Dubai Import Export License 2026: Cost & Setup Guide
A Dubai import export licence in 2026 costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in. You must register with the Dubai Economy and Tourism Authority (DET) using the correct commercial activity code for trading, then obtain a Dubai Customs client/importer code. Mainland licensees pay 5% customs duty plus standard VAT treatment; free-zone entities follow separate rules.
What Is a Dubai Import Export Licence?
An import export licence is a mandatory regulatory document issued by the Dubai business setup authority (DET) that permits your company to trade goods across international and domestic borders. It confirms your business is registered, compliant with UAE customs law, and authorised to handle commercial shipments. The licence itself is part of the broader trading licence issued by DET; the import/export function is activated via specific activity codes and a separate Dubai Customs client/importer code registration.
Book a free 20-minute scoping call with DBS Documents Clearing LLC: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
DET Commercial Licence Activity Codes for Import/Export
DET assigns activity codes to all Dubai mainland businesses. For import/export trading, the primary codes are:
| Activity Code | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 4610 | Agents & brokers for goods | Customs clearance, freight brokerage |
| 4611 | Wholesalers of raw materials & semi-finished goods | Bulk commodity trading |
| 4620 | Wholesalers of machinery, equipment & supplies | Industrial goods trading |
| 4690 | Other specialised wholesale | Niche import/export goods |
| 5011 | General retailers | Retail import/export |
Your DET trading licence will specify one or more of these codes. Each code triggers different customs handling protocols and VAT classifications. Verify the correct code during initial application to avoid compliance delays.
DBS Dubai business setup consultants guide you through DET code selection.
Dubai Customs Client/Importer Code Registration
After DET licensing, you must register separately with the Dubai Customs Authority (part of the General Administration of Customs, under MOHRE oversight in federal trade matters). The registration process is:
- Gather documents: DET trading licence copy, company registration certificate, passport copies of all owners, company bank account details, and a customs declaration form (available from Dubai Customs online portal or via a customs broker).
- Submit via customs broker or eServices: Most traders use a licensed customs broker to file the client/importer code application. DBS can refer you to vetted brokers. Online submission via the FTA (Federal Tax Authority) eServices portal is also available for registered VAT entities.
- Approval & issuance: Dubai Customs issues your unique client/importer code within 3–5 working days. This code is mandatory on all import/export documentation, bills of lading, and customs declarations.
- Compliance registration: Once approved, your code is active in the UAE Customs system and linked to your DET licence. Any customs violations or unpaid duties will block future clearances.
Contact DBS at inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com to streamline customs registration.
Dubai Import Export Licence Cost Breakdown 2026
The all-in cost for a standard mainland Dubai import/export licence in 2026 is AED 15,000–30,000, depending on the business scope and professional fees. This covers:
- DET trading licence fee: AED 2,000–5,000 (varies by business size & activity code).
- Customs client/importer code registration: AED 500–1,500 (if processed via broker; direct FTA registration may be lower).
- Professional setup & documentation: AED 8,000–20,000 (varies by consultant complexity and jurisdiction-specific requirements).
- Name search, initial approval, and miscellaneous: AED 2,000–5,000.
Free-zone import/export licences (e.g., Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport Free Zone) cost AED 10,000–25,000 all-in, with lower DET fees but higher free-zone zone authority charges. Free-zone entities can import/export globally and to the mainland, but mainland imports into a free zone incur different VAT treatment (5% import duty + 5% VAT on goods crossing the customs boundary).
Customs Duty & VAT Treatment for Imports
All goods imported into Dubai (mainland and free zones) are subject to federal customs duty and VAT:
- Customs duty rate: Standard rate is 5% of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value, applied by Dubai Customs at clearance. Certain goods (e.g., raw materials, capital equipment) may qualify for duty exemption under FTA rules; check the UAE Customs Tariff Classification.
- VAT (5%): Applied to the landed cost (CIF + duty) for mainland imports. Free-zone import of goods for re-export to mainland triggers the 5% VAT at the customs boundary. Goods intended for re-export from a free zone without mainland entry are VAT-exempt.
- FTA compliance: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) administers VAT. All registered traders must file monthly VAT returns via the FTA eServices portal, even if VAT-exempt on certain shipments. Non-compliance results in penalties up to AED 50,000+ per violation.
DBS helps you calculate exact duties & VAT liability before import commitments.
Mainland vs. Free Zone: Import/Export Comparison
| Factor | Mainland (DET Licensed) | Free Zone (e.g., Jebel Ali, Airport FZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence cost (all-in) | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 10,000–25,000 |
| Setup time | 8–12 days | 7–14 days (varies by FZ authority) |
| Customs duty on imports | 5% on CIF value | 0% if goods re-exported; 5% if cleared to mainland |
| VAT on imports | 5% on (CIF + duty) | 0% on re-export; 5% on mainland entry |
| Import/export to mainland | Permitted (import duty & VAT apply) | Permitted via bond system; additional paperwork |
| Foreign imports/exports | Yes, full customs regime | Yes, preferred for transhipment & re-export |
| Ownership restrictions | 100% UAE national or 49% foreign equity (DET rules) | 100% foreign ownership allowed in most FZs |
| Business registration jurisdiction | Dubai Emirate (DET) | Free Zone Authority (JAFZA, DAFZA, etc.) |
Choose mainland if you're trading directly with UAE consumers or other emirates; choose free zone if you're primarily transhipping, re-exporting, or requiring foreign ownership.
Why Partner with Dubai Business Services?
Since 2009, Dubai Business Services (DBS) has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs through UAE business setup. We provide transparent, activity-specific licensing advice—no hidden costs, no vague promises. Whether you're opening a mainland import/export business or a free-zone trading entity, our certified consultants handle DET registration, Dubai Customs code filing, and FTA compliance on your behalf. We'll show you the exact cost range upfront and explain every step of the customs and VAT pathway.
Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC today: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an import export licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A mainland import/export licence costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in, covering DET trading licence, Dubai Customs client/importer code, and professional setup fees. Free-zone licences range from AED 10,000–25,000. DBS provides transparent pricing before you commit.
Do I need a customs code for an import export licence?
Yes. You must register with Dubai Customs for a separate client/importer code after obtaining your DET trading licence. This code is mandatory on all customs declarations and bills of lading. Registration takes 3–5 working days and costs AED 500–1,500 if processed via a broker.
Can a free zone company import and export from Dubai mainland?
Yes. Free-zone entities (e.g., Jebel Ali FZ, Dubai Airport FZ) can import goods to the mainland and export from it, but mainland entry incurs 5% customs duty and 5% VAT on the landed cost. Free-zone-to-free-zone or free-zone-to-foreign shipments are duty-free.
How long does it take to get an import export licence in Dubai?
Mainland licences typically take 8–12 working days from document submission to DET approval and customs code issuance. Free-zone licences may take 7–14 days depending on the zone authority. DBS expedites the process via established DET and customs relationships.
What documents are required for a Dubai import export licence?
Required documents include passport copies of all owners, proof of UAE residence or address, company bank account details, initial approval letter from DET, tenancy contract (if renting office space), and a customs declaration form. Free-zone applications add FZ-specific ownership proofs and sponsor agreement documents.
What is the customs duty rate on imports into Dubai?
The standard customs duty rate is 5% of CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value, applied by Dubai Customs at clearance. Certain goods (raw materials, capital equipment) may qualify for exemption under FTA Customs Tariff Classification. VAT (5%) is then applied to the landed cost (CIF + duty).
Which DET activity codes apply to import/export trading?
Key codes include 4610 (customs brokers & agents), 4611 (wholesale raw materials), 4620 (wholesale machinery & equipment), 4690 (other specialised wholesale), and 5011 (general retail). Your DET licence will specify one or more codes, each triggering different VAT and customs protocols. DBS guides you to the correct code for your goods.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.