Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: December 9, 2025
Dubai and the UAE are billed as one of the 'best places in the world to do business' and boast one of the most diverse economies in the world. Historically, trade has always played an important role in the country's wealth, and the UAE has managed to sustain its position as a trade hub for more than two decades. The region is renowned for its trade in diamonds, cars, aluminum, gold, oil, and natural gas. With the population on the rise, demand for imports and re-exports has rocketed in recent years.
This comprehensive guide covers:
While the UAE has been in the business of trading for centuries, now is a better time than ever to tap into its lucrative opportunities.
In 2020, the total value of imports, exports, and re-exports in the UAE amounted to a staggering AED 1.182 trillion. The UAE boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with huge demand for imported goods in Dubai. Imports alone are projected to reach AED 890,000 million in 2025.
In the past few years, the UAE has emerged as a strategic gateway to trade in Asia, Europe and North Africa. Operating an import-export business from Sharjah provides easy access to:
The UAE boasts one of the most competitive tax regimes in the world:
The UAE is one of the easiest places in the world to set up a business. With company formation services like SPC Free Zone, you can have your import-export business in Dubai, UAE up and running in no time and start earning from the get-go.
The UAE is the second largest Gulf economy and ranks in the top 20 countries with the highest global GDP per capita. Key economic indicators:
Getting an import-export license in the UAE is relatively straightforward. The process is broken down into three simple steps.
To apply for your import-export license:
Timeline: Providing everything is in order, you can receive your license in as little as 45 minutes.
To help speed up the import-export business setup process, the UAE now offers a handy e-channel service that eliminates unnecessary paperwork.
Once you have your entry permit:
Emirates ID Requirements: This card is a legal requirement for all business owners and allows you to:
The cost of an import-export license in the UAE starts at just AED 6,875.
You'll need to take into consideration a variety of additional costs:
This starting price is available in the SPC Free Zone, which offers some of the most affordable business setup packages in the UAE.
Business advisors at SPC Free Zone will provide a bespoke quote tailored to your specific requirements and circumstances, free of charge.
Like most countries across the world, any import-export business in Dubai, UAE will need to ensure they have clearance of goods. This means you will need to be registered with Dubai Customs and have a customs code.
Your application must include:
Current fees:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| New customs code | AED 100 |
| Renewal | AED 25 |
Dubai Customs will review and approve your application.
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Free Zone) offers a fast and flexible business setup in the UAE.
The process involves three main steps:
Step 1: Submit your application with relevant business activities and company name. Ensure the name is not already registered and cannot be deemed offensive or blasphemous. You can receive your license in as little as 45 minutes.
Step 2: Authorize e-channel services to obtain your entry permit, which is valid for up to 60 days.
Step 3: Activate status change by exiting and re-entering the Emirates or in-country, then undergo medical tests to acquire your Emirates ID.
The cost of an import-export license in the UAE starts at AED 6,875 in SPC Free Zone. Additional costs depend on factors such as storage spaces, warehouses, additional visa quotas, multi-year licenses, and specific business activities. Business advisors at SPC Free Zone provide bespoke quotes tailored to your specific requirements free of charge.
To acquire a customs code:
The UAE offers one of the most competitive tax regimes in the world:
With SPC Free Zone, you can receive your license in as little as 45 minutes if everything is in order. The complete license can be issued in less than two hours with immigration services on-site.
The UAE has emerged as a strategic gateway to trade in Asia, Europe and North Africa. Operating from Sharjah provides easy access to one of the busiest airports in the world and Jebel Ali Port, one of the world's largest seaports.
To get started with your import-export business in Dubai, UAE, contact SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Free Zone).
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