Food & Beverage Trading in DIC
Starting From
AED 15,000
Setup Time
5 Business Days
Visa Quota
5 Visas
Location
Dubai
About Food & Beverage Trading
As a Filipino national looking to establish a Food & Beverage Trading business in Dubai Internet City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Philippines has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Filipino professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.
As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Food & Beverage Trading business will benefit from premier it and tech hub and home to global tech companies. The DIC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 15,000.
With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your food & beverage trading setup in DIC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.
Why DIC for Food & Beverage Trading?
There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Internet City continues to attract food & beverage trading entrepreneurs from around the world.
The jurisdiction offers premier it and tech hub, which is particularly valuable for food & beverage trading operations. Additionally, home to global tech companies 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 12,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 5 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Strategic Media City cluster further enhances the appeal of DIC for food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your food & beverage trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIC 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 Filipino nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.
Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals
Banking for Filipino Business Owners
Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals
Requirements & Documents
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
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| License Fee | 15,000 |
| Visa Package (per visa) | 5,000 |
| Flexi Desk | 12,000 |
| Shared Office | 20,000 |
| Private Office | 45,000 |
| Estimated Total (Year 1) | From AED 32,000 |
* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.
Setup Timeline
Consultation
Free consultation with IBA to discuss your food & beverage trading business plan and the best DIC licence options for Filipino nationals.
Document Preparation
Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.
Licence Application
Submit the food & beverage trading licence application to DIC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.
Trade Licence Issued
Receive your official DIC trade licence within 5–8 business days.
Visa Processing
Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.
Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.
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: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DIC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Filipino nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.
Food & Beverage Trading in Other Jurisdictions
Get Started Today
Ready to set up your food & beverage trading in DIC? Our team is here to help.
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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 DIC. Our advisors are ready to guide you through every step.