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

How long does it take for a Pakistani citizen to set up a petroleum trading 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.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Petroleum Trading company in RAK Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including petroleum trading. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Petroleum Trading business in RAK Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Petroleum Trading 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.

What business activities can I include on my RAK DED licence?

Your RAK DED licence can include petroleum trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Is RAK Mainland good for petroleum trading start-ups?

RAK DED is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering cost-effective setup and industrial land availability. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 5,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What are the tax implications for a Petroleum Trading 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.

Petroleum Trading in RAK Mainland for Pakistani nationals

MainlandCommercialRegulated Activity

Petroleum Trading in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Petroleum Trading

Setting up a Petroleum Trading business in RAK Mainland as a Pakistani citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Pakistan-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Pakistani business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at RAK DED has been streamlined significantly, with most commercial licences processed within 2 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 5,500, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your petroleum trading business in RAK Mainland. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why RAK DED for Petroleum Trading?

RAK Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for commercial businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for petroleum trading 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 petroleum trading professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth positions your petroleum trading 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 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 setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

For Pakistani entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your petroleum trading business in RAK DED.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your petroleum trading company in RAK DED: Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Pakistani business structures.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Document attestation for Pakistani nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Pakistan, (2) Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to petroleum trading businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Completed application form for trade licence

5Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

6Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

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	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 petroleum trading business plan and the best RAK DED 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 petroleum trading 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. 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 petroleum trading 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, Pakistani nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including petroleum trading.

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