Start a foodstuff trading business in Dubai, UAE

Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, proximity to some of the world’s busiest sea- and airports, and ideal trading location between East and West, few goods are not imported and exported to and from the UAE.

And one trade that is always active is foodstuffs. The UAE trades all manner of ingredients, fruit, vegetables, meat and more around the world. The country’s food imports are expected to reach USD 400 billion by 2025. Compared to 2015, that’s an increase of USD 100 billion.

For those with the skills and determination required to trade, the foodstuffs industry in the UAE represents a vast and sustainable opportunity. And when you start your UAE company with the help of Meydan Free Zone, the process can be quick and easy. Our team are experts in business setup in Dubai and can help you with licensing visas and much more.

The advantages of starting a foodstuff trading business in Dubai, UAE  

The advantages of starting a foodstuff trading business in Dubai, UAE   

As I’ve already mentioned, the UAE benefits from one of the world’s most convenient trading locations, right at the heart of Africa, Asia, and Europe.   

Our incredible infrastructure, efficient customs procedures, and minimal bureaucracy also make this a prime location from which to trade. And don’t forget, UAE businesses benefit from a tax rate of 0% on both corporate and personal income.   

When you start your food trading business in a free zone, there are even more advantages. These include 100% customs tax exemption and the freedom to repatriate capital and profits. 

What activities are under the foodstuff  trading license in Dubai?

A UAE foodstuffs trading license allows you to import, export, and sell a wide range of food and beverages, including:

• Cooking oils
• Flour
• Juice
• Malt
• Meat products
• Mineral water
• Soft drinks
• Spices

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The Procedure to get a Dubai foodstuff trading license

The process of obtaining a foodstuff trading license in the UAE can be fast, affordable, and straightforward. But to ensure this is the case, it always pays to partner with a local expert who can manage the procedure for you.   

When you establish your trading business at Meydan Free Zone, our expert team can guide you through the following company formation process.   

We will start by helping you to choose and then register your company name. We will ask you to submit a completed application form containing details about your business and its shareholders and proof of address and identification for KYC and UBO on our online portal. You can consequently apply for visas, more activities, third-party approvals, and banking from one online portal.    

Dubai Municipality Involvement 

We can also help you gain the required approvals from the Dubai Municipality Food Control department if required.    

The Dubai Municipality (DM) is a government body whose food safety department is accountable for evaluating and managing best practices in the foodstuff businesses in Dubai. Therefore, all foodstuff trading companies in the city must register with the Dubai Municipality. 

• List your company in the Food Import and Re-Export System (FIRS) in the DM. This will allow you to put in requests for food imports, and you can effortlessly check the status of your import from its inspection to release.   
• To confirm that your food labelling is in agreement with the government standard, it is important that you acquire a food label approval for all importing food.   
• For the importing items, you should also obtain a FIT analysis.   

• It is also advised that you take care of registering all food items in the FIRS before importing them.

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The documents needed to get a foodstuff trading license in Dubai, UAE  

When applying for a foodstuffs trading license in the UAE, you may be asked to provide any of the following documents.   

• Completed application form on our Online Portal    
• Coloured passport copies of the company’s shareholders, managers, and directors   
• Specimen signature of the company’s shareholders, managers, and directors  

After a free consultation, your Meydan Free Zone contact will let you know precisely what is required. We’ll also check your documents and application to ensure all are present and correct.   

Take Your Business To New Heights At Meydan Free Zone 

Meydan Free Zone is a thriving, centrally located economic district with one of the most prestigious business addresses in the region. 

We offer our businesses a host of innovative investment and lifestyle benefits in a secure, regulated environment that empowers productivity. And we can help you join them too.    

Our expert team can assist the entire company formation journey, from registering your company name to managing your license and visa applications.