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How to Start Import Export Business in Dubai – 2025

Last Updated

February 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Did you know that in 2023, the UAE ranked 27th in the world by GDP? 

The UAE came in at 21st in total exports and 17th in total imports. These numbers show a strong and growing economy. Dubai is a great spot for anyone to start an import export business in Dubai. 

In this blog, we break down the whole process. No matter your background, you can learn import export business here.

import export

Why Choose Dubai?

Dubai Imports and Exports

Let’s talk numbers first. 

In 2022, UAE exports were worth US$515,621 million. Imports were around US$420,493 million

At the HS6 digit level, the UAE exported 4,374 products to 224 countries. They imported 4,458 products from 227 countries. This shows the vast range of import and export in UAE. 

These numbers prove that the market is huge and full of chances.

Free Trade Agreements Boosting Import and Export in UAE

Free trade agreements (FTA) make it easier to trade. The India-UAE Comprehensive Partnership Agreement cuts almost all tariffs on Indian goods. This deal makes it cheaper to do business.

The United States-UAE FTA helps US companies grow their exports and brings in new ideas. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is also working with countries like Korea, Pakistan, and Turkey. 

All these FTAs make the world of import and export in UAE open to all.

Tax Conditions for Import Export Companies in Dubai

Tax rules here are pretty friendly. In Dubai, companies pay 0% corporate tax on income up to AED 375,000. Above that, the rate is 9%. Businesses in free zones get extra perks. 

They can be tax-free for 15 to 50 years. 

Only individual consumers earning over AED 375,000 in a year pay a 5% VAT. Import tax is usually 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight value. 

However, some goods like tobacco or alcohol have higher rates as a part of the Excise tax. The rate of customs duty is 5 percent of the value of goods along with Cost Freight Insurance. 

So start your import export business in Dubai today!

Top Products in UAE Exports and UAE Imports

Here are the top five exported products by the UAE in 2022:

  • Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous – valued at around US$154 million.
  • Refined petroleum oils (excl. crude) – worth about US$81 million.
  • Gold in unwrought forms (non-monetary) – around US$35 million.
  • Liquefied propane – valued at about US$33 million.
  • Transmission apparatus for radiotelephones – worth roughly US$24 million.

And for imports, the top five products

Did you know that in 2023, the UAE ranked 27th in the world by GDP? 

The UAE came in at 21st in total exports and 17th in total imports. These numbers show a strong and growing economy. Dubai is a great spot for anyone to start an import export business in Dubai. 

In this blog, we break down the whole process. No matter your background, you can learn import export business here.

import export

Why Choose Dubai?

Dubai Imports and Exports

Let’s talk numbers first. 

In 2022, UAE exports were worth US$515,621 million. Imports were around US$420,493 million

At the HS6 digit level, the UAE exported 4,374 products to 224 countries. They imported 4,458 products from 227 countries. This shows the vast range of import and export in UAE. 

These numbers prove that the market is huge and full of chances.

Free Trade Agreements Boosting Import and Export in UAE

Free trade agreements (FTA) make it easier to trade. The India-UAE Comprehensive Partnership Agreement cuts almost all tariffs on Indian goods. This deal makes it cheaper to do business.

The United States-UAE FTA helps US companies grow their exports and brings in new ideas. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is also working with countries like Korea, Pakistan, and Turkey. 

All these FTAs make the world of import and export in UAE open to all.

Tax Conditions for Import Export Companies in Dubai

Tax rules here are pretty friendly. In Dubai, companies pay 0% corporate tax on income up to AED 375,000. Above that, the rate is 9%. Businesses in free zones get extra perks. 

They can be tax-free for 15 to 50 years. 

Only individual consumers earning over AED 375,000 in a year pay a 5% VAT. Import tax is usually 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight value. 

However, some goods like tobacco or alcohol have higher rates as a part of the Excise tax. The rate of customs duty is 5 percent of the value of goods along with Cost Freight Insurance. 

So start your import export business in Dubai today!

