General Trading License
Covers import, export, distribution, and re-export of various products.
Trade
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Import Export License in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a global trading hub, making it the perfect place to start an import-export business. A valid license covers international trade activities, ensures customs compliance, and gives credibility to your business.
Excellent
Operate legally in Dubai and internationally
Clear goods through UAE customs smoothly
Access free zones and mainland markets
Expand your business globally
Build credibility with suppliers and clients
Excellent
About Import-Export License
About the Import-Export License in Dubai, UAE
An Import-Export License allows businesses to legally bring goods into the UAE and sell them abroad. It's essential for companies involved in trading physical products, whether from a mainland setup or a free zone. Dubai's strategic location, modern ports, and logistics infrastructure make it ideal for international trade.
Businesses applying for this license must register with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant free trade zone authority. They also need a customs code to clear shipments through Dubai Customs. The license covers a wide range of products, but certain items like food, pharmaceuticals, or electronics may require additional approvals from regulatory authorities.
Holding this license ensures your operations are fully compliant, reduces risks during shipment, and helps you establish a professional reputation in both local and global markets.
Benefits
Benefits of an Import Export Business in Dubai
An import-export license keeps your trade fully compliant while opening global markets, smooth customs clearance, and room to scale.
Legal Compliance
Operate legally in the UAE and abroad, avoiding fines and shipment delays.
Access to Global Markets
Expand your business by selling to clients internationally.
Efficient Customs Clearance
Registered businesses can clear goods smoothly through Dubai ports and free zones.
Credibility with Partners
Gain trust with suppliers, clients, and financial institutions.
Flexibility in Business Setup
Choose between a mainland license or a free zone license depending on your trading needs.
Growth Opportunities
Scale your operations, source products globally, and tap into Dubai's thriving e-commerce and trading market.
License Types
Types of Import & Export Licenses
Different license types suit different trading models. Choosing the right one defines your ownership, market access, and approvals.
Free Zone Trade License
Allows international trade with 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits.
Free Zone
E-Commerce License
For online businesses selling imported goods, including cross-border sales.
Digital
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Specialized Trading License
For specific products like electronics or automotive, with tailored approvals.
Specialized
Jurisdictions
Key Jurisdictions for Import Export Businesses
There are two main jurisdictions to set up your import-export business in Dubai. Choosing the right jurisdiction is key to optimizing your trade operations and benefits.
01
Direct UAE Market Access
Mainland Dubai
Mainland businesses operate under the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and can sell directly to the UAE market. They require a physical office or warehouse and offer flexibility for local and global trade.
02
Global Trade & Re-Export
Free Zones
Free zone companies focus on global trade and re-export. They offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and logistics support, making them ideal for businesses targeting global markets.
Requirements
Required Documents for an Import-Export License
Submitting complete and accurate documents ensures smooth processing and faster approval for your trading business.
Personal Documents
- Passport copies of owners or shareholders
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Visa or entry stamp copy
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
Business Documents
- Trade license reservation certificate
- Initial approval from the DED or relevant free zone authority
- Completed import-export license application form
- Lease agreement for office, warehouse, or free zone facility
- Memorandum of Association (if applicable)
- Customs registration / Import-Export Code application
- Product-specific approvals (if applicable, e.g., food, electronics, cosmetics)
Full process
10
Working days
Timelines are indicative and vary by product type and approvals required.
Good to know Product-specific approvals (food, pharmaceuticals, electronics) can add time and are best identified early.
Timeline
Import-Export License Timeline
Here is an approximate timeline for obtaining an import and export license in Dubai.
- Day 1-2: Decide business type and select jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
- Day 3: Reserve trade name and submit initial approvals
- Day 4-5: Prepare and submit all required documents
- Day 6-7: Receive DED or free zone preliminary approvals
- Day 8: Submit customs registration / Import-Export Code application
- Day 9: Obtain product-specific approvals (if required)
- Day 10: Receive final import-export license and start trading
Setup Process
Steps to Obtain an Import Export License in Dubai
Obtaining an import-export business license authorizes your company to legally import goods into the UAE and export them internationally follow these steps for a smooth process.
Step 1
Decide Business Type and Jurisdiction
Choose whether your company will be mainland or free zone-based, depending on where you want to trade and who your target customers are.
Step 2
Reserve Trade Name
Select a unique trade name and register it with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority.
Step 3
Submit Initial Approvals
Apply for preliminary approvals from the DED or free zone authority to confirm that your business activities are allowed.
Step 4
Prepare the Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including passport copies, Emirates ID, office/warehouse lease, Memorandum of Association, and product-specific approvals if applicable.
Step 5
Apply for Customs Registration
Submit an application for a customs Import/Export Code, which is required to clear goods through Dubai Customs.
Step 6
Pay License Fees
Complete payment for the license, Dubai Chamber membership, and any other administrative fees to proceed with final approvals.
Step 7
Obtain Final License
After verification, you will receive your import-export license, allowing you to legally operate your business and clear shipments.
Step 8
Start Importing and Exporting
With the license and customs code, you can begin trading, importing products, and exporting goods worldwide, fully compliant with UAE regulations.
Customs Code
Steps to Get an Import Customs Code in Dubai
A customs code is required to legally import goods into Dubai here is how to get it once your license is active.
Step 1
Hold a Valid Trade License
Ensure your active import/export or commercial license is issued by DED or a free zone.
Step 2
Register with Dubai Customs
Create an account on the Dubai Customs portal and submit your company information.
Step 3
Submit the Documents
Provide trade license, passport copies, Emirates ID, and office or warehouse lease.
Step 4
Complete Customs Application
Fill out the Import Customs Code application form online with your business details.
Step 5
Receive Your Customs Code
After approval, the customs code is issued to legally import goods into Dubai.
Pricing
Cost to Get an Import-Export License in Dubai, UAE
Starting an import export business in Dubai typically costs between AED 20,000-45,000, depending on license type, approvals, and business setup requirements.
Trade Permit + Customs Code
From AED 12,350
A mainland or free zone trade permit (AED 12,000-25,000) plus customs Import/Export Code registration (AED 350-500).
Permit + Facility + Chamber
Mid-range
Adds office or warehouse lease (AED 5,000-50,000+) and Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership (AED 300).
With Product Approvals
Scale-based quote
For regulated goods, add product-specific approvals (AED 1,000-5,000) on top of the license and facility costs.
The major costs are
Trade Permit Fee (Mainland / Free Zone)
AED 12,000-25,000.
Customs Registration / Import-Export Code
AED 350-500.
Office or Warehouse Lease
AED 5,000-50,000+.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Membership
AED 300.
Product Approvals (if applicable)
AED 1,000-5,000.
Note
Get an exact cost tailored to your import/export business in Dubai by consulting Riz & Mona's experts for free guidance.
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Simplify your export and import license process in Dubai with expert guidance from Riz & Mona.
Jurisdiction & license selection•Customs code registration•Documents & approvals handled•Warehouse & chamber setup
