An import/export licence lets you bring goods into the UAE and ship them out or re-export them, using the country's ports and airports as a trade hub. Here's where to base it, what it costs, the customs and VAT essentials, and how we set it up.
Import/export is the right choice when your business is moving goods across borders — but the best base depends on whether you re-export or sell into the UAE.
An illustrative free-zone starting point for an import/export licence. Your total depends on:
We match the licence to your goods and trade routes, then send a full written quote — licence, visas, customs and office — before you commit.
The details that decide how an import/export company runs.
What an import/export licence gives you, and what to weigh.
| Free Zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100%* |
| Re-export & bonded storage | Excellent (duty-favourable) | Limited |
| Sell inside the UAE | Via distributor / dual licence | Directly, anywhere |
| Proximity to ports / airports | Jebel Ali, DAFZA, Sharjah | Varies by emirate |
| Setup from | AED 12,900 | AED 15,000 |
| Best for | Re-export & international trade | UAE-market distribution |
In short: if you import to re-export or use the UAE as a trade hub, a free zone beside a port or airport gives you 100% ownership, bonded warehousing & duty benefits. If you sell imported goods into the UAE market, you'll go mainland or add a distributor — customs duty of around 5% applies on goods for local consumption. We'll map the cheapest compliant route.
What importers and exporters ask before setting up in the UAE. Anything else — AgentBiz answers instantly.
Ask AgentBizIt's a trading licence that lets your company bring goods into the UAE and ship them out or re-export them. It focuses on the cross-border movement of goods, using the country's ports and airports as a trade and logistics hub.
A free-zone import/export licence typically starts from around AED 12,900, with mainland from about AED 15,000. Your total depends on the free zone, visa count, warehousing and customs — we send a full written quote first.
Yes — it's essential. We register your importer / exporter customs code as part of the setup so you can clear shipments through UAE customs at ports and airports like Jebel Ali and DAFZA.
Not directly. A free-zone company re-exports and trades internationally; to sell imported goods into the UAE market you need a local distributor or a dual licence. Customs duty of around 5% commonly applies on goods brought in for local consumption.
The two overlap closely. A general trading licence is broad, covering many unrelated product lines, while an import/export licence focuses on the cross-border movement of goods — importing, exporting and re-exporting. We'll advise which fits your product range and routes.
Usually one to two weeks once your documents and any product approvals are ready, including the licence, visa, customs code and bank introduction.
One licence to import, export and trade many unrelated product lines.
An industrial licence to produce and assemble goods in the UAE.
Sell online in the UAE and worldwide with the right e-commerce licence.
Ask AgentBiz which licence and base fit your goods and trade routes, or talk to a human advisor. Real requirements, honest guidance, no obligation.