs traded in the UAE include:
- Baked goods
- Eggs
- Ghee and vegetable oils
- Grains, cereals, and legumes
- Ice
- Meat
- Soft drinks
- Spices
Though classified in some trade statistics as a foodstuff, the UAE foodstuff license does not allow you to trade in tobacco products. This is a heavily regulated and taxed industry in the UAE and requires a separate license and approval process. The same is true of all alcohol beverages.
What are the steps and documents needed to get a foodstuff trading license in Dubai, UAE?
Step one when starting any business in the UAE is to partner with a reputable company formation agent. At Trade License Zone, we can manage the entire company registration, license, and visa process for you.
Our first task is to help you choose and register your company name. As part of this process, we will ensure that it complies with the UAE’s naming criteria.
You cannot include any offensive or blasphemous language, nor any references to Allah or Islam in your company name. If you wish to include your name in your company name, you must use it in full rather than just your surname or initials. You must also check that your chosen name is available to be registered.
We’ll help you outline your business activities too. Foodstuffs is a broad term, so depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to stipulate the goods that you intend to trade when making your application. This could be baby food trading, supplements trading, organic food trading, or any other niche field.
We can then set about applying for your foodstuff trading license. We will usually ask you for a copy of your passport and your Memorandum of Association, along with a business plan to go with your completed license application form.
If you’re setting up a foodstuff trading business in the UAE mainland, you will also need to supply an Ejari registered tenancy contract for your business premises.
Before submitting your application, we’ll make sure all your documents are present and correct.
Once your business license application is successful, there are just a couple more steps to undertake before you can trade in the UAE.
You’ll need a visa. This involves a visit to an immigration centre to provide biometric information, as well as a fitness test, blood test and chest x-ray. Provided you meet the salary criteria, you can sponsor others for their UAE visas, too, such as your children, partner, or parents.
Finally, your business will need its own bank account. Corporate bank account opening can be a complicated process for overseas business owners, so once again, it is best to make your application with the help of a local expert like Trade License Zone.
Working with Trade License Zone
The company formation process in the UAE has been designed with simplicity in mind. That said, it does take some in-depth knowledge of the region and its many customs and regulations.
That’s why it’s always advisable to acquire the services of a UAE business setup company that can not only advise on the process but also seek out the most suitable license and setup type for your business, based on your needs and your budget.
When you work with Trade License Zone, you also gain peace of mind that your license and visa applications are free from errors and omissions – both of which can lead to delays and rejection.
Ours is the level of service you often hear about but seldom experience. And we understand exactly what it takes to establish a business in the UAE because we’ve done it ourselves.
All you need to provide is some basic documentation and a little information about the nature of your business. Then, sit back and let the experts take care of the rest – managing your license and visa applications, communicating with all relevant departments and authorities, and reporting back when you’re ready to start trading. It is that simple. Get in touch today for a personalised quote.