Starting an Import and Export Business in Dubai - License Cost & Procedure

Have you ever dreamed of running a global business from one of the most connected cities in the world? A business where you can import goods from Asia, re-export to Africa, and tap into Europe’s massive demand - all from one desk in a Dubai Free Zone? If this sounds like the future, you’ll be surprised to know: that future already exists.

Dubai isn’t just a skyline of ambition and opportunity. It’s a global trade powerhouse, strategically located between East and West. And in 2024, with over AED 4.3 trillion in trade volume, it continues to dominate as the Middle East’s leading logistics and commerce hub. That means one thing for you: a ready-made launchpad to start your import/export business.

And here’s the most exciting part - you don’t need to be a millionaire or a logistics expert to start. Dubai has built systems that are friendly for first-timers and scalable for pros. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: from choosing the right license to getting your customs code, understanding re-exports, setting up logistics, and even estimating costs.

Let’s break it all down.

In 2024, Dubai recorded over AED 4.3 trillion in foreign trade. That’s over $1.4 trillion in goods moving in, out, and through the emirate.

Here’s what makes Dubai unbeatable for import/export:

a. Strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
b. Top-ranked logistics hub with Jebel Ali Port and Dubai World Central Airport.
c. 0% personal and corporate tax in Free Zones.
d. Full foreign ownership (no need for a local sponsor in Free Zones).
e. 5% flat customs duty (and 0% on many re-exported goods).
f. Modern trade platforms like Dubai Trade Portal, Dubai Customs, and DP World’s systems.

Isn’t that the kind of place where global trade should start?

What is Import, Export, and Re-Export in Dubai?

Before we dive into licenses and approvals, let’s simplify what these terms mean:

Import:

You bring goods into Dubai. Say, importing kitchen appliances from Turkey or beauty products from South Korea.

Export:

You sell UAE-made goods to another country. For example, exporting UAE-manufactured perfumes to Europe.

Re-Export:

This is Dubai’s specialty. You import goods (without selling them in the UAE), hold them in a Free Zone, and export them to another market — all while avoiding import duty and VAT.

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Example: You import auto parts from Japan into JAFZA (a Dubai Free Zone), then re-export them to Iraq. No local sales, no extra tax. Just pure trade efficiency.

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Isn’t that brilliant?

That’s why Dubai is called a transit trade giant. And you can set up your business to do exactly this.

Step-by-Step: How to Start an Import and Export Business in Dubai

Let’s walk through it. Just what you need to know.

Step 1: Choose Mainland or Free Zone

Mainland license (via Dubai Economic Department) = sell directly inside the UAE.
Free Zone license (like JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai South) = best for international trade and re-export.

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Pro tip: If your goal is to buy and sell globally, Free Zones are your best bet - full ownership, low taxes, and no import duties inside the zone.

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Step 2: Apply for Your Trade License

You'll need a commercial license with “import/export” or “general trading” activities.

Import and Export License Cost

Free Zone: AED 12,000 - AED 18,000/year
Mainland: AED 15,000 - AED 22,000/year (plus market fees)

Documents:

a. Passport copies
b. Business name reservation
c. Application form
d. MOA (Memorandum of Association)
e. Office lease (physical or virtual)
f. Isn’t this straightforward when you break it down like this?

Step 3: Register with Dubai Customs

You need a Customs Importer Code to move goods legally.

a. Register via Dubai Trade Portal
b. Submit trade license, Emirates ID, tenancy contract
c. Registration fee: approx. AED 100 – AED 500

Without this, your goods won’t clear customs -  so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Most banks require:

a. Trade license
b. MOA
c. Passport/Emirates ID
d. Business activity proof
e. Minimum deposit: AED 10,000–AED 50,000 depending on bank.

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Need help? COFTT helps entrepreneurs get bank-ready documentation faster.

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Step 5: Start Trading – But Know Your Paperwork

For imports, you’ll need:

a. Commercial invoice
b. Packing list
c. Certificate of origin
d. Bill of lading/airway bill
e. HS Code
f. Customs declaration

For exports, it’s almost the same - but you’ll also need:

a. Export permit
b. Certificate of origin (from Dubai Chamber)

Isn’t it easier when you know exactly what documents you need?

What Can You Import or Export from Dubai?

Here are the top traded categories in 2024:

Top Imports:

a. Electronics (phones, tablets, accessories)
b. Vehicles and parts
c. Jewelry and gold
d. Machinery
e. Building materials

Top Exports/Re-exports:

a. Gold and precious metals
b. Telecom equipment
c. Vehicles
d. Mineral fuels
e. Perfumes and cosmetics

Markets to target for exports:

Saudi Arabia, India, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, and the UK - all top destinations with rising demand.

What Is the Cost to Start an Import/Export Business in Dubai?

Let’s break it down:

Trade license cost: AED 12,000–22,000
Customs registration: AED 500

Office space (virtual): AED 5,000–8,000

Bank account deposit: AED 10,000–50,000 (depending on bank)

Optional: Warehouse rental if you need to store goods

Estimated startup: AED 20,000–30,000 for Free Zone business.

Still much lower than most major countries - and with 0% tax, it’s easy to recover that investment.

Ready to Re-Export and Go Global?

Re-exporting is Dubai’s golden opportunity. You don’t need to sell locally. Instead, import in bulk, hold stock in a Free Zone, then ship to Africa, Asia, Europe - tax-free and fast.

It’s a brilliant model used by thousands of trading companies in JAFZA, DAFZA, and Sharjah’s SAIF Zone. And it’s open to you too.

COFTT Can Help You Start with Confidence. You don’t need to figure it all out yourself. At COFTT, we help entrepreneurs like you:

a. Choose the right Free Zone or mainland setup
b. Register your trade license
c. Handle customs code registration
d. Set up a virtual office or warehouse
e. Build a scalable trading model for global growth

Whether you’re importing electronics from China or re-exporting medical equipment to Africa - we’ll set you up for success, step-by-step.

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It's time to stop researching and start building your trading empire. Talk to COFTT today and let’s get your import/export business launched the right way.