What documents does a Bangladeshi national need to start a import export business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for a Bangladeshi citizen to set up a import export 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 Import Export licence from RAKEZ?

Yes, your import export 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 an Import Export business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for an Import Export 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.

What documents do I need to set up an Import Export business in RAKEZ?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ licence can include import export 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 Import Export licence in RAKEZ?

The typical processing time for a import export licence at RAKEZ is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

Import Export in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Bangladeshi nationals

Free ZoneCommercial

Import Export in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Import Export

As a Bangladeshi national looking to establish an Import Export business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Bangladesh has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Bangladeshi professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Import Export 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 import export 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 Import Export?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for import export 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 import export professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your import export 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 Bangladeshi nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Bangladeshi business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Nationals

Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your import export 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 Bangladeshi Business Owners

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your import export business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Bangladeshi business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Bangladesh-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Bangladeshi Nationals

Bangladeshi nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for import export), 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 Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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)

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

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 import export business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Bangladeshi nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the import export 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. Bangladeshi nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your import export 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 Bangladeshi nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Import Export 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