WhatsApp quoteThe Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax portal makes Excise Tax Registration a digital process, but the questions it asks are precise and the supporting documents must match your licence exactly. GoldenKey handles Excise Tax Registration for the companies we form and for businesses that come to us later, so the process is routine for our tax team. Import & Export in Excise Tax Registration means importing goods into the UAE and exporting or re-exporting them to regional and global markets, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. Typical examples of this activity include food re-export, auto parts, textiles and machinery, which can generally sit together on one Excise Tax Registration licence.
Why Excise Tax Registration
GoldenKey prepares the EmaraTax submission for Excise Tax Registration, uploads the supporting documents and follows up with the FTA until