What documents does a Bangladeshi national need to start a petroleum trading 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 petroleum trading venture.

How long does it take for a Bangladeshi citizen to set up a petroleum trading company in JAFZA?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Petroleum Trading licence in JAFZA?

The typical processing time for a petroleum trading licence at JAFZA is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Ministry of Energy approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA Petroleum Trading licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from JAFZA, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What business activities can I include on my JAFZA licence?

Your JAFZA licence can include petroleum 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.

Is Jebel Ali Free Zone good for petroleum trading start-ups?

JAFZA is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 8,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

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

Most of the setup process for a petroleum trading business in JAFZA 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.

Petroleum Trading in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Bangladeshi nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Petroleum Trading in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Petroleum Trading

As a Bangladeshi national looking to establish a Petroleum Trading business in Jebel Ali Free 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 Dubai's commercial laws, your Petroleum Trading business will benefit from world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. The JAFZA licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 16,000.

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

Why JAFZA for Petroleum Trading?

There are several compelling reasons why Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to attract petroleum trading entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for petroleum trading operations. Additionally, direct access to jebel ali port 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 8,000 per year for a flexi desk, 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. Excellent logistics infrastructure further enhances the appeal of JAFZA for petroleum trading professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your petroleum trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA 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 Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Bangladeshi business community.

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial 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 petroleum trading licence is issued by JAFZA, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 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 petroleum trading business in JAFZA, 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 petroleum trading), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to JAFZA.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Bangladesh passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Ministry of Energy

6Signed application form from JAFZA authority

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable

Regulatory Note: Petroleum Trading is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Ministry of Energy is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	16,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	8,000
Shared Office	15,000
Private Office	40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 29,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your petroleum trading business plan and the best JAFZA 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 petroleum trading licence application to JAFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA trade licence within 5–8 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 petroleum trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Petroleum Trading 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