If you’re looking to start an import-export business in 2026, all signs point to Dubai. In 2025, the UAE’s non-oil trade hit a massive $1 trillion milestone for the first time in history, reaching this goal five years earlier than anyone expected. This shows strong growth in both imports and exports, and rising opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs.
Why is everyone moving their trading operations here? It’s simple. Dubai offers world-class ports, a strategic location that connects three continents, and tax benefits that are hard to find anywhere else. With demand for trading businesses rising and global companies choosing Dubai as their regional base, now is a great time for entrepreneurs to start their import export business in Dubai.
What Is an Import Export Business in Dubai?
An import export business in Dubai simply means buying goods from one country and selling them in another, using Dubai as your base of operations.
In Dubai, this usually falls into three main activities:
- Import: Bringing goods from other countries (like electronics from China or textiles from India) into Dubai to sell them to local customers.
- Export: Taking goods produced in the UAE (like aluminium, perfumes, or dates) and selling them to customers in other countries.
- Re-export: It involves bringing goods into Dubai’s tax-free zones and then shipping them out to a third country without them ever entering the local UAE market. In 2025, Dubai’s re-export market grew by nearly 16%, reaching over AED 830 billion.
Types of Goods Commonly Traded Through Dubai
Dubai is a hub for almost everything, but according to the latest 2026 trade reports, these are the high-demand categories:
- High Value: Gold, diamonds, and luxury jewellery (Dubai’s top trade sector).
- Technology: Smartphones, computers, and sustainable green tech components.
- Essentials: Packaged organic foods, spices, and pharmaceuticals.
- Industrial: Aluminium, copper wires, and automotive spare parts.
- Lifestyle: Textiles, high-end perfumes, and Made in UAE fashion.
Who Can Start an Import Export Business in Dubai?
The beauty of Dubai’s system is that it is open to almost everyone. You don’t need a specialised degree; you just need the right legal setup.
- Individuals: You can start as a sole proprietorship or LLC (Limited Liability Company). Most expats choose the Free Zone route because it allows 100% foreign ownership, meaning you don’t need a local partner to own your business.
- Existing Companies: If you already have a business in another country (like India or the UK), you can open a Branch Office in Dubai. This allows you to expand your current brand into the Middle East market with ease.
- Small Startups: Thanks to the Instant License programs introduced recently, small entrepreneurs can now get a trade license in as little as 30-60 minutes without needing a physical office for the first year.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Where Should You Register?
Choosing between the Dubai Mainland and a Free Zone is one of the most important decisions when starting an import export business. The right option depends on where you plan to trade, who your customers are, and how you want your business to grow.
A. Import Export Business in Dubai Mainland
The Mainland is regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It is the best choice if you want to trade freely within the UAE market.
- Market Reach: You can trade directly with any business or individual inside the UAE (onshore) and internationally without a middleman.
- 100% Ownership: Gone are the days when you needed a local partner for most activities. You can own 100% of your mainland trading company in almost all sectors.
- Government Contracts: Only mainland companies can bid directly for lucrative UAE government tenders.
- Office Requirement: You must have a physical office space (minimum 200 sq. ft.) to get your license.
- Visas: You can get an unlimited number of visas, as long as your office is big enough to accommodate the staff.
B. Import Export Business in Dubai Free Zones
Free Zones (like IFZA, DMCC, JAFZA, or Dubai South) are special economic areas designed specifically for international trade.
- Tax Advantages: Most Free Zone companies still enjoy 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income (trade outside the UAE). Mainland companies pay 9% on profits over AED 375,000.
- Duty-Free Trade: You don’t pay any customs duties (typically 5%) as long as your goods stay within the Free Zone or are re-exported to another country.
- Mainland Access Permit: A major 2025/2026 update (Resolution No. 11) now allows many Free Zone companies to get a special permit to trade in the Mainland without needing a separate company.
- Low Setup Costs: You can start with a flexi-desk or virtual office, which is much cheaper than renting a full office on the mainland.
- Fast setup: You can often get your license and be banking-ready in less than a week.
Types of Import Export Licenses in Dubai
An import export business license in Dubai is a special permit that legally allows you to participate in international trade in the city. This means you can sell products sourced from Dubai to the rest of the world, or bring goods manufactured outside the UAE and sell them here.
Here are the three main types of licenses used for import-export activities.
1. Commercial License (Most Common)
If you know exactly what you want to trade, this is your best bet. A Commercial License allows you to trade in a specific category of goods. The license is best for businesses that focus on one niche and want to build a specialized brand. It is generally cheaper than a General Trading license and is often viewed more favourably by banks because your business model is clear.
2. General Trading License (Maximum Flexibility)
This is the gold standard for traders. It allows you to import, export, and trade multiple, unrelated products under one single license. You can trade food, clothes, and furniture all at the same time. The license is best for large-scale traders or entrepreneurs who want the freedom to jump on new market trends without changing their license.
Note: Certain regulated items like alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals still require special government approvals, even with this license.
3. E-commerce License
With the UAE’s digital economy booming, many traders now opt for an E-commerce license. This allows you to import goods into Dubai and sell them through online platforms (like Amazon, Noon, or your own website). The license is best for modern startups that don’t want a physical shop and prefer to operate from a warehouse or a free zone virtual office.
The Customs Code:
Regardless of which license you choose, you cannot legally move goods in or out of the country without a Customs Code (also known as an Import-Export Code). It is a unique ID issued by Dubai Customs. Once your trade license is issued, you apply for this code via the Dubai Trade portal.
What are the Documents Required to Start an Import Export Business in Dubai?
