How to Get an Import Export Business License in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Dubai is not just a city of tall skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, it’s a global trading hub strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Every year, goods worth billions of dirhams are imported and exported through its ports, airports, and low-cost business setup in Dubai. The import-export industry is one of the key pillars of Dubai’s diversified economy.

Getting started in this space offers tremendous opportunity, whether you’re importing electronics from China or exporting dates to Europe. But to enter this ecosystem, you’ll first need a valid import-export license. The good news? How to setup business in Dubai is straightforward if you understand the system.

This blog walks you through the license types, step-by-step process, required documents, and cost breakdown, ideal for entrepreneurs, SMEs, or anyone exploring business setup cost in Dubai.

Types of Import Export Licenses in Dubai

Before anything else, choose the license that matches your trade scope:

1. General Trading License

Perfect for those wanting to import and export a wide variety of goods such as electronics, textiles, and packaged food. It’s ideal for those interested in trading business setup in Dubai or new business setup in Dubai covering multiple categories.

2. Free Zone Trade License

If you’re looking for 100% foreign ownership, duty-free operations inside the zone, and faster processing, consider business setup in Dubai South Free Zone or business setup in DMCC Dubai.

3. E-Commerce License

Ideal for entrepreneurs building an e-commerce business setup in Dubai or dropshipping via platforms like Amazon or Noon.

4. Commercial Trading License

Tailored for niche categories such as food, auto parts, or jewelry—ideal if you’re exploring restaurant business setup in Dubai, jewellery business setup in Dubai, or scrap metal business setup in Dubai.

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Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Dubai’s licensing model is activity-specific. Be sure to align your actual operating activity with the registered one—otherwise, fines may apply. Common activities include:

• Food product import/export
• Electronics and machinery trading
• Garment and textile export
• Cosmetics and personal care distribution

Critical for those pursuing small business setup in Dubai or checking documents required for business setup in Dubai.

Step 2: Decide on Business Jurisdiction

Dubai offers three main jurisdictions:

Mainland Dubai

For direct UAE trade, consider business setup in Dubai mainland. A local UAE sponsor and physical office are required, suitable for ventures like real estate business setup in Dubai or business setup in Dubai World Trade Centre.

Free Zone

For full ownership and tax perks, explore business setup in IFZA Free Zone, SPC Free Zone, or RAKEZ Free Zone. Especially helpful for global e-commerce and web3 business setup in Dubai.

Offshore

Useful for traders without a physical UAE presence, though visa issuance or local trade isn’t possible.

Step 3: Register Trade Name & Obtain Initial Approval

Make sure your trade name complies with UAE naming rules. Then:

• Check name availability with the relevant authority
• Reserve the name
• Get initial approval

Applies whether you’re pursuing new business setup in Dubai, online business setup in Dubai, or business setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Common documents include:

• Application form
• Passport copies
• MOA (Memorandum of Association)
• Ejari or free zone lease
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval proof

Some free zones (like Dubai Healthcare City) may require additional approvals. Read more on business setup in Dubai Healthcare City or business setup in Dubai Media City.

Step 5: License Application & Customs Registration

Apply via DED or free zone authority. Once approved, register with Dubai Customs:

• Submit trade license and MOA
• Pay customs code fee (AED 350–2,500)

Essential if you’re looking into how to start import export business in Dubai or how to get a gold trading license in Dubai.

Step 6: Set Up Business Location

Mainland requires physical office (Ejari-registered). Free zones such as IFZA, RAKEZ, or SPC offer options like:

• Flexi-desks
• Virtual offices
• Warehouses (suitable for manufacturing business setup in Dubai)

Make use of bundled business setup packages in Dubai for cost efficiency or for a sole proprietorship business setup in Dubai.

Step 7: License Received & Open Bank Account

Once licensed:

• Open a corporate bank account
• Provide trade license, customs code, passports, and business documents
• Banks may require business plans or invoices

This applies across the board—from business setup in Dubai from India to artificial intelligence AI business setup in Dubai or Web3 business in RAK DAO.

Step 8: Costs & Renewal

Approximate costs:

• Mainland license: AED 13,000–30,000
• Free zone license: AED 10,000–25,000
• Customs registration: AED 350–2,500
• Visa costs: AED 3,000–7,000
• Office/lease rent: Zone‑dependent

Ensure timely renewals to avoid delays or business setup penalties in Dubai. Check specific costs like IFZA license renewal cost or RAKEZ license renewal cost.

To help with global business expansion
make sure you choose us.

Get in touch with our team to find out about our approach

BOOK FREE CONSULTATION

Response within 24 Hours

Also Read:

• How to Get an Export Business License in Dubai
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Business License in Dubai?

Conclusion

Launching an import-export business in Dubai is a powerful move for market expansion and global logistics—but only when compliance is in place. From securing the right license and customs registration to choosing your jurisdiction and navigating renewals, each step counts. Whether you’re interested in setup hospitality business in Dubai, real estate license in Dubai, or how to apply for a general trading license in Dubai—preparation is everything.

Need help navigating it all? Our business setup consultants in Dubai at Arnifi are ready to support you—from DMCC setup to IFZA or SPC licenses, RAK DAO Web3 ventures, or lifestyle business packages. Let’s make your Dubai business journey seamless and compliant.