Food & Beverage Trading in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Iranian nationals
Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Food & Beverage Trading in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Food & Beverage Trading

As an Iranian national looking to establish a Food & Beverage Trading business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Iran has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Iranian 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 world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. The JAFZA licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 16,000.

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

Why JAFZA for Food & Beverage Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to attract food & beverage trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for food & beverage trading operations. Additionally, direct access to jebel ali port 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 8,000 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. Excellent logistics infrastructure further enhances the appeal of JAFZA for food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your food & beverage trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA 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 Iranian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Iranian business community.

World's largest free zone
Direct access to Jebel Ali Port
Excellent logistics infrastructure
Tax-free environment
Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for Iranian Nationals

For Iranian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your food & beverage trading business in JAFZA.

Banking for Iranian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your food & beverage trading company in JAFZA: Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements. IBA assists with navigating compliance procedures for successful account opening. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Iranian business structures.

Document Attestation for Iranian Nationals

Document attestation for Iranian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Iran, (2) Attestation by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to food & beverage trading businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
5Detailed business plan or activity description
6Completed application form for trade licence
7Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
8No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

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 Fee16,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,000
Flexi Desk8,000
Shared Office15,000
Private Office40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 29,000

* 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 JAFZA licence options for Iranian nationals.

2

Document Preparation

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

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA trade licence within 5–8 business days.

5

Visa Processing

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

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements.

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: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Iranian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

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

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionJAFZA
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 16,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code56107

Official Source

www.jafza.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 JAFZA. Our advisors are ready to guide you through every step.