Before you can launch your import export business in Dubai, you’ll need to prepare and submit a set of basic documents.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- UAE residency visa copies (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copies (if applicable)
- Trade name approval certificate
- Business activity details
- Completed license application form
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)/Local Service Agent Agreement (if applicable)
- Office or warehouse tenancy contract (Ejari, if mainland)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs of shareholders/managers
- Customs registration documents (for import/export activities)
- Chamber of Commerce registration (if required)
How to Start an Import Export Business in Dubai? Step-by-Step Process
Starting an import-export business in Dubai is faster today than it has ever been. Here is your 6-step process to get up and running.
Step 1: Define Your Goods and Territory
Before you register, you need to be specific. Are you trading food, electronics, or textiles? Dubai Customs requires your goods to match your license activity exactly. You also need to pick the right jurisdiction – Mainland or Free Zone:
Mainland companies can trade freely within the UAE and internationally.
Free Zone companies are ideal for import, export, and re-export activities, especially if you don’t plan to sell directly in the UAE market.
Step 2: Select and Reserve a Trade Name
Choose a business name that follows UAE naming rules. The name should reflect your trading activity, avoid restricted words, and not duplicate an existing company name. Once approved, the trade name is reserved for your business.
Step 3: Apply for Your Import Export License
Once your name is reserved, you apply for your trade license through the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) for Mainland, or your chosen Free Zone Authority. This license legally allows you to conduct import, export, and re-export activities from Dubai. For a standard commercial license, approval usually takes 3 to 5 business days.
Step 4: Register with Dubai Customs (Mandatory)
This is the step most beginners forget. Even with a license, you cannot ship a single box until you have a Customs Client Code.
How to get it? Apply via the Dubai Trade Portal. You will need your new license, a copy of the owner’s passport, and a signed undertaking letter (a promise to follow trade laws). The registration fee is roughly AED 120. The code is issued digitally, so there’s no need to visit a customs office in person.
Step 5: Open Your Corporate Bank Account
A UAE corporate bank account is essential for handling international payments, supplier settlements, and trade finance. Banks typically assess your business activity, source markets, and compliance readiness before account approval.
Step 6: Register for VAT and Taxes
- VAT Registration: You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover (sales + imports) exceeds AED 375,000 per year.
- The 0% Benefit: Most exports outside the GCC are 0% rated, meaning you don’t charge VAT to your customers but you can still claim back the VAT you paid on your business expenses (like office rent).
- Corporate Tax: If your profit exceeds AED 375,000, you will pay a 9% Corporate Tax. (Pro tip: Small businesses with revenue under AED 3 million may qualify for ‘Small Business Relief’ to pay 0% tax).
Note: From company setup to customs registration and banking, Dubiz manages the complete import export business setup process in Dubai- saving you time, effort, and unnecessary complications.
What is the Import Export License Cost in Dubai?
The import export or trading license is the main expense. On average, license costs usually start from around AED 10,000 and can go up to AED 25,000 or more, depending on whether you choose a mainland or free zone setup, the type of trading activity, and the authority issuing the license. Other than Dubai, in Ajman, you can obtain an import export business license starting at AED 5,655*.
Additional Costs:
You must budget for these essential costs that aren’t included in the base license price:
- Trade Name Reservation: AED 600 – AED 1,000.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce: AED 1,200 – AED 2,200 (Mandatory for Mainland).
- Customs Client Code: Approx. AED 120 (Plus a refundable deposit of around AED 5,000 if you want a Standing Guarantee for duties).
- Investor/Partner Visa: AED 3,500 – AED 5,000.
- Employee Visa: AED 7,000 – AED 9,000 (Includes labour fees and insurance).
- Free Zone Flexi-Desk: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000 per year.
Note: These costs are subject to your specific business needs, nature, and location. For detailed assistance, contact one of our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.
Go Global with Dubiz!
An import export business in Dubai is a strong opportunity for entrepreneurs who want access to global markets and a business-friendly environment. With advanced logistics, growing trade volumes, and flexible company structures, Dubai continues to attract traders from around the world.
To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to get the setup right from day one. Dubiz provides end-to-end support for import export businesses, helping with company formation, licensing, customs registration, banking, and ongoing compliance, so you stay focused on trade, not paperwork.
📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485
📧 Email: info@dubiz.co
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a physical office to start an import-export business?
Not necessarily. If you choose a Free Zone setup, you can use a Flexi-desk or Virtual Office to get your license. However, if you are setting up on the Mainland, a physical office with a valid Ejari (lease) is usually mandatory.
2. What is a Customs Code, and is it mandatory?
A Customs Code is a unique ID issued by Dubai Customs that allows you to clear shipments. It is mandatory; even with a trade license, you cannot legally move goods through UAE ports or airports without this code.
3. How to get a Customs Code (IEC) in Dubai?
Getting your customs code (often called an IEC) is a 4-step digital process:
1. Get your License: You must have a valid Dubai Trade License first.
2. Register Online: Visit the Dubai Trade Portal (dubaitrade.ae) and create a “New Business Registration.”
3. Upload Docs: Attach your trade license, passport copy, and a signed “Undertaking Letter.”
4. Pay & Receive: Pay the AED 120 fee online. Your code is usually issued via email within 24–48 hours.
4. What are the most profitable items to trade in the UAE in 2026?
Current market data shows high demand for Consumer Electronics, Renewable Energy Components (Solar/EV), Gold and Jewellery, and Organic Foodstuffs.
5. Do I have to pay taxes on my trading profits?
The UAE has a 9% Corporate Tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000. However, many Free Zone companies can qualify for a 0% tax rate if their income comes from “Qualifying Activities” like international re-exporting.
6. Is there a minimum investment required?
There is no fixed minimum investment set by law for most trading companies. However, you should budget at least AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 for your first year to cover licensing, visas, and basic administrative fees.
