Import Export License in Dubai, U – Cost, Process & Documents [2025 Guide]

Dubai is one of the world’s busiest trading hubs. Its ports, airports, and free zones make it a gateway for global commerce. The city’s location between East and West, along with its modern infrastructure, supports smooth trade across continents. Over 2 billion people can be reached within a four-hour flight.

Dubai’s ports, like Jebel Ali, are among the busiest in the world. The city has over 40 Free Zones in UAE and direct trade agreements with many countries. These advantages make it an ideal place to start an import-export business. As of early 2025, UAE’s non-oil trade reached AED 987 billion, a 4.5% growth since last year. The non-oil sectors now contribute 74.6% to the country’s total GDP. 

More entrepreneurs and companies are setting up import-export businesses in Dubai, supported by low tax rates, ease of doing business, and access to over 2.5 billion consumers through regional trade routes. If you are planning to start an import export business in Dubai, you must obtain an import export license. In this guide, we will go through the exact steps of securing an import export license in Dubai, UAE.

Why Start an Import-Export Business in Dubai?

Dubai offers many benefits for import-export businesses. These include its location, strong infrastructure, and supportive government policies.

Strategic Location 

Dubai is located between Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has two of the largest ports in the region – Jebel Ali and Port Rashid, and a top global cargo airport. These help traders move goods quickly and reduce delivery time.

Government Support & Trade Ecosystem

The government promotes foreign investment through business-friendly laws, 100% ownership in many zones, and double taxation treaties. Platforms like Dubai Trade and the UAE’s digital customs system speed up trade.

Tax Benefits

Dubai offers various tax benefits to businesses and individuals. For instance, there is 0% personal income tax in Dubai, UAE. On the other hand, businesses enjoy 0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000. If the income exceeds, they have to pay 9% corporate tax, which is still much lower than most developed and developing nations. 

Free Trade Agreements

The UAE enjoys free trade agreements and DTAAs (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements) with many countries. All these agreements make it more budget-friendly to import and export goods in the UAE.

Diverse Economy 

The non-oil sectors make up 74.6% of the country’s GDP. Now, non-oil sectors, such as tourism, trade, IT, and real estate dominate the market. This offers multiple opportunities for importers and exporters. Add this with other benefits and UAE is the best place to start an import export business.

How to Get an Import Export License in Dubai? (Step-by-Step Process)

Starting an import-export business in Dubai involves several steps. Each step ensures that your business complies with local regulations.

Step 1: Business activity selection

Choose the right trading activity for your company. You can go with general trading or select a niche such as electronics, food products, or machinery. This will define your license type.

Step 2: Choose your jurisdiction (Free zone vs Mainland)

Decide where to register your company. Free zones offer customs advantages and 100% ownership. Mainland allows direct trade within the UAE. Your choice depends on your target market.

Step 3: Register Your Business Name

Select a company name and gather documents such as passport copies, visa, and business plan. Submit initial approvals to the licensing authority.

Step 4: Obtain Approvals

If you’re setting up a mainland business, securing initial approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is a required step. This process involves submitting your business plan, identification documents of all shareholders, and passport copies. On the other hand, free zone companies must follow procedures laid out by the respective free zone authority, which usually include submitting documents directly through their official portals.

Step 5: Apply for license

To apply for your import/export licence on the mainland, 

• Visit the DET portal. 
• Go to the section titled “Fill Registration & Licensing Application Form.”
• Make sure to select the correct business activity code relevant to your trade. 

You can browse the complete list of business activity codes for import and export in Dubai on the DET website. Alternatively, enter the activity name in the search bar to find the associated code, or refer to some of the most common ones listed below:

• General Trading – For businesses handling a variety of goods: Activity Code 4690010
• Foodstuff Trading – For trading food items: Activity Code 4630101
• Textile Trading – For fabric and clothing-related trade: Activity Code 4641001
• Electronics Trading – For electronics and related equipment: Activity Code 4652007

If you are setting up in a free zone, your application will be processed by the respective zone authority. Depending on the free zone selected, you can complete and submit the application form on their website, including all necessary business activity and shareholder details.

Step 6: Customs registration / import code

Register with Dubai Customs to receive your import-export code. This code is needed to clear goods through customs and use Dubai Trade services.

