A foodstuff trading licence in Dubai costs AED 18,000–35,000 all-in for 2026. You’ll need a DET commercial licence with the correct activity code, registration with Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department, and a Dubai Customs code. Processing takes 5–10 business days once documents are submitted.
Dubai Foodstuff Trading Licence: Overview & 2026 Costs
A Dubai business setup in food trading requires three statutory approvals: a DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) commercial licence, Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department import registration, and a Dubai Customs code for cross-border movement. The all-in cost band for 2026 is AED 18,000–35,000, depending on business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or limited liability company) and jurisdiction (mainland or free zone). Processing time is typically 5–10 business days after document submission.
DET Commercial Licence & Activity Codes
The Department of Economy and Tourism issues your primary commercial licence under activity code 4662 (Wholesale of food & beverage specialities) or 4663 (Retail sale of food & beverage specialities), depending on your sales model. DET charges licence fees in the range of AED 2,500–5,500 annually. Ensure your trade name reflects foodstuff activity; DET may reject generic or misleading names. Check your exact activity code with a Dubai business setup consultant before application.
Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department Approval
All foodstuff traders must register with the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department and obtain an import permit before bringing food into the emirate. This approval covers:
| Requirement | Detail |
| Product classification | Specify food type (dairy, spices, frozen, fresh produce, supplements, etc.) |
| Supplier documentation | Certificates of origin and health safety from exporting country |
| Labelling compliance | Arabic & English, nutritional info, expiry dates, storage instructions |
| Warehouse inspection | Facility must meet hygiene, temperature control, & pest management standards |
Registration fee ranges from AED 1,500–3,000. Approval typically takes 7–14 days after inspection.
Dubai Customs Code & Import Documentation
Every foodstuff importer must obtain a Dubai Customs code (also called a Customer Code) from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) or Customs authority. This unique identifier is required for all shipments entering Dubai ports and airports. You’ll need your DET licence, passport copy, and office lease to apply; there is no direct fee for the Customs code itself, though FTA registration incurs AED 100–200 for account setup. Allow 3–5 working days for Customs code issuance.
Storage, Warehouse & Labelling Compliance
A licensed foodstuff trader must maintain storage that meets Dubai Municipality hygiene standards. Requirements include:
• Temperature-controlled warehouse for perishables (2–8°C for chilled; −18°C for frozen)
• Pest control & sanitation logs
• Separate storage for raw materials & finished goods
• All packaging labelled in Arabic & English with ingredient lists, expiry dates, & origin country
• Nutritional information for packaged foods
• Halal certification (if applicable) on labels
Warehouse inspection is mandatory before import permit issuance. Non-compliance incurs fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and licence suspension.
Cost Breakdown & Timeline for 2026
Typical all-in cost: AED 18,000–35,000
• DET commercial licence: AED 2,500–5,500
• Dubai Municipality registration & inspection: AED 1,500–3,000
• Customs code & FTA registration: AED 100–200
• Legal documentation & visa processing: AED 5,000–10,000
• Consulting & document preparation: AED 4,000–10,000
• Office lease & miscellaneous: AED 4,000–6,300
Timeline: 5–10 business days (once all documents & inspections are complete). Fast-track options may compress this to 2–3 days for an additional AED 2,000–4,000.
Free Zone vs. Mainland Setup
Foodstuff traders can establish in Dubai free zones (e.g., Jebel Ali Free Zone, DMCC) or mainland. Free zones offer corporate tax exemption & 100% foreign ownership but often require higher initial capital. Mainland businesses pay corporate tax (0–5%) but allow greater flexibility for local distribution. DBS advises mainland setups for food wholesalers targeting the broader UAE market; free zones suit import/re-export traders.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a foodstuff trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
The all-in cost is AED 18,000–35,000 for 2026, covering DET commercial licence (AED 2,500–5,500), Dubai Municipality registration (AED 1,500–3,000), Customs code, legal documentation, and consulting services. Costs vary based on business structure and whether you opt for fast-track processing. Contact DBS for a tailored quote.
What approvals does Dubai Municipality require for foodstuff trading?
Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department requires product classification, supplier health certificates, warehouse inspection, and Arabic/English labelling on all food packages. You must also submit proof of storage compliance (temperature control, pest management, sanitation). Approval takes 7–14 days and costs AED 1,500–3,000.
Do I need a Dubai Customs code to import food into Dubai?
Yes, a Dubai Customs code (Customer Code) from the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory for all food imports. It is a unique identifier used at ports and airports. Registration incurs AED 100–200 and takes 3–5 working days. You’ll need your DET licence, passport, and office lease.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a foodstuff trading company in Dubai?
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in Dubai free zones (e.g., Jebel Ali, DMCC) and increasingly in mainland under new rules. Mainland setups may require a local sponsor for certain activities; check current MOHRE requirements. Free zones typically charge higher setup and annual renewal fees.
How long does it take to get a foodstuff trading licence in Dubai?
Standard processing takes 5–10 business days from submission of complete documents, including DET licence approval (2–3 days), Dubai Municipality inspection (5–7 days), and Customs code issuance (3–5 days). Fast-track options can compress this to 2–3 days for an additional AED 2,000–4,000.
What warehouse standards must I meet for a foodstuff trading licence?
Your warehouse must maintain temperature-controlled storage (2–8°C chilled, −18°C frozen), pest control logs, sanitation records, and segregated storage for raw and finished goods. Dubai Municipality conducts mandatory inspections before issuing your import permit. Non-compliance incurs fines of AED 5,000–50,000 and licence suspension.
Which DET activity codes apply to foodstuff trading in Dubai?
Activity code 4662 covers wholesale of food & beverage specialities; code 4663 covers retail sale. Your business model (wholesale vs. retail) determines which code applies. DET fees range AED 2,500–5,500 annually. Confirm your exact code with DBS before application to avoid rejection.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
