The UAE is the world’s major trade and business center, linking Asia and Europe. Strategically located between two major markets, the UAE is an ideal transit point for companies conducting global trade.

UAE import and export licenses are foreign investors’ most requested license categories. The UAE import and export license fee is AED 24,683 on the mainland. It includes a series of operations that enable companies to conduct international trade. Global investors must follow specific steps to obtain an import and export license in the UAE.

Import-Export License: How To Apply For A Customs Code?

The UAE is the world’s major trade and business center, linking Asia and Europe. Strategically located between two major markets, the UAE is an ideal transit point for companies conducting global trade.

UAE import and export licenses are foreign investors’ most requested license categories. The UAE import and export license fee is AED 24,683 on the mainland. It includes a series of operations that enable companies to conduct international trade. Therefore, global investors must follow specific steps to obtain an import and export license in the UAE.

Many investors prefer UAE import and export licenses, using the UAE as a base to facilitate global trade. Obtaining a trade license is the first step for companies engaged in trading, importing, and exporting in the UAE. A trade license from the mainland or the UAE free trade zone will facilitate the import and export business of enterprises in the region.

How to apply for an import and export license in the UAE?

Investors must apply for a trade license from the Ministry of Economic Development or the relevant emirate. In addition, newly established companies must register with the chamber of commerce and the appropriate customs department to obtain an import and export code.

Only by the Import and Export Law a trading company can carry out import and export business in the UAE. Businesses need to obtain port and customs approval for any overseas operations.

Obtaining the approvals required to import and export from the UAE involves several steps. VVAS‘ team of expert trade consultants will assist you in the right way to obtain import and export licenses and register with the customs department for international trade.

Dubai import and export license

Import and export licenses in Dubai are obtained from the Dubai Economy (Department of Economic Development) or any free trade zone in Dubai. To get an import and export license, foreign investors in Dubai must register the company as a commercial or general trading company. They must then register with Dubai Customs and obtain a Dubai Import/Export Code to trade internationally.

Business operations in Dubai are carried out by establishments holding valid business licenses in specific business jurisdictions. Additionally, one should obtain an export/import license in Dubai for an approximate fee. AED 25,232 from the mainland. Dubai offers vast job opportunities for import, export, and trading companies.

Domestic demand for various general items, such as clothing, accessories, household items, spare parts, food, gold, etc., drives Dubai’s import and export market. In addition, the availability of logistical support systems, business infrastructure, and growing business opportunities make import and export business in Dubai profitable.

Dubai import and export license

Investors must follow procedures to obtain import and export licenses from mainland Dubai. Investors choose Dubai Mainland because of the many business interests. 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, advanced logistics support, easy cargo transportation, etc., are some of the few business benefits for investors.

In addition, the flexibility of choosing office areas and warehouse locations in Dubai Continental has attracted many global investors to choose Continental to keep the total cost low.

Setting up an Import and Export Company in the United Arab Emirates – Steps Involved

These steps can be divided into two phases. First, the initial stage is to obtain a business license. Then there is the stage of customs registration, where investors must register with customs to carry out import and export business in the UAE. The steps to set up an import and export company in the UAE are essentially the same in the commercial jurisdictions – Free Zones and Mainland.

Below are the steps to set up an import and export company in the UAE.

Phase 1: Obtaining a Business License

Reserved company trade name (to be filled out from the three shortlisted)

Selecting the suitable deal activity for your business

Choice of local sponsor/choice of 100% foreign ownership in the mainland

Identify office and warehouse space and prepare leases

Prepare Articles of Incorporation for the company (VVAS will help you)

Submit documents to Dubai Economic Review

Pay the fee and obtain a trade license

Obtain an investor visa and apply for a company bank account

Phase 2 – Customs registration

Register the Company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Register the company in Dubai Customs and obtain import and export rights.

Custom Code

Start importing or exporting goods from Dubai to the world

The above steps must be followed accurately to have an import and export license in Dubai. The VVAS team will efficiently handle all operations to ensure investors get import and export licenses in Dubai at the lowest cost and in the shortest time.

Need to Know about Custom code? Here is it

If you want to start trading your products in the GCC, you may have heard of the requirement for importers or exporters to have a customs code. In the following article, we’ll introduce you to this concept and give you a step-by-step guide on how to get your code.

What is the customs code of the importer/exporter?

Importer or exporter codes go by many names. It may also be called a customs code or a Mersal trade code. For this article, we will refer to them as customs codes below. It is the official sign issued by Dubai Customs for UAE companies importing and exporting goods into and out of the UAE. It is a code that links your shipment to your UAE trade license.

Do I need customs laws to do business in the UAE?

If you want to import or export goods to the UAE, the following requirements must be met:

• You must have a local license in the UAE that allows you to trade and conduct business for your product type,
• You must register with the customs authorities to obtain a customs code.