Top Products in UAE Exports and UAE Imports

Here are the top five exported products by the UAE in 2022:

  • Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous – valued at around US$154 million.
  • Refined petroleum oils (excl. crude) – worth about US$81 million.
  • Gold in unwrought forms (non-monetary) – around US$35 million.
  • Liquefied propane – valued at about US$33 million.
  • Transmission apparatus for radiotelephones – worth roughly US$24 million.

And for imports, the top five products are:

  • Gold in unwrought forms (non-monetary) – valued at nearly US$59 million.
  • Transmission apparatus for radiotelephones – around US$29 million.
  • Refined petroleum oils (excl. crude) – worth about US$16 million.
  • Jewelry articles made of precious metals – valued at nearly US$13 million.
  • Non-industrial, unworked or simply sawn diamonds – around US$10 million.

These details help you see what drives the import export business in Dubai.

Key Sectors for Import-Export in Dubai

Dubai’s success in import and export is no accident. Its strategic location, tax-free zones, and strong trade links keep the market buzzing. Here are the top sectors:

  • Gold & Precious Metals:
    Dubai handles 29% of the global gold trade. It exports gold to India, Switzerland, and China. This is a big part of dubai imports and exports.
  • Electronics:
    Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and appliances form a major hub. Many gadgets come from China and the USA. This sector is a key player in import and export.
  • Automobiles & Spare Parts:
    Dubai exports cars and spare parts to Africa and Europe. Over 550 companies in JAFZA back this sector. It’s a booming area for any import export business in Dubai.
  • Food & Agro Products:
    The UAE imports 90% of its food. Major suppliers are India, Brazil, and the USA. This is a must-watch for those in the import export business.
  • Textiles and Apparel:
    This sector represents a USD 13 billion market. It imports luxury fashion from China, India, and Italy. A great chance for import export companies.
  • Pharmaceuticals:
    The pharma industry is growing fast. It imports medical supplies mainly from Europe and the USA. This sector is key for any import export license or registration you need.
  • Petrochemicals & Plastics:
    Dubai exports petroleum products to Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It shows just how diverse the trade in the UAE is.

Benefits of Starting an Import Export Business in Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a hot spot for import export business in Dubai. It is a global hub for trade. If you want to learn import export business, this is the place to be.

1. A Prime Location for Global Trade

Dubai sits right between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This means you get access to over 2.5 billion people. With such a large market, you can easily grow your import and export in UAE. It is one of the best places for dubai imports and exports.

2. Free Zones with 100% Foreign Ownership

In Dubai, you can set up your own import export company in free zones like IFZA, JAFZA, and DMCC. These free zones let you own 100% of your business. They also offer zero import/export duties and let you send your profits back home. This makes starting an import export business in Dubai easy and fun.

If you wanna learn more about setting up a export import business in DAFZA check out this blog on “Business Setup in DAFZA – Cost, Process & Benefits of Company Formation”.

3. A Growing Trade Market

Dubai’s trade market is booming. In 2023, non-oil trade hit over $1.4 trillion. With rising demand for electronics, cars, clothes, and food, there are many chances to do import and export in UAE. This is a great time to get in on the action.

4. Free Trade Agreements

The UAE has free trade agreements with many countries as discussed above. This helps lower trade barriers and import duties. It makes it cheaper to buy and sell goods. This is a big plus for anyone looking to start an import export business in Dubai.

5. Easy Business Setup Process

Setting up an import export business in Dubai is simple. The paperwork is minimal and approvals are fast. You can get your import export license in just a few days. This means you can start trading without any hassle.

6. Favourable Tax Policies

Dubai has very friendly tax rules. In the free zones, there is 0% personal and corporate tax. Even on the mainland, you only pay tax on profits above a certain limit. This makes it easier to keep your business running smoothly.

dubai building

Import Export Company Set-Up Guide in Dubai

Starting an import export business in Dubai is a smart move. Dubai imports and exports are booming. In this guide, we show you how to set up your import export company in Dubai step by step. 

It’s simple, clear, and easy to follow. Whether you want to learn import export business or get your import export license, this guide is for you.

1. Register Your Business in Dubai

First, register your business in Dubai. Work with business setup consultants. They know the ins and outs of import and export in UAE. They help you choose between an LLC or a sole proprietorship. 

