Setting Up an Import and Export Company in Dubai

Setting Up an Import and Export Company in Dubai

An entrepreneur wishing to do business in Dubai must apply for a licence from the Department of Economic Development. It is important to know that after obtaining a special code, you are authorised to engage in any import-export activities in Dubai. To conduct international trade, you must obtain permits from the port and customs authorities. A businessperson planning to export goods must submit a package of documents to customs representatives and pay the necessary fees for the registration of the export declaration.
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The administration has long been working to create a seamless trading system. This became possible once it managed to solve the main issues:

Advantages of Setting Up an Import-Export Company in Dubai

An attractive visa policy, beautiful beaches with velvety sand, modern skyscrapers providing a high standard of living, favorable tax conditions, and developed road infrastructure—all these factors attract people to implement their business ideas. Every year, numerous people from different parts of the world come here to make a dream come true. Their goal is to establish a prosperous and profitable Dubai import-export company.

Its efficiency can be explained by:

Dubai successfully connects European and East Asian countries. Furthermore, it has all the necessary modern equipment. It is considered the country's most popular city for living and implementing business projects. Therefore, it is not surprising that import and export companies in Dubai are recognized worldwide. To facilitate their work, electronic services have been introduced.

Representatives of Dubai Customs have developed a special online portal where you can make any request for conducting trade projects and receive answers from experts. The existing free trade agreement with some countries has served as a pretext for reducing taxes on goods imported from and exported to these nations.

Top Imported and Exported Products in Dubai

Since April 1996, Dubai has been a full member of the WTO. This means that owners of business projects registered in the Emirates can become partners for representatives of different countries that are members of the organization. Among them are countries like Germany, the USA, Austria, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, and others. Goods imported to and exported from Dubai will be listed below.

Products Exported from Dubai

  1. Energy resources – mainly oil and natural gas (about 40%).
  2. Liquid mixtures of high-boiling point hydrocarbons (petroleum oils) and petroleum products derived from bituminous rocks.
  3. Pearls, precious metals, precious and semi-precious stones (28%).
  4. Gold and semi-finished gold products.
  5. Processed and unprocessed diamonds (unmounted).
  6. Sound recording devices and accessories (9%).
  7. Motor transport (6%).
  8. Development of the National Electrical Code.
  9. Transmitter equipment for television and radio broadcasting.
  10. Salt, sulfur, stone, plaster materials (cement).
  11. Computer hardware.
  12. Different types of plastics.
  13. Copper and aluminum.

Products Imported into Dubai

  1. Different types of technological equipment.
  2. Food (about 80-90% of all consumed food is imported from other countries).
  3. Dairy products, poultry, and other animals.
  4. Inorganic substances (6%).
  5. Machinery and mechanisms.
  6. Spacecraft.
  7. Textile products and footwear.
  8. Leather and accessories for leather production.
  9. Tools, various plastic products.
  10. Pearls, precious and base metals, stones (31%)
  11. Electronic equipment (18%)
  12. Furniture products.
  13. Engines for cars.
  14. Medical devices.
  15. Pharmaceutical-related products.

What You Need to Know Before Starting an Import-Export Business in Dubai

It's no secret that every product imported into or exported from the country goes through customs control. If you plan to start a business, you must register your company with Dubai Customs. This can now be done online using the Mirsal 2 notification system.

After registering online, you will need to provide all the necessary documents to the customs representatives in person. Also, according to current laws, an entrepreneur does not have the right to start an activity until a Dubai export-import license is issued. You can do this by submitting documents to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is important to note that a Free Trade Zone is not part of Dubai's customs territory. When exporting goods from any free zone, they will not be subject to fixed taxes. Regardless of where the company is registered, there are requirements for entrepreneurs:

Import/Export Customs Clearance Procedure in Dubai

Foreign companies engaged in commercial activities in Dubai must comply with the procedural requirements to avoid any legal issues. What documents must be provided to customs representatives for import:

  1. A completed Customs Declaration form.
  2. Certificate of origin for the goods.
  3. Import permit.
  4. Confirmation of the completed delivery order.
  5. DFSA Declaration (the Dubai Customs Service is responsible for providing this document).
  6. Trade license.
  7. Packing list.

