What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a foodstuff trading business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a foodstuff trading company in DHCC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 10–13 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 20–30 business days.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Foodstuff Trading company in DHCC?

Most of the setup process for a foodstuff trading business in DHCC can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

How much does it cost to set up a Foodstuff Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City?

The total setup cost for a Foodstuff Trading business in DHCC starts from approximately AED 30,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 6,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What are the tax implications for a Foodstuff Trading business in Dubai Healthcare City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DHCC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What business activities can I include on my DHCC licence?

Your DHCC licence can include foodstuff trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

How long does it take to get a Foodstuff Trading licence in DHCC?

The typical processing time for a foodstuff trading licence at DHCC is 10 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.

Foodstuff Trading in Dubai Healthcare City for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Foodstuff Trading in DHCC

Starting From

AED 30,000

Setup Time

10 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Foodstuff Trading

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DHCC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for foodstuff trading operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Healthcare City gives your Foodstuff Trading business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as clinic space, office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up foodstuff trading businesses in Dubai Healthcare City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why DHCC for Foodstuff Trading?

Choosing DHCC for your foodstuff trading business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers dedicated healthcare free zone, which is particularly valuable for foodstuff trading operations. Additionally, regulated clinical environment 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 35,000 per year for a office, 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. Medical professionals network further enhances the appeal of DHCC for foodstuff trading professionals. Furthermore, international healthcare standards positions your foodstuff trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DHCC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Dedicated healthcare free zone

Regulated clinical environment

Medical professionals network

International healthcare standards

Integrated healthcare ecosystem

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your foodstuff trading licence is issued by DHCC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 15–22 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your foodstuff trading business in DHCC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for foodstuff trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DHCC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Signed application form from DHCC authority

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Foodstuff 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	30,000
Visa Package (per visa)	6,000
Clinic Space	50,000
Office	35,000
Private Office	60,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 86,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your foodstuff trading business plan and the best DHCC licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the foodstuff trading licence application to DHCC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DHCC trade licence within 10–13 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your foodstuff trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 10 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Foodstuff Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750