IMPORT EXPORT LICENSE IN UAE

The UAE serves as a vital trade and commerce hub bridging Asia and Europe. Its strategic location makes it an ideal transit point for global businesses. Among foreign investors, the Import Export License in UAE is highly sought after. The cost of obtaining this license in the mainland starts from AED 24,683 and includes the necessary processes for international trade. Global investors must follow specific steps to acquire an import-export license in UAE. Many investors prefer this license as it allows them to establish a base for facilitating global trade in the UAE. Obtaining a trade license, whether from the mainland or Free Trade Zones of UAE, is the initial requirement for companies engaged in trading, import, and export in the region.


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    HOW TO APPLY FOR IMPORT EXPORT LICENSE IN UAE?

    To engage in import-export activities in the UAE, investors must follow certain procedures. Firstly, they need to apply for a trade license from the Department of Economic Development or the respective Emirates. Additionally, the newly established company must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce and the respective Customs Department to acquire the Import-Export Code. This code is imperative for conducting import-export business within the UAE.

    Moreover, to execute overseas trade operations, the trading company must obtain Port and Customs Approval. This step ensures compliance with regulations and enables smooth international trade operations.

    Obtaining the necessary approvals for import-export in the UAE involves a series of steps. At Pro Consultancy UAE, our team of Expert Business Consultants is dedicated to guiding you through the process of obtaining the import-export license and registering with the Customs Department. With our assistance, you can navigate the intricacies of international trade with confidence.

    WHAT IS UAE IMPORT EXPORT CODE (IEC)?

    Import Export Code (IEC) in UAE is an authorization document for investors to import and export goods to and from UAE. The Customs Code is issued by the Customs Department of the Emirate where the company is registered.

    It is a mandatory document for conducting global import-export business operations from UAE. The company must be having a valid trading license with the desired business activity mentioned in the trade license.

    To obtain the Import Export Code in Dubai or any other Emirate in the UAE, a trading license from either the Free Zones or the Mainland is mandatory. Ensure compliance with this requirement to facilitate seamless operations.

    IMPORT EXPORT LICENSE IN DUBAI

    Import Export License in Dubai is obtained from the Dubai Economy (Department of Economic Development) or any of the Free Trade Zones of Dubai. The foreign investor in Dubai to obtain an Import Export License must register the company as a trading or general trading company. To engage in global trade, individuals are required to register with Dubai Customs and acquire the Import Export Code in Dubai. This crucial step ensures compliance and facilitates smooth international business operations.

    Organizations engaged in trade operations in Dubai must hold valid trade licenses issued by specific business jurisdictions. Obtaining an Import Export License in Dubai, available on the mainland, comes at an approximate cost of AED 25,232. The city offers abundant business opportunities for import-export and trading companies.

     

    The import-export market in Dubai thrives due to the strong domestic demand for various general items such as clothing, accessories, household goods, furniture, spare parts, foodstuffs, and gold. With its robust logistics support systems, well-established business infrastructure, and a burgeoning array of business prospects, Dubai presents a highly profitable landscape for the Import Export industry.

    IMPORT EXPORT REGISTRATION IN DUBAI

    In Dubai, the process of registering a trading company with Dubai Customs to obtain the Import Export Code is known as Import Export Registration. Upon registration, the Customs Department will assign a unique code to the trading company. This unique Customs Code is a mandatory requirement for importing and exporting goods to and from the UAE.

    To obtain the Import Export Code for your company, the investor must submit essential documents like the Trade License, undertaking license, and a copy of the investor/manager passport. A fee is required for this process.

     

    Once the documents are submitted and the fee is paid, the authorities will review the application. If approved, Dubai Customs will issue the Import Export Code to the investor, valid for one year with the option for renewal.

    To apply for the Import Export Code, it is crucial for the Trade License to be valid. The registration process for the import-export code in Dubai is overseen by the Customs Department. The cost of import-export code registration may vary slightly depending on the Free Zone in different Emirates.

    The cost of registering for Import Export Code in Dubai is approximately AED 500. Upon registration, investors will be provided with a dedicated Customs Code for their trading company.

    IMPORT EXPORT LICENSE IN DUBAI MAINLAND

    To obtain an Import Export License from the Mainland of Dubai, investors need to follow a specific process. The Mainland of Dubai is a preferred choice for many investors due to its numerous business benefits. These benefits include 100% foreign ownership, low taxation, advanced logistics support, and easy transportation of goods. Additionally, the Mainland of Dubai offers flexibility in selecting office and warehouse locations, which helps to reduce overall costs. This attracts global investors seeking cost-effective solutions.

