What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a petroleum trading business in the UAE?

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

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a petroleum 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 Petroleum Trading licence from RAKEZ?

Yes, your petroleum 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.

What are the tax implications for a Petroleum Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in RAKEZ may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What documents do I need to set up a Petroleum Trading 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. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Ministry of Energy. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Petroleum Trading business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The annual licence renewal for a Petroleum Trading RAKEZ company costs approximately AED 7,500, 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 long does it take to get a Petroleum Trading licence in RAKEZ?

The typical processing time for a petroleum trading licence at RAKEZ is 3 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.

Petroleum Trading in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Egyptian nationals

Free ZoneCommercialRegulated Activity

Petroleum Trading in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Petroleum Trading

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

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Petroleum 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 petroleum 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 Petroleum Trading?

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

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

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian 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 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 Egyptian Business Owners

Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. For your petroleum trading business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Egyptian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Egypt-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Egyptian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Egyptian 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 RAKEZ.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

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	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 petroleum trading business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the petroleum 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. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian 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: 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 Egyptian 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