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

You will need a valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Germany, attested documents via German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, and a business plan for your cosmetics trading venture.

How long does it take for a German citizen to set up a cosmetics trading company in RAKEZ?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

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

Yes, your cosmetics trading licence from RAKEZ entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,700.

How much does it cost to set up a Cosmetics Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for a Cosmetics Trading business in RAKEZ starts from approximately AED 7,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,700 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What are the tax implications for a Cosmetics Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in RAKEZ 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Cosmetics Trading company in RAKEZ?

Most of the setup process for a cosmetics trading business in RAKEZ can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

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

The typical processing time for a cosmetics trading licence at RAKEZ is 3 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.

Cosmetics Trading in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for German nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Cosmetics Trading in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Cosmetics Trading

As a German national looking to establish a Cosmetics Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Germany has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of German professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Cosmetics Trading business will benefit from cost-effective licensing and industrial and commercial zones. The RAKEZ 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 cosmetics trading setup in RAKEZ. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why RAKEZ for Cosmetics Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone continues to attract cosmetics trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for cosmetics trading operations. Additionally, industrial and commercial zones 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 3,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of RAKEZ for cosmetics trading professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your cosmetics trading business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAKEZ remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For German nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large German business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for German Nationals

German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your cosmetics trading licence is issued by RAKEZ, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for German Business Owners

German nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong German-UAE trade relations facilitate banking processes. For your cosmetics trading business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving German business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Germany-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for German Nationals

German nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille. 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 RAKEZ.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

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	7,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,700
Flexi Desk	3,000
Shared Office	7,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 14,200

* 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 RAKEZ licence options for German nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Germany through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAKEZ trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. German nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your cosmetics trading 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. RAKEZ allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including German 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