    SETTING UP AN IMPORT EXPORT COMPANY IN UAE – STEPS INVOLVED

    There are two distinct stages involved in setting up an import-export company in UAE. The initial phase entails obtaining a trade license, followed by the customs registration stage where investors must register for customs to facilitate import-export operations. Whether establishing your business in the Free Zone or the Mainland, the steps involved are largely similar across different business jurisdictions. Allow me to outline the sequential steps required for establishing an import-export company in UAE.

    STAGE 1: OBTAINING A TRADING LICENSE

    •   Reserve the trade name for the company (finalize from 3 shortlists)
    •   Select the correct trading activity for the business
    •   Choose a local sponsor/Go with 100% foreign ownership option in the mainland
    •   select the office space and warehouse and prepare the rental agreement
    •   Prepare the Memorandum of Association for the company (Pro Consultancy UAE will assist you with this)
    •   Submit the documents to the Dubai Economy for review
    •   Make the fee payment and obtain the business license
    •   Get the investor visa and apply for a corporate bank account

    STAGE -2 CUSTOMS REGISTRATION

    •   Register the company with the Chamber of Commerce Dubai
    •   Register the Company with the Dubai Customs Department and obtain the Import Export Code
    •   Starting importing or exporting goods from Dubai to the world

    The above indicated steps are to be followed the right way to obtain the import-export license in Dubai. Pro Consultancy’s Team will effectively handle all the processes and ensure the investor gets the import-export license in Dubai at the lowest cost and fastest possible time.

    WHAT IS THE COST OF AN IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS LICENSE IN DUBAI?

    The cost of an import-export license in Dubai is approximately AED 25,232, but it can vary in real-time. For precise details on the exact cost of an import-export business license in Dubai, feel free to reach out to our team. 

     

    The Import Export License Cost in Dubai covers various expenses, including the cost of a general trading license, virtual office contract, application form, and import-export code fee. If you are an investor who requires a physical office setup, a tenancy contract for a year must be prepared based on the annual rent for the desired office space. 

     

    Our purpose is to equip you with comprehensive insights for a prosperous import-export endeavor in Dubai. Rest assured, we have all the information you need to succeed.

    Therefore, the cost of an import-export license encompasses all the necessary elements for acquiring a general trading license, including applying for an import-export code and securing office space to effectively carry out global import-export activities in Dubai. The subsequent breakdown presents the associated expenses of a business license for import-export operations in Dubai.

    Import Export License in Dubai

    Cost in AED

    Trade License Cost Mainland

    AED 13,000

    Virtual Office with Ejari ( For 1 year)

    AED 10,000

    Tradename submission, application form, Agreement, etc.

    AED 1,732

    Import Export Code Fee

    AED 500

    Total

    AED 25,232

    WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR OBTAINING AN IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS LICENSE IN DUBAI?

    In order to initiate an import-export business in Dubai, it is imperative to have a valid trading license. Additionally, the company must complete registration with Dubai Customs to engage in any import-export activities.

     

    Obtaining an import-export business license requires minimal documentation. Investors can easily acquire a general trading license and subsequently apply for an import-export code. This code permits the investor to obtain customs clearance for conducting import-export operations in Dubai. To streamline the process, Pro Consultancy offers comprehensive support, including end-to-end documentation, application submission, and coordination, ensuring a hassle-free experience in obtaining the import-export license.

    DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR OBTAINING A TRADING LICENSE IN DUBAI

    •   Names (Up to 3) to get the trade name reserved
    •   Company Registration Application Form
    •   Passport Copy and Photograph of the owner

    CUSTOMS REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THE IMPORT EXPORT CODE IN DUBAI

    Following documents are required to get an import-export code in Dubai:

    •   Trade license and Memorandum of Association of the newly formed company
    •   Passport Copy of the Owner
    •   Owners Visa Copy (if UAE residence visa is stamped)
    •   Tenancy Agreement of the Office/Warehouse
    •   Request Letter for the Import Export Code
    •   Import Export Code Fee Payment

    Online portal of Dubai Customs is available for the document submittion and free payment. The documents will be reviewed by the Port and Customs authority and the import-export code will be issued to the company.

    HOW PRO CONSULTANCY GROUP WILL ASSIST IN OBTAINING THE IMPORT EXPORT LICENSE IN UAE?

    Pro Consultancy offers comprehensive assistance in the end-to-end company formation process, including obtaining import-export licenses and codes in the UAE. Our team of expert business consultants will skillfully prepare and submit your application, while also liaising with government authorities for a swift and cost-effective license acquisition. Trust Pro Consultancy to streamline the process and support you every step of the way.

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