Step 7: Secure Special Permits or Certifications

You may need to apply for additional permits or certifications for some products, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. You can obtain these permits from government agencies, like Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, or the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).

Step 8: Open A Corporate Bank Account

Every business in Dubai needs a corporate bank account for business transactions. Banks require business license, shareholders identification, and registration documents to open a local bank account for your company. 

Step 9: Office Space or A Warehouse Setup

You can secure an office space or a warehouse based on your requirements. Free Zones usually offer warehousing registration options but they usually require you to lease spaces within their boundaries. Mainland offers more flexibility in this regard. 

Step 10: Apply for Visas and Employee Sponsorship

After registration, you must apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and your dependents. The number of visas you can claim depends on your business type and office space. Free Zone companies often get visas included in their business registration package. 

Step 11: Business Operations & Compliance

Once you obtain the trade license and IEC (import export code), you can start your business operations immediately. You must also make sure that your business complies with local laws and regulations. It is best to engage an accounting specialist to ensure compliance. If your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, it is also necessary to register for VAT. The VAT rate is 5% for all businesses but certain import-export activities are exempted from it and enjoy a 0% VAT.

How to Get an Import/Customs Code in Dubai?

An import-export code is mandatory for trading activities. It allows your business to import and export goods legally.

What is an Import Code?

An import code is a unique number assigned to your business by Dubai Customs. It connects your license with the UAE customs system. Without this, goods cannot be cleared at ports.

Dubai Customs Registration Process

Create an account on the Dubai Trade portal. Fill in the customs client registration form. Upload the required documents and submit. Once approved, you will get your import code.

Documents Required for Import Code

You need the following documents for an import code:

• Valid trade license 
• Passport copies of business owners 
• Visa page (if applicable) 
• Emirates ID (if applicable) 
• Lease agreement for business premises 

Some authorities may ask for additional documents.

Import Code vs Trade License – Key Differences

A trade license allows you to operate a business in Dubai. The import code allows you to deal with customs and clear goods. Both are mandatory for import-export operations.

Import Export License Cost in Dubai

Understanding the costs involved helps in planning your business setup effectively. The cost varies based on license type, jurisdiction, and approvals.

Cost Table – Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore

License Type	Free Zone(AED)	Mainland(AED)	Offshore(AED)
General Trading License	12,500 – 18,000	15,000 – 25,000	9,000-12,000
Specialized Trading License	8,000-12,000	12,000 – 20,000	7,000 – 10,000
E-commerce Import License	10,000 – 13,000	14,000 – 18,000	N/A

Note: Fees may vary depending on zone and activity.

However, that’s not all. There’s an additional import export code fee that starts from AED 350. Although all the mentioned prices can be changed depending on various factors, such as chosen product, activity, visa requirements, number of shareholders and so on.

Ongoing Compliance or Renewal Fees

Renewals cost around AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 per year. You must also keep your customs code active, renew tenancy contracts, and follow VAT and audit requirements.

Import Permit & Special Approvals Required in Dubai, UAE

Some goods need permits or clearances from specific authorities. Let’s take a look at them.

Goods That Require Special Approvals

The following goods need extra clearance in UAE:

• Pharmaceuticals 
• Food 
• Tobacco 
• Alcohol 
• Cosmetics
• telecommunication devices 

These goods are regulated to protect public health and safety.

Government Authorities & NOCs Involved

You may need approvals from the following government authorities: 

• Dubai Municipality 
• Ministry of Health 
• Telecommunications Authority
• Civil Defense 

Each product type has its own NOC requirement.

Free Zone vs Mainland for Import-Export Business

Your choice affects your operations, cost, and target market. Choosing the right setup depends on your business goals.

Differences of Starting Import Export Business in Freezone or Mainland

Factors	Free Zone	Mainland
Ownership	100% foreign ownership	Requires local service agent
UAE Market Access	Restricted without distributor	Full access
Cost	Lower initial setup	Higher setup and rent
Customs Handling	Fast-tracked within the zone	Needs external customs clearance

When to Choose What?

Choose a free zone if you’re exporting or re-exporting and want complete ownership of the business. Choose the mainland if you plan to trade directly within the UAE. Offshore is suitable for holding company setup and invoicing activities.

Key Sectors for Import-Export in Dubai

Some industries are more active in global trade than others. 

High-Demand Industries

Identifying high-demand sectors can guide your business focus.

