Food & Beverage Trading in Dubai Healthcare City for Indian nationals
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 continues to attract Indian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DHCC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for food & beverage trading operations. Largest expatriate community in the UAE (~3.5 million), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Healthcare City gives your Food & Beverage Trading business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as clinic space, office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up food & beverage trading businesses in Dubai Healthcare City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why DHCC for Food & Beverage Trading?

Choosing DHCC for your food & beverage trading business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

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.

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

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

Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days. For business setup, a proper residence visa is required. Once your food & beverage trading licence is issued by DHCC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 15–22 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Indian Business Owners

Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks. Many banks have dedicated Indian business desks. For your food & beverage trading business in DHCC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Indian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any India-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Indian Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid India passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
6Passport-sized photographs with white background
7Completed application form for trade licence
8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

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

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your food & beverage trading business plan and the best DHCC licence options for Indian nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from India through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the food & beverage trading licence application to DHCC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DHCC trade licence within 10–13 business days.

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks.

7

Start Operations

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

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. DHCC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Indian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

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.