Before we get into our step-by-step guide on how to apply, there are a few exceptions that don’t require a code:

• If you work with a reseller like Shortages, the reseller can provide custom codes. By doing so, the distribution company will act as the Importer of Record (IOR) for imports and the Exporter of Record (EOR) for exports. This will save time when looking for fast options to start trading in the UAE.
• The importer or exporter code is mainly used for bulk goods. In most cases, this is optional for express deliveries in and out of the UAE.

How much does a Dubai import and export business license cost?

Import and export license Dubai costs approximately AED 25,232 and is subject to change in real-time. Get in touch with our expert team for more details on the exact cost of a business license for import and export in Dubai.

The fee for an import/export license in Dubai covers the general costs of the trade license, virtual office contract, application form and import and export code fees. For investors who need to set up a physical office, a one-year lease should be prepared based on the annual rent of the required office space.

The import and export license fee cover all aspects of obtaining a general trade license, applying for import and export codes, and occupying office space to conduct global import and export business from Dubai successfully.

The following is the breakdown of Dubai import and export business license fees. Dubai import and export license fees are in AED:

• Mainland business license fee: 13,000 dirhams,
• Virtual Office with Rental Program (One Year): 10,000 dirhams,
• Provider number, application form, agreement, etc.: 1,732 dirhams,
• Import and export code fee: 500 dirhams with 25,232 dirhams.

What documents are mandatory to apply for an import and export business license in Dubai?

A company must have a valid trade license to start an export/import business in Dubai. The company must then be registered with Dubai Customs to carry out any import or export activity.

Some essential documents are required to obtain an import and export business license. However, investors can quickly get a general business consultancy UAE license and apply for an import and export code.

Investors can obtain customs clearance to conduct import and export operations from Dubai. VVAS will assist with the comprehensive documentation, application submission, and coordination of import and export licenses in the easiest possible way.

Documents Required to Obtain a Business License in Dubai

      Names (up to 3) for reserved trade names

      Company Registration Application Form

      Copy of passport and photo of the holder

Customs Registration Procedures for Obtaining Dubai Import and Export Codes

The following documents are required to obtain an import and export code in Dubai:

• Business license and memorandum of organization for the newly incorporated company,
• Copy of the holder’s passport,
• Copy of owner’s visa (if stamped by residence visa),
• Office/Warehouse Lease Agreement,
• Import and export code request letter,
• Pay import and export code fees.

Dubai Customs Portal is free for payment and submission of documents. Documentation will be reviewed by port and customs authorities, and the company will be issued an import and export code.

How will VVAS assist in obtaining import and export licenses in the UAE?

VVAS will assist you from start to finish with the company formation process and obtain your import and export licenses and UAE import and export codes.

The Business Advisory Team will prepare and submit the application form. Also, coordinate with government departments to obtain import and export licenses and import and export codes. VVAS helps investors get import and export licenses at a minimal cost and in the shortest time.

Many investors prefer UAE import and export licenses, using the UAE as a base to facilitate global trade. Obtaining a trade license is the first step for companies engaged in trading, importing, and exporting in the UAE. A trade license from the mainland or the UAE free trade zone will facilitate the import and export business of enterprises in the region.

How to apply for an import and export license in the UAE?

Investors must apply for a trade license from the Ministry of Economic Development or the relevant emirate. Newly established companies must register with the chamber of commerce and the appropriate customs department to obtain an import and export code.

Only by the Import and Export Law a trading company can carry out import and export business in the UAE. Businesses need to obtain port and customs approval for any overseas operations.

Obtaining the approvals required to import and export from the UAE involves several steps. VVAS’ team of expert trade consultants will assist you in the right way to obtain import and export licenses and register with the customs department for international trade.

Dubai import and export license

Import and export licenses in Dubai are obtained from the Dubai Economy (Department of Economic Development) or any free trade zone in Dubai. To get an import and export license, foreign investors in Dubai must register the company as a commercial or general trading company. They must then register with Dubai Customs and obtain a Dubai Import/Export Code to trade internationally.

Business operations in Dubai are carried out by establishments holding valid business licenses in specific business jurisdictions. Additionally, one should obtain an export/import license in Dubai for an approximate fee. AED 25,232 from the mainland. Dubai offers vast job opportunities for import, export, and trading companies.

Domestic demand for various general items, such as clothing, accessories, household items, spare parts, food, gold, etc., drives Dubai’s import and export market. The availability of logistical support systems, business infrastructure, and growing business opportunities make import and export business in Dubai profitable.

Dubai import and export license

Investors must follow procedures to obtain import and export licenses from mainland Dubai. Investors choose Dubai Mainland because of the many business interests. 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, advanced logistics support, easy cargo transportation, etc., are some of the few business benefits for investors.

In addition, the flexibility of choosing office areas and warehouse locations in Dubai Continental has attracted many global investors to choose Continental to keep the total cost low.

Setting up an Import and Export Company in the United Arab Emirates – Steps Involved

These steps can be divided into two phases. First, the initial stage is to obtain a business license. Then there is the stage of customs registration, where investors must register with customs to carry out import and export business in the UAE. The steps to set up an import and export company in the UAE are essentially the same in the commercial jurisdictions – Free Zones and Mainland.

Below are the steps to set up an import and export company in the UAE.

Phase 1: Obtaining a Business License

Reserved company trade name (to be filled out from the three shortlisted)

Selecting the suitable deal activity for your business

Choice of local sponsor/choice of 100% foreign ownership in the mainland

Identify office and warehouse space and prepare leases

Prepare Articles of Incorporation for the company (VVAS will help you)

Submit documents to Dubai Economic Review

Pay the fee and obtain a trade license

Obtain an investor visa and apply for a company bank account

Phase 2 – Customs registration

Register the Company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Register the company in Dubai Customs and obtain import and export rights.

Custom Code

Start importing or exporting goods from Dubai to the world

The above steps must be followed accurately to have an import and export license in Dubai. The VVAS team will efficiently handle all operations to ensure investors get import and export licenses in Dubai at the lowest cost and in the shortest time.

Need to Know about Custom code? Here is it

If you want to start trading your products in the GCC, you may have heard of the requirement for importers or exporters to have a customs code. In the following article, we’ll introduce you to this concept and give you a step-by-step guide on how to get your code.

What is the customs code of the importer/exporter?

Importer or exporter codes go by many names. It may also be called a customs code or a Mersal trade code. For this article, we will refer to them as customs codes below. It is the official sign issued by Dubai Customs for UAE companies importing and exporting goods into and out of the UAE. It is a code that links your shipment to your UAE trade license.

Do I need customs laws to do business in the UAE?

If you want to import or export goods to the UAE, the following requirements must be met:

• You must have a local license in the UAE that allows you to trade and conduct business for your product type,
• You must register with the customs authorities to obtain a customs code.

Before we get into our step-by-step guide on how to apply, there are a few exceptions that don’t require a code:

• If you work with a reseller like Shortages, the reseller can provide their own custom codes. By doing so, the distribution company will act as the Importer of Record (IOR) for imports and the Exporter of Record (EOR) for exports. This will save time when looking for fast options to start trading in the UAE.
• The importer or exporter code is mainly used for bulk goods. In most cases, this is optional for express deliveries in and out of the UAE.

How much does a Dubai import and export business license cost?

A Dubai import and export license costs approximately AED 25,232 and is subject to change in real time. Get in touch with our expert team for more details on the exact cost of a business license for import and export in Dubai.

The fee for a Dubai, import and export license covers the general costs of the trade license, virtual office contract, application form and import and export code fees. For investors who need to set up a physical office, a one-year lease should be prepared based on the annual rent of the required office space.

The import and export license fee covers all aspects of obtaining a general trade license, applying for import and export codes, and occupying office space to successfully conduct global import and export business from Dubai.

The following is the breakdown of Dubai import and export business license fees. Dubai import and export license fees are in AED:

• Mainland business license fee: 13,000 dirhams,
• Virtual Office with Rental Program (One Year): 10,000 dirhams,
• Provider number, application form, agreement, etc.: 1,732 dirhams,
• Import and export code fee: 500 dirhams with 25,232 dirhams.

What documents are mandatory to apply for an import and export business license in Dubai?

A company must have a valid trade license to start an export/import business in Dubai. The company must then be registered with Dubai Customs to carry out any import or export activity.

Some essential documents are required to obtain an import and export business license. Investors can quickly get a general business license and apply for an import and export code.

Investors can obtain customs clearance to conduct import and export operations from Dubai. VVAS will assist with the comprehensive documentation, application submission, and coordination of import and export licenses in the easiest possible way.

Documents Required to Obtain a Business License in Dubai

      Names (up to 3) for reserved trade names

      Company Registration Application Form

      Copy of passport and photo of the holder

Customs Registration Procedures for Obtaining Dubai Import and Export Codes

The following documents are required to obtain an import and export code in Dubai:

• Business license and memorandum of organization for the newly incorporated company,
• Copy of the holder’s passport,
• Copy of owner’s visa (if stamped by residence visa),
• Office/Warehouse Lease Agreement,
• Import and export code request letter,
• Pay import and export code fees.

Dubai Customs Portal is free for payment and submission of documents. Documentation will be reviewed by port and customs authorities, and the company will be issued an import and export code.

How will VVAS assist in obtaining import and export licenses in the UAE?

VVAS will assist you from start to finish with the company formation process and obtain your import and export licenses and UAE import and export codes.

The Business Advisory Team will prepare and submit the application form. Also, coordinate with government departments to obtain import and export licenses and import and export codes. VVAS helps investors get import and export licenses at a minimal cost and in the shortest time.