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Import-Export License Cost in Dubai: Fee Breakdown

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Import-Export License Cost in Dubai: Fee Breakdown
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Starting an import-export business in Dubai is exciting, but you must plan carefully for license fees and compliance requirements. Import-Export License costs in Dubai typically start at AED 12,000 for basic trading activities. Total costs depend on several factors:

You may also need to pay extra charges for customs registration, document attestation, or immigration approvals. Mainland licenses are issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), while free zone authorities, such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), manage licensing and renewals within their zones.

This guide explains import-export license costs in Dubai, including key fees and renewal factors. It helps businesses plan efficiently when they wish to start an import export business in Dubai.

What is an Import Export License in Dubai?

An import-export license in Dubai is an official permit that allows businesses to legally import goods into the UAE and export products internationally. It is also commonly referred to as a Customs Code, Customs Client Code, or Importer-Exporter Code (IEC). Any company involved in cross-border trade must have this license to operate lawfully.

This license does more than just allow trading; it also defines your business scope and regulatory status, as explained below:

  • Defines trading activities: Shows which goods your business can import or export.
  • Clarifies business structure: Indicates whether your company is mainland, free zone, or offshore.
  • Ensures compliance: Meets UAE trade, customs, and commercial laws.
  • Smooth customs clearance: Facilitates faster movement of goods through Dubai Customs.
  • Supports international trade: Enables legal imports and exports under an approved framework.
  • Simplifies banking & contracts: Easier to open corporate accounts and work with overseas suppliers.
  • Builds credibility: Demonstrates professionalism and compliance to partners and clients.

Having a valid import-export license in Dubai prevents fines, legal complications, and operational interruptions.

Import Export License Cost in Dubai: Total Fee Breakdown

Here’s a complete breakdown of import export license costs in Dubai to help you plan effectively:

Cost ComponentEstimated Cost (AED)Details
License Fee 12,000 – 45,000 / year Varies by mainland or free zone license and business activities in Dubai. Mainland licenses are usually higher due to additional approvals.
Registration / Company Setup Fee 1,000 – 5,000 one-time One-time fee for registering your company with the relevant authority.
Customs / Import-Export Registration 120 – 2,000 Mandatory registration with Dubai Customs for clearing shipments and obtaining the Importer/Exporter Code (IEC).
Visa Quota & Processing 3,500 – 7,000 per visa Covers medical tests, Emirates ID, and government charges. The number of visas depends on your license type and business structure.
Special Approvals / Permits 500 – 2,000 Required for regulated products like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals. Fees vary by product and issuing authority.
Notarization / Attestation (Optional) Varies Costs for attesting agreements, contracts, or other legal documents if needed.
Professional / Consultancy Fees (Optional) Varies Charged by consultants or service providers for license processing and compliance support.

Tip: Plan your visa numbers and required permits upfront. Optional services like consultancy or document attestation can increase your setup costs but may save time.

Import Export License Renewal Costs & Penalties

You must renew your import-export license on time to keep trading legally and avoid fines or business disruptions. Here’s a breakdown of typical renewal costs in Dubai:

Renewal TypeEstimated Cost (AED)Details
Annual License Renewal Mainland: 12,000–45,000

Free Zone: From 12,000

 Fees depend on license type and business activity. Some free zones offer bundled packages.
Visa Renewal 3,000–7,000 per visa Covers medical tests, Emirates ID, and government processing. Cost varies by the number of visas.
Special Approvals / Permits 500–2,000 per permit Required for regulated products like food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. Fees depend on the issuing authority.
Late Renewal Penalties 2,000–5,000+ Fines increase with the delay. Avoid late renewals to prevent interruptions in trading.

Example: A mainland business with say three visas may spend AED 21,000 – AED 32,000 annually for license, visas, and approvals.

Tip: Always track your license expiry and start renewals early to avoid fines or disruption to customs clearance and trade operations.

Types of Import Export Licenses in Dubai & How They Affect Cost

Choosing the right import-export license in Dubai affects your costs, office needs, visa quotas, and regulatory approvals. Here’s a simplified overview:

License TypePurposeEstimated Fees (AED)Office / Visa & Notes
Mainland Import-Export License Import goods into UAE and export internationally 20,000–45,000 Requires a physical office. Certain products need extra approvals. This is essential for business setup in Dubai mainland and enables direct UAE market sales.
Free Zone Import-Export License Import, re-export, and international trading From 12,000 No office space required in most free zones. 100% foreign ownership allowed. Local UAE sales need a mainland distributor. Optional visa & office packages are included for business setup in Dubai freezone.
Offshore Import-Export Setup Holding company, invoicing, or re-export structures From 10,000 Offshore companies cannot obtain an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) for direct customs clearance. They must use a licensed local agent or mainland company to trade through UAE ports.