Pick a unique business name that fits UAE rules. Decide if you want to work in a free zone or on the mainland. The consultants help with documents like the Memorandum of Association and get pre-approvals. This is a key step in your import export registration.

register your business in dubai

2. Obtain an Import Export License

Next, get your import export license. You can get this from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The cost may go up to 25,000 AED. This license lets you start your import export business in Dubai. It is your import export code to trade freely.

obtain an import export license

3. Choose an Office Space

After that, pick an office space. You can rent a small office or choose a flexi-desk. Office rents start at about AED 5,000 per month. A flexi-desk is a cost-effective option for startups. This step makes your import and export business official and ready to run.

choose an office space

4. Obtain a Visa

Now, get the right visa for your work. You can choose teh type of visa you require. 

A residence visa lasts for at least one year. You will need your passport, Emirates ID, and proof of your business license. The process takes about 2-3 weeks. This visa lets you move goods with ease.

Obtain a Visa

5. Navigate Customs and Compliance

Follow Dubai’s customs rules. Declare every import and export. Different goods like food, beauty items, or medicines may have extra rules. 

Check both UAE rules and the rules in your target country. Tariffs and extra taxes can affect your pricing. Not following these rules may lead to delays, fines, or even confiscation. Do your homework and talk to experts to avoid problems.

Navigate Customs and Compliance

6. Acquire Final Approval

After all your documents are ready and you have your office space, apply for final approval. Pay for your license, and then your import export business in Dubai is set to launch. 

You are now ready to join the world of dubai exports, uae exports, and uae imports.

acquire final approval

Why Choose Bestax for Your Import Export Business in Dubai?

Bestax is here to help. We have a team of pros who know the import export business in Dubai inside out. Bestax guides you on the best business setup for your needs. 

We help with company formation, registration, taxes, accounting, and even legal issues like intellectual property rights. We also offer branding advice and help you open bank accounts. With Bestax, you can learn import export business in a friendly and clear way.

Who Are We?

Bestax is a business consultancy firm in the UAE with over 19+ years of experience in this game. We help people start new businesses and handle legal procedures. We work with local authorities to build the best import export company for you. 

From import export registration to setting up your office, Bestax covers it all. We are here to make your journey into import and export as smooth as possible.

FAQs: Import Export Business in Dubai

1. How to start an import-export business in Dubai?

Start by registering your business in Dubai. Get help from experts if needed. Apply for an import export license. Set up your office and visa. Then, follow customs rules. This simple plan helps you learn import export business step by step.

2. What are the legal requirements for import-export in UAE?

You must register your company and get an import export license. You also need an import export code. Follow UAE customs rules and free zone regulations. This ensures your import and export business in UAE runs smoothly.

3. How to find customers for an import-export business?

Network and use online tools to find clients. Attend trade shows and use social media. Check with other import export companies in Dubai. A good website and local connections go a long way.

4. How much does it cost to start an import-export business in Dubai?

Costs can vary. A small setup might need around AED 25,000 for the import export license. Office rent can start at about AED 5,000 per month. Other fees may add up. Ask local experts for details.

5. What are the required documents for an import-export license?

You will need a copy of your passport, Emirates ID, and a business plan. Also, prepare documents like the Memorandum of Association. The exact list depends on whether you set up in a free zone or on the mainland.

6. Where to apply for an import-export license in Dubai?

You can apply at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry or through a free zone authority. They handle your import export registration and help you get your import export code.

7. What is an import-export code number and why is it needed?

It is a unique number that lets you trade goods across borders. Think of it as your trade ID. It is needed for customs clearance and to prove your business is legal.

8. Which products are most imported and exported in UAE?

The UAE trades many goods. Gold, electronics, cars, and food are top products. Dubai exports and imports precious metals, automobiles, and more. This makes the market lively and varied.

9. What is the best business model for import-export in Dubai?

The best model depends on your goals. Many start small as an import export company in Dubai. Free zone setups are popular because of tax perks. Choose the model that fits your budget and plans.

10. How do international shipping and logistics work in Dubai?

Dubai is a major hub for shipping. Goods travel by sea, air, and land. Logistics companies handle customs, warehousing, and delivery. This smooth process keeps dubai imports and exports moving fast.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.

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