What documents does a Filipino national need to start a pet shop business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your pet shop venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a pet shop company in RAK DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Pet Shop business in RAK Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Pet Shop RAK DED company costs approximately AED 5,500, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

How much does it cost to set up a Pet Shop business in RAK Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Pet Shop business in RAK DED starts from approximately AED 5,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,200 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 Pet Shop business in RAK Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Pet Shop company in RAK DED?

Most of the setup process for a pet shop business in RAK DED 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my RAK DED Pet Shop licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from RAK DED, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Mainland companies typically have the widest choice of banking partners. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Pet Shop in RAK Mainland for Filipino nationals

MainlandCommercialRegulated Activity

Pet Shop in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Pet Shop

The UAE continues to attract Filipino entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAK DED is one of the most popular jurisdictions for pet shop operations. Third-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from RAK Mainland gives your Pet Shop business access to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as ejari office, co-working, 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 pet shop businesses in RAK Mainland 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 RAK DED for Pet Shop?

Choosing RAK DED for your pet shop business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for pet shop operations. Additionally, industrial land availability ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in the UAE further enhances the appeal of RAK DED for pet shop professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth positions your pet shop business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAK DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Cost-effective setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your pet shop licence is issued by RAK DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your pet shop business in RAK DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

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

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

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)

7Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

8Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

Regulatory Note: Pet Shop 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	5,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	10,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 13,700

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your pet shop business plan and the best RAK DED licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the pet shop licence application to RAK DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAK DED trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Filipino nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including pet shop.

Pet Shop in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000