What documents does a Lebanese national need to start a food & beverage trading business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for a Lebanese citizen to set up a food & beverage 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 Food & Beverage Trading licence in DIFC?

The typical processing time for a food & beverage 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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Food & Beverage Trading licence from DIFC?

Yes, your food & beverage 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.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Food & Beverage Trading business in Dubai International Financial Centre?

The annual licence renewal for a Food & Beverage Trading DIFC company costs approximately AED 12,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Is Dubai International Financial Centre good for food & beverage trading start-ups?

DIFC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering independent legal framework (common law) and own courts and arbitration centre. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 18,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What documents do I need to set up a Food & Beverage Trading business in DIFC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Food & Beverage Trading in Dubai International Financial Centre for Lebanese nationals

Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Food & Beverage Trading in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Food & Beverage Trading

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

The licensing process at DIFC has been streamlined significantly, with most food & beverage 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 food & beverage 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 Food & Beverage Trading?

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

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for food & beverage 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 food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your food & beverage 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 food & beverage enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your food & beverage 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 Lebanese Business Owners

Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles. Many have established successful businesses across various sectors. For your food & beverage trading business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Lebanese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Lebanon-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign 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 DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Detailed business plan or activity description

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

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

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 food & beverage trading business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Lebanese nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the food & beverage 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. Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles.

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

Food & Beverage 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