What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a cosmetics trading business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a cosmetics trading company in DIFC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Cosmetics Trading licence in DIFC?

The typical processing time for a cosmetics trading licence at DIFC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

What business activities can I include on my DIFC licence?

Your DIFC licence can include cosmetics trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Can I get a residence visa with my Cosmetics Trading licence from DIFC?

Yes, your cosmetics trading licence from DIFC entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 6 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,500.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DIFC Cosmetics Trading licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DIFC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the tax implications for a Cosmetics Trading business in Dubai International Financial Centre?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DIFC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Cosmetics Trading in Dubai International Financial Centre for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Cosmetics Trading in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Cosmetics Trading

Setting up a Cosmetics Trading business in Dubai International Financial Centre as an Egyptian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Egypt-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Egyptian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DIFC has been streamlined significantly, with most commercial licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your cosmetics trading business in Dubai International Financial Centre. 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 DIFC for Cosmetics Trading?

Dubai International Financial Centre is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for commercial businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for cosmetics trading operations. Additionally, own courts and arbitration centre ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 18,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Premier financial hub further enhances the appeal of DIFC for cosmetics trading professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your cosmetics trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIFC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Egyptian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Egyptian business community.

Independent legal framework (common law)

Own courts and arbitration centre

Premier financial hub

Zero tax for 50 years

Access to regional capital markets

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your cosmetics trading licence is issued by DIFC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your cosmetics trading business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for cosmetics trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Signed application form from DIFC authority

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

Regulatory Note: Cosmetics Trading 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	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,500
Flexi Desk	18,000
Shared Office	35,000
Private Office	80,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 35,500

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your cosmetics trading business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the cosmetics trading licence application to DIFC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DIFC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your cosmetics trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Cosmetics Trading in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000