Import & Export in the UAE for Portuguese nationals

Why JAFZA

JAFZA is located in Jebel Ali Port area, Dubai — adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (world's 9th busiest), and the authority's processing time for a standard file is around 10 working days (Monday to Friday). One of the reasons we recommend JAFZA is its world's largest port-adjacent free zone, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running.

How JAFZA works with GoldenKey

1. 
   Step 1

   Consultation and activity selection

   GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in JAFZA, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing.

2. 
   Step 2

   Name reservation and initial approval

   GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the JAFZA authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days. Nothing is submitted for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder until you have reviewed and approved it.

3. 
   Step 3

   Document submission and payment

   In short, you sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority.

4. 
   Step 4

   Licence issued and next steps

   JAFZA issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.

Documents required

Here is what you will need for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.

• Attested parent-company papers and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
• Customs code file
• A passport-size photograph on a white background
• A bank statement from your Portugal bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
• A passport issued by Portugal with at least six months' validity
• The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country

Pricing

All prices for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. For most clients, the figures below for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.

Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.

Why the UAE

Crucially, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder.

Why GoldenKey

For most clients, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening an import-export business in the UAE as a Portuguese founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.

Frequently asked questions