Food & Beverage Trading in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Chinese nationals
Free ZoneFood & BeverageRegulated Activity

Food & Beverage Trading in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Food & Beverage Trading

As a Chinese national looking to establish a Food & Beverage Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. China has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Chinese professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Food & Beverage Trading business will benefit from cost-effective licensing and industrial and commercial zones. The RAKEZ licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 7,500.

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

Why RAKEZ for Food & Beverage Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone continues to attract food & beverage trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for food & beverage trading operations. Additionally, industrial and commercial zones 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 3,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of RAKEZ for food & beverage trading professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your food & beverage trading business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAKEZ 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 Chinese nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

Cost-effective licensing
Industrial and commercial zones
100% foreign ownership
Gateway to Northern Emirates
Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

For Chinese entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. 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 RAKEZ.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your food & beverage trading company in RAKEZ: Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Chinese business structures.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

Document attestation for Chinese nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in China, (2) Attestation by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, (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 China passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)
5Passport-sized photographs with white background
6Completed application form for trade licence
7Detailed business plan or activity description
8Relevant industry experience documentation

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 Fee7,500
Visa Package (per visa)3,700
Flexi Desk3,000
Shared Office7,000
Private Office15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 14,200

* 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 RAKEZ licence options for Chinese nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Get Started Today

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

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionRAKEZ
TypeFree Zone
EmirateRas Al Khaimah
License FeeAED 7,500
Setup Time3 days
Visa Quota3
Activity Code56107

Official Source

www.rakez.com

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 RAKEZ. Our advisors are ready to guide you through every step.