This structure is suitable for business setup in Dubai offshore.

Practical Tip: Choose a license type based on your business size, trading goals, and visa needs. Proper planning reduces upfront costs and speeds up approvals.

How to Reduce Your Import Export License Costs in Dubai?

Managing costs efficiently is crucial for import-export businesses in Dubai because setup & compliance expenses can rise quickly with poor planning. Here are practical ways to reduce both setup and operational expenses:

  • Choose the Right License: Pick mainland or free zone licenses based on your trading needs. Free zone packages often include visas and admin services, reducing initial costs.
  • Optimize Visa Quotas: Start with only the visas you need. Add more as your business grows to control upfront expenses.
  • Use Flexible Free Zone Packages: Flexi-desks or virtual offices can save significantly compared to full office leases.
  • Plan Special Approvals Early: For regulated products, check required permits in advance to avoid delays and extra fees.
  • Hire Consultants Wisely: Professional help saves time, but compare fees. Some authorities allow partial self-processing to cut costs.

Example: A free zone startup using a virtual office and two visas could save AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 in the first year.

Why Choose SafeLedger for Dubai Import Export License Setup?

SafeLedger makes setting up your import-export business in Dubai simple and fast. We manage every step of the licensing and regulatory process to ensure full compliance.

  • Expert Guidance & Compliance: We check all your documents to meet mainland and free zone regulations. This prevents delays in license issuance, customs registration, and visa processing.
  • Personalized Setup Solutions: Solo entrepreneur or growing team, we guide you on the right license type, free zone package, and visa quota. This helps reduce costs and improve efficiency.
  • Time-Saving & Streamlined Process: We manage license applications, document attestation, and visa processing. You can focus entirely on growing your business.
  • Transparent Pricing: Clear estimates for license fees, visa costs, and special approvals. No hidden charges, no surprises.
  • Reliable Support & Renewals: We handle license renewals, PRO services, and compliance updates. Your business stays fully operational and legally compliant.

Ready to simplify your Dubai import-export setup? Contact SafeLedger today and get your license established with expert guidance, complete compliance, and transparent pricing!

Frequently Asked Questions

An import-export license in Dubai is the official legal permit that allows your company to bring goods into the UAE and send them abroad. You need this license to clear shipments through Dubai Customs and comply with trade and customs rules; operating without it can lead to fines or business closure.

The cost to get an import-export license in Dubai generally ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 45,000 per year, depending on whether you register in the mainland or a free zone and what activities you choose. This cost changes with the number of visas, special approvals, and the type of business structure you set up.

Yes, after you receive your import-export license, you must register with Dubai Customs to obtain your Importer/Exporter Code (IEC). This code is mandatory to clear goods at ports and airports in the UAE and prove compliance with trade and customs regulations.

For most mainland set-ups, a physical office is required to register your company and obtain the license. Some free zones allow a flexi-desk or virtual office as sufficient workspace, while offshore structures do not require any physical office in the UAE. It is important to check your chosen jurisdiction’s requirements before applying.

The timeline varies by setup. Free zone authorities can issue an import-export license in about 7–14 business days with complete documentation, while mainland approvals may take 2–4 weeks due to additional compliance steps. Customs registration for the Importer/Exporter Code typically takes a few more business days.

While your license permits general import-export activities, some products require special approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality or the Ministry of Health. Items like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or electronics may need extra permits before customs clearance, so it is important to research product-specific rules beforehand.

In most cases, goods imported into the mainland UAE attract a 5% customs duty based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight). However, goods moving in and out of free zones often benefit from exemptions or different duty treatment, especially if they remain within the zone or are re-exported.

If you miss the renewal deadline for your Dubai import-export license or related approvals, authorities can impose fines starting around AED 2,000, suspend your trading rights, or even block customs clearance. Renewals should be planned well before expiry to avoid disruptions in business operations.

Yes, foreigners can own 100% of an import-export company in free zones and in many mainland categories under updated regulations, though some activities may still require a local service agent. Ownership rules depend on the jurisdiction and specific business activity chosen.

SafeLedger provides end-to-end setup support for your Dubai import-export license, including selecting the right license type, handling customs registration, preparing documentation, and managing visa processing. Their experts help avoid procedural errors, speed up approvals, and provide transparent cost estimates so you can focus on business growth with confidence.

In most cases, a free zone import-export license is cheaper than a mainland license because free zones offer lower setup costs, flexible office options like flexi-desks, and fewer local compliance requirements. Mainland licenses can be more expensive due to office rental, additional approvals, and higher operating costs, but they allow direct trading within the UAE market without intermediaries. The cheaper option depends on your target market and business model.

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