• Automotive Parts 
• Electronics 
• Medical Supplies 
• Fashion and Textiles
• Food and Beverages
• Construction Materials 

Dubai is a major hub for re-exports in these sectors.

Restricted Commodities

Restricted items must deal with extra caution. Following are the banned items:

• Weapons and ammunition
• Narcotics 
• Counterfeit Goods 
• Radioactive Materials

However, the following items require special clearance –

• Endangered species
• Certain chemicals
• Alcohol

Tips to Build a Successful Import-Export Business in UAE

Building a successful import-export business is a long-term process. Here are some practical pieces of advice from our business development consultants to help you grow your trade business in Dubai.

Market Research and Business Planning

Without proper market research and planning, your business is doomed to fail. Conduct deep market research to find untapped potentials and gaps in the market. Create a comprehensive business plan based on that data and define your ICP. Make sure you have a clear target and business goal. Put your efforts in the direction that aligns with your business objectives as per your business plan and target market. 

Logistics, Banking, and Legal Tips

Use international logistics partners for shipping. Open a local business bank account. Consult legal advisors for contracts and compliance checks. You must also understand local laws and regulations. Also, always maintain clear records of transactions.

Expert Support for Regulatory Requirements

Dubai has an ever-evolving regulatory environment. The laws and regulations may seem to update and you might not be aware of it. It could result in non-compliance, which will lead to penalties or fines. Hence, engage a local business compliance expert, such as Avyanco, to assist with all the compliance requirements. Experts will handle all the regulatory requirements while you can only focus on your business. 

Choosing the Right Free Zone based on Your Requirements

Free zones in Dubai provide several industry-specific advantages and other benefits, including 100% foreign ownership and attractive tax incentives. Selecting the most suitable free zone depends on factors such as your industry type, logistics needs, and long-term growth objectives. Consider the following examples:

JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – well-suited for large-scale logistics, heavy manufacturing, and industrial operations. It offers vast warehouse facilities and is close to Jebel Ali Port, which helps streamline customs procedures.

DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) – tailored for businesses dealing with high-value goods, technology products, and items requiring fast turnover. DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) is located next to Dubai International Airport, allowing swift air freight movement.

Dubai South – an excellent option for companies in the e-commerce, aviation, and logistics sectors. It offers direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and is connected to major land freight corridors.

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) – specifically geared toward commodity traders, especially those involved with gold, precious metals, tea, coffee, and related goods. DMCC Free Zone offers a strong business ecosystem and access to a vast international trading network.

DSO (Dubai Silicon Oasis) – a preferred location for tech-driven companies, innovative startups, and digital enterprises. It provides a reliable infrastructure and resources dedicated to research and development-oriented firms.

Build A Strong Network with Cultural Awareness

Dubai’s business culture is deeply rooted in relationships. Therefore, personal connections and trust are essential for long-term success here. Understanding and respecting local customs, traditions, and business etiquette can go a long way in establishing credibility. If your focus is to set up a successful importing and exporting business, building strong partnerships with local agents, distributors, and marketing professionals can be a game-changer. These connections accelerate market entry while assisting in dealing with local regulations and consumer preferences. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes that many first-time business owners make are –

• Ignoring Customs regulations 
• Choosing the wrong license type 
• Unclear supplier terms 
• Underestimating costs
• Choosing the wrong business setup 

These mistakes may seem small but they often lead to delays and fines. Get professional advice before starting.

Hire a Business Consultancy Service Provider

An experienced consultancy like Avyanco can simplify the overall business setup procedure. They offer expertise and guide you through licensing, customs registration, and permits. It saves time, avoids legal issues, and helps with renewals and local connections.

Secure Import Export License in Dubai with the Help of Avyanco

Dubai is one of the best jurisdictions to start an import export business due to its geographical location, tax benefits, and a diverse economy. The business registration process is straightforward, yet one mistake can lead to rejection. Hence, it is recommended to engage a reliable business consultant to smooth your business registration process. 

Avyanco helps entrepreneurs and global traders start and grow their import export businesses in Dubai. We offer full support from selecting the right license to getting customs codes and approvals. Our team of experienced professionals knows every step and requirement for import-export businesses. Whether you want a free zone or mainland setup, we make it quick, affordable, and stress-free. We take care of the compliance after setup so you only need to focus on business growth.

FAQs About Import Export License in Dubai