What documents does a Pakistani national need to start a foodstuff 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 foodstuff trading venture.

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a foodstuff trading company in RAKEZ?

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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Foodstuff Trading licence from RAKEZ?

Yes, your foodstuff trading licence from RAKEZ entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,700.

How much does it cost to set up a Foodstuff Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for a Foodstuff Trading business in RAKEZ starts from approximately AED 7,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,700 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Is Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone good for foodstuff trading start-ups?

RAKEZ is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering cost-effective licensing and industrial and commercial zones. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 3,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ 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 RAKEZ?

The typical processing time for a foodstuff trading licence at RAKEZ 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.

Foodstuff Trading in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Pakistani nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Foodstuff Trading in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Foodstuff Trading

As a Pakistani national looking to establish a Foodstuff Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, 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 free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Foodstuff 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 foodstuff 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 Foodstuff Trading?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for foodstuff 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 foodstuff trading professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your foodstuff 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 commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Pakistani nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

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 foodstuff trading licence is issued by RAKEZ, 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 foodstuff trading business in RAKEZ, 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 foodstuff trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to RAKEZ.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

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

6Relevant industry experience documentation

7Signed application form from RAKEZ 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	7,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,700
Flexi Desk	3,000
Shared Office	7,000
Private Office	15,000
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 foodstuff trading business plan and the best RAKEZ 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 foodstuff trading licence application to RAKEZ. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAKEZ 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 foodstuff 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 Pakistani 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