Food & Beverage Trading in Dubai Healthcare City
Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Food & Beverage Trading in DHCC

Starting From

AED 30,000

Setup Time

10 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Food & Beverage Trading

The UAE's thriving economy continues to attract investors from around the world, and Dubai Healthcare City stands out as a premier destination for Food & Beverage Trading businesses.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Food & Beverage Trading business will benefit from dedicated healthcare free zone and regulated clinical environment. The DHCC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 30,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your food & beverage trading setup in DHCC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DHCC for Food & Beverage Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Healthcare City continues to attract food & beverage trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers dedicated healthcare free zone, which is particularly valuable for food & beverage trading operations. Additionally, regulated clinical environment 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 35,000 per year for a office, 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. Medical professionals network further enhances the appeal of DHCC for food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, international healthcare standards positions your food & beverage trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DHCC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established food & beverage enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

Dedicated healthcare free zone
Regulated clinical environment
Medical professionals network
International healthcare standards
Integrated healthcare ecosystem

Requirements & Documents

1Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality
2Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)
3Detailed business plan or activity description
4Relevant industry experience documentation
5Signed application form from DHCC authority
6No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable
7Passport-sized photographs with white background
8Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

Regulatory Note: Food & Beverage 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

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee30,000
Visa Package (per visa)6,000
Clinic Space50,000
Office35,000
Private Office60,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 86,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Initial Consultation

Begin with a free consultation with IBA's business setup advisors to discuss your food & beverage trading business objectives, optimal licence structure, and DHCC as your chosen jurisdiction. We assess your specific requirements and provide a transparent cost breakdown.

2

Choose Your Company Name

Select your company name and submit it for approval. DHCC has specific naming guidelines — the name must not conflict with existing registrations and should reflect your business activity. IBA handles the name reservation process.

3

Prepare & Submit Documents

Compile all required documentation including passport copies, photographs, and the completed application form. For food & beverage trading, additional documents including professional qualifications and Dubai Municipality approvals are required. IBA prepares and submits all paperwork on your behalf.

4

Obtain Trade Licence

Your DHCC trade licence is issued within 10 business days of document submission. The licence authorises you to conduct food & beverage trading activities and is valid for one year. The licence fee is approximately AED 30,000.

5

Apply for Residence Visa

Once your licence is active, apply for your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Your DHCC licence includes 6 visa allocation. Each visa costs approximately AED 6,000. IBA manages the entire visa process including medical testing and Emirates ID.

6

Open Corporate Bank Account

With your trade licence in hand, open a corporate bank account at a UAE bank. IBA provides introductions to relationship managers at leading banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. We prepare a comprehensive banking file to ensure smooth account approval.

7

Start Operations

With your licence issued, visa processed, and bank account active, your food & beverage trading business in Dubai Healthcare City is ready to operate. IBA continues to support you with PRO services, VAT registration, accounting, and annual licence renewals.

Total estimated time: 10 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DHCC, 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.

Guides by Nationality

Country-specific visa, banking, and document requirements for food & beverage trading in DHCC:

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your food & beverage trading in DHCC? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionDHCC
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 30,000
Setup Time10 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code56107

Official Source

www.dhcc.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

Ready to Start Your Food & Beverage Trading?

Get a personalised quote for setting up your food & beverage trading in DHCC. Our advisors are ready to guide you through every step.