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

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

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a food & beverage trading company in Fujairah DED?

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.

How long does it take to get a Food & Beverage Trading licence in Fujairah DED?

The typical processing time for a food & beverage trading licence at Fujairah DED 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Fujairah DED Food & Beverage Trading licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Fujairah DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What are the tax implications for a Food & Beverage Trading business in Fujairah Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Fujairah Mainland good for food & beverage trading start-ups?

Fujairah DED is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering east coast port access and oil and shipping hub. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 5,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What business activities can I include on my Fujairah DED licence?

Your Fujairah DED licence can include food & beverage trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Food & Beverage Trading in Fujairah Mainland for Pakistani nationals

MainlandFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Food & Beverage Trading in Fujairah DED

Starting From

AED 6,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Fujairah

About Food & Beverage Trading

As a Pakistani national looking to establish a Food & Beverage Trading business in Fujairah Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Pakistan has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Pakistani professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Fujairah's commercial laws, your Food & Beverage Trading business will benefit from east coast port access and oil and shipping hub. The Fujairah DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 6,000.

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

Why Fujairah DED for Food & Beverage Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Fujairah Mainland continues to attract food & beverage trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers east coast port access, which is particularly valuable for food & beverage trading operations. Additionally, oil and shipping hub ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade across the UAE further enhances the appeal of Fujairah DED for food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, cost-effective licensing positions your food & beverage trading business for long-term success in the region. With Fujairah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Fujairah DED 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 Pakistani nationals specifically, the Fujairah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

East coast port access

Oil and shipping hub

Trade across the UAE

Cost-effective licensing

Growing commercial centre

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. Once your food & beverage trading licence is issued by Fujairah DED, 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 Pakistani Business Owners

Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your food & beverage trading business in Fujairah DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Pakistani business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Pakistan-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. 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 Fujairah DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

6No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

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	6,000
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	12,000
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 food & beverage trading business plan and the best Fujairah DED licence options for Pakistani nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank 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: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Pakistani nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including food & beverage trading.

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