For export, the package of documents is formed in accordance with the requirements of the current customs legislation. To clear goods transported by sea or air, the exporter must prepare the following documents:

  1. Invoice for the sale of goods for export.
  2. Packing list.
  3. Original invoice.
  4. A bill of entry issued by customs.
  5. Original invoice.
  6. Certificate of origin certified by the Chamber of Commerce.
  7. If there is an exemption from duty payment, you must provide a special form.

Prohibited and Restricted Items in Dubai

There is a classification of goods that cannot be imported into the country or exported out of it. Prohibited goods include:

Which products have import and export restrictions in Dubai:

Thanks to international trade, the country manages to significantly replenish its budget every year. According to statistics, a third of the state's revenue is obtained due to it being a strong re-export hub. Re-export involves the export of previously imported goods from Dubai. It is done for the purpose of resale to other countries.

Application Process for an Import-Export License in Dubai

An entrepreneur who wants to trade in Dubai must apply for a license from the Department of Economic Development. It is important to know that any import-export activity in Dubai is permitted after receiving a special code. To conduct international trade, you need to obtain permission from ports and customs.

A businessman planning to export must submit a package of documents to customs representatives and pay the necessary fees for the registration of the export declaration. This is necessary to obtain a customs declaration certificate. What steps are recommended to follow to achieve this:

  1. Choosing the type of entrepreneurial activity.
  2. Defining the form of the import-export company and legally establishing it.
  3. Notifying the DED of the company's name and its registration.
  4. Requesting DED approval to move on to new stages of business registration.
  5. Prepare and notarize the MoA or LSA agreement. The documents are signed in the presence of the partners and a national sponsor from Dubai (this rule applies to companies owned by non-residents).
  6. Renting or purchasing an office located at the physical address of the business. Obtaining documents confirming the commercial lease, including EJARI.
  7. If necessary, obtaining permission from government representatives.
  8. Payment of fees within the specified period after the issuance of the receipt from the authorized body.
  9. After receiving DED approval, you need to issue a trade license. You can do this at a service center or online.
  10. Applying for a visa (not only for yourself but also for family members and employees).
  11. Opening an account in an international bank.
  12. Registration of business insurance according to current requirements.
  13. Hiring staff, promoting the company through any available means.

What is the cost of an import-export license in Dubai?

The cost of a license varies depending on the type of activity. In Dubai, it is typically around 8,000 dirhams. However, in some cases, it can exceed 29,000 dirhams. The stated price includes a license fee of 6,000 Dubai dirhams. The license can be renewed annually for a fee. The cost of such a service will be 1,400 Dubai dirhams.

Documents Required to Obtain a Dubai Import-Export Trade License

After paying the fee, you need to get license approval from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Then you must obtain a letter of guarantee from a banking institution in Dubai. You will also need copies of the entrepreneur's passport and residency visa. If you have the listed documents, you will be able to apply for an import-export trade license.

How to get an import-export license in Dubai?

The procedure of actions:

  1. Fill out the application form and submit it to the Department of Economic Development. The form can be found on the website or requested at the office.
  2. Provide confirmation of license approval from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a letter of guarantee from the bank.
  3. Provide a complete package of documents to the DED.

Entrepreneurs should know that the trade license is valid for one year. The document is subject to annual renewal. At the same time, it is assumed that the businessman will have to go through the same procedure as on the initial receipt.

Getting a Visa

In Dubai, it is impossible to deviate from compliance with all the requirements for the organization of goods transportation. To conduct international trade, which means sending and receiving goods to business partners from other countries, you need to obtain a permit. It can be of two types:

The first type of permit is valid for 14 days. And the import-export visa is valid for twice as long: 30 days. The owner of both types of documents gets the right to transport goods during the specified validity period of the visa. If you plan to live and work in Dubai, it is preferable to apply for a residency permit.

When applying for a visa, an entrepreneur must submit the following set of documents:

You can apply online or at the Dubai Consulate. If you want to get a transit visa, you will also need a copy of the travel itinerary. The request processing usually takes 2-3 weeks. The review period may be extended or shortened depending on the documents submitted. As soon as your visa is approved, you will be able to start cargo operations at the port.

 

Get Information on Opening a Company in Dubai

Top 10 Import and Export Business Opportunities in Dubai

Why are entrepreneurs given more opportunities in Dubai compared to many European and Asian countries? This question has been asked by many who are engaged in international trade. The state has an agreement regulating free trade. According to it, taxes have been significantly reduced. The main goal was to simplify trade activities.

Export Agent

To put your knowledge and skills in the field of international trade to work, you can master the profession of an export agent. By doing so, you can acquire necessary business skills that will be useful in the future. No investment will be required. The risks will also be minimal. It is important to be responsible and ready to work hard. The agent receives a commission for assistance in the registration of goods.

Art Export

If you are an expert in works of art and know how to evaluate them, why not try to organize a project that will specialize in the export of art? In Dubai, the demand for luxury goods is growing due to the high standard of living. These include international art, which is becoming a universal asset.

According to current laws, the import of works of art is subject to a 9% tax. In addition, a 9% VAT on the cost may be added even if the work was imported into the country for personal use and did not imply resale. Therefore, the conclusion of deals related to the import and export of such expensive goods is considered a good opportunity for the development of business projects.

Product Sourcing Agent

Market knowledge and the ability to establish business relationships with suppliers and customers will help you become a successful product sourcing agent. This type of business can be started without investment. For its development, you will need a good organizational approach and the ability to pay attention to small details. You will have the opportunity to cooperate with local purchasing agents and goods sellers.

Electronic Product Provider

A large number of electronics and components are supplied to Dubai. Entrepreneurs who are knowledgeable about modern electronic devices can create a profitable business by importing goods to Dubai.

Freight Brokerage Company

Providing freight brokerage services is one of the business options in Dubai. The company acts as an intermediary that helps in concluding a freight transaction and assists in finding a suitable vessel. Brokerage firms are also called forwarding agents. Export is developing rapidly in Dubai, so there is always a demand for the services of a freight broker.

Precious Metals Marketing

The most profitable business in Dubai is the export of precious metals. According to statistics, it is possible to sell precious metals worth more than $6 billion per quarter. This type of activity includes not only the sale of gold, platinum, and silver but also the sale of precious stones, including expensive diamonds. Precious metals from Dubai are in demand in different countries, so an entrepreneur can always make money on their sale.

Vehicle Export

The high level of development of the automotive industry means favorable conditions for entrepreneurs to conduct export business. First, it will be necessary to establish contacts with manufacturers. And then businessmen will be able to look for buyers from outside the country. Some of the most luxurious car brands are produced in Dubai. As statistics show, the demand for them is constantly growing. Luxury car brands represent their products in the domestic market. Although there is always an opportunity to sell a few luxury cars to buyers from other countries.

Automobile Parts Export

Why not try to sell car accessories and repair tools yourself? Cars periodically break down, regardless of the class to which they belong. Therefore, the demand for spare parts is always high. The production of accessories can be an investment opportunity for the future.

Activated Carbon from Coconut Shell Export

It would be wrong to say that Dubai is the world's largest producer of coconuts. However, coconut palms grow on the territory of Dubai. Therefore, coconuts are often exported to other countries. Activated carbon is extracted from coconut shells. It is used to purify water and extract precious gold from cyanide solutions.

Aluminum Import Export

It is believed that aluminum ingots produced in Dubai are distinguished by the highest casting. It is equal to 99.8%. The raw material is in demand among buyers living abroad. Metallurgy is a potentially profitable business because the demand for its products remains constant.

In conclusion, it should be said that favorable conditions contribute to the development of the import-export business in Dubai. Experts say that there are promising prospects for this year. Therefore, it is important not to miss the opportunity to join the ranks of entrepreneurs of a technologically advanced country in time.

 

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Setting Up an Import and Export Company in Dubai

Since ancient times, Dubai has been recognised as a powerful trading hub due to its favourable geographical location. Trade routes were established through Dubai, followed by cargo shipments between Europe and Asia. A century ago, the country primarily exported fish, fish delicacies, and natural pearls. Significant revenue was generated from raw material sales. Favourable conditions have influenced Dubai's import-export business. It attracts not only local entrepreneurs but also businesspeople living far beyond the country's borders. As a result, the Government has successfully established mutually beneficial relationships with developed nations.

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