Dubai’s booming economy and multicultural population make it one of the most profitable markets for food importers and distributors. Whether you plan to trade in grains, spices, frozen foods, or packaged goods, setting up a foodstuff trading business in Dubai Mainland opens endless opportunities.
This complete 2025 guide by Unicorn Global Solution walks you through the process from getting your Dubai foodstuff trading license to understanding approvals, costs, and documentation for a seamless business setup in Dubai Mainland.
Why Start a Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai Mainland?
Starting a foodstuff trading business in Dubai Mainland offers immense advantages:
- Access to UAE’s entire market without trading restrictions
- Strong demand driven by tourism and population growth
- World-class logistics for global food imports and exports
- Government support for traders through simplified licensing procedures
If you want long-term growth in a stable and profitable sector, Mainland business setup in Dubai is the right move.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai Mainland
1. Choose Your Business Activity: Decide on your trading focus — such as frozen goods, beverages, or organic food. This determines your foodstuff trading license category with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
2. Select a Legal Structure: Register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Sole Establishment. LLCs are the most common for foreign investors due to flexibility in ownership and expansion.
3. Reserve a Trade Name: Select a name that reflects your activity and complies with UAE naming rules. You’ll need to register this with the DED.
4. Obtain Initial Approval: Submit your business plan and documents to the DED for initial approval to confirm eligibility for Mainland company setup in Dubai.
5. Secure a Commercial Space: Rent a shop, warehouse, or office that meets Dubai Municipality’s food storage and hygiene standards. The premises will be inspected before approval.
6. Apply for the Foodstuff Trading License: Apply for your foodstuff trading license from the DED to legally import, export, and sell food products across the UAE.
7. Get Municipality Approval: Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department must inspect and approve your facility for safety and hygiene compliance.
8. Finalize Licensing and Setup: Submit your documents, pay the Mainland company setup Dubai cost, and collect your official trade license. You’re now ready to launch operations.
Documents Required for Foodstuff Trading License
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Emirates ID (for residents)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- Initial DED approval
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Food control approval from Dubai Municipality
Mainland Company Setup Dubai Cost for Foodstuff Trading
At Unicorn Global Solution, we offer transparent and affordable Mainland company setup Dubai cost packages to help you start your business smoothly and efficiently:
Standard Package: Perfect for initiating company registration – AED 1,999
7-Day Company Registration: Fast-track your business setup in Dubai Mainland – AED 2,999
7-Day Company Registration + Annual Compliance Solution: Complete setup and yearly compliance management – AED 9,999
Each package is designed to meet your specific business needs whether you’re a startup, an investor, or an expanding enterprise.
Unicorn Global Solution ensures your setup is cost-effective, compliant, and hassle-free, so you can focus on growing your foodstuff trading business in Dubai Mainland.
Why Choose Unicorn Global Solution?
At Unicorn Global Solution, we specialize in business setup in Dubai Mainland — from obtaining your foodstuff trading license to ensuring compliance with all regulations.
Our experts assist you through every step, including trade name registration, Municipality approval, visa processing, and opening a corporate bank account. With our guidance, you can start your foodstuff trading company in UAE quickly and confidently.
Start Your Foodstuff Trading Business Today
Dubai’s food industry continues to expand and there’s never been a better time to invest. Whether you’re a local trader or an international investor, Unicorn Global Solution is your trusted partner for Mainland business setup in Dubai.
For more details Text us on whatsApp or call us today today to get your foodstuff trading license in Dubai Mainland and start trading successfully in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets!
Final Thoughts
Starting a foodstuff trading business in Dubai Mainland is one of the most promising ventures for 2025. With rising demand, investor-friendly policies, and a strategic trade environment, the opportunities are endless.
Partner with Unicorn Global Solution your trusted business setup expert to simplify licensing, compliance, and registration every step of the way.
NOTE:
The above note is subject to further study and clarification. It does not constitute a formal opinion from our end. Before making any decisions based on the above, we recommend consulting our experts on the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A foodstuff trading license allows you to import, export, distribute, and sell food products within Dubai and across the UAE. It’s issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and approved by Dubai Municipality.
The Mainland company setup Dubai cost for a foodstuff trading business typically ranges between AED 2,000 and AED 10,000, depending on your activity type, office space, and visa requirements.
Yes, under the updated UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership of their Mainland business setup in Dubai, including food trading companies.
You’ll need approvals from:
- Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Dubai Municipality (Food Control Department)
Civil Defense (for storage and safety compliance)
With the help of Unicorn Global Solution, you can usually obtain your foodstuff trading license within 5 to 7 working days, provided all documents and approvals are in order.
