Import and export licence in the UAE

Dubai's position as a re-export hub between Asia, Africa and Europe is the actual commercial reason most trading companies incorporate here — tax is secondary. You need a customs code, and the zone you choose should match your logistics: port access for sea freight, airport adjacency for air.

What to know first

A customs code registration is required and is separate from the trade licence.
Goods entering the UAE mainland from a free zone attract customs duty.
Certificates of origin and product-specific approvals vary considerably by category and destination.

Suitable free zones

JAFZA

Dubai

The original UAE free zone, built around the region's largest port. For physical goods at scale.

From: AED 10,000
Setup: 10–25 d
Max visas: ∞

Dubai South

Dubai

Logistics economics without JAFZA pricing, next to Al Maktoum International and Expo City.

From: AED 15,500
Setup: 5–12 d
Max visas: ∞

100% remote setup

SAIF Zone

Sharjah

An established trading and light-industrial zone at Sharjah Airport.

From: AED 14,500
Setup: 5–15 d
Max visas: ∞

RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah

The best balance of price, breadth and credibility outside Dubai.

From: AED 6,000
Setup: 2–7 d
Max visas: ∞

100% remote setup

DAFZA

Dubai

Airside logistics for high-value, low-volume goods — pharma, electronics, aviation parts.

From: AED 35,000
Setup: 7–20 d
Max visas: ∞

Let's talk about your actual case

A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.

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