Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Import-Export Business Setup, Dubai UAE
Trading licence, Dubai Customs client code and sourcing logistics, handled end to end so you can start shipping sooner.
Free, no-obligation consultation, no price quoted until we know your requirements.
Starting an import-export business in Dubai involves two separate registrations: a trading licence issued by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or your chosen free zone, covering either general trading or a specific product category, and a Dubai Customs client code (the UAE import-export code) linked to that licence, which lets you clear shipments through Dubai ports such as Jebel Ali, Port Rashid and Dubai Airport Cargo. From there you will need supplier and buyer documentation, an FTA VAT registration where applicable, and a plan for sourcing, freight and trade finance as you scale. Contact our team for a tailored quote once your trade sectors and licence scope are confirmed.
Why It Matters
An import-export business in Dubai needs both a trading licence matched to your goods and a Dubai Customs client code before you can move shipments through UAE ports. Getting your licence scope, customs registration and sourcing logistics right from the start means you can clear shipments and scale into new trade lanes without delays.
Choosing Your Scope
Covers a broad range of unrelated product categories under one licence, suited to diversified traders moving multiple goods types.
Covers a defined product category such as electronics, foodstuff or textiles, typically lower cost and faster to approve than general trading.
A Dubai Customs client code, linked to your trade licence, is required before you can clear any import or export shipment.
Electronics, foodstuff, textiles, machinery, building materials and consumer goods are among Dubai's most active import-export sectors.
Logistics partnerships, freight forwarding and trade finance facilities help you scale shipment volume as your business grows.
Before You Apply
Confirm whether general trading or a specific-activity trading licence fits your product mix.
Register your Dubai Customs client code once your trade licence is issued.
Passport copies, passport-size photos and, for corporate shareholders, incorporation documents.
Confirm your FTA VAT registration status if your projected turnover requires it.
Getting Started
Identify the product categories you plan to import or export.
Match your licence scope to how many product categories you need.
Submit your preferred company name for approval.
File your trading licence application with DET or your chosen free zone.
Link your new trade licence to a Dubai Customs client code.
Register for FTA VAT if required, and confirm any product-specific import approvals.
Establish freight forwarding, warehousing and supplier relationships.
Set up corporate and trade finance banking, then begin clearing shipments.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies by trade sectors, licence scope, jurisdiction and shipment volume, contact us for a tailored quote |
| Licence options | General trading licence or specific-activity trading licence |
| Customs registration | Dubai Customs client code, linked to your trade licence |
| Regulators | Dubai Customs and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Nationality requirement | Open to any nationality |
No price figure is published for this service. Cost depends on your trade sectors, licence scope and shipment volume, contact our team for a custom quote.
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
Frequently Asked, and Ready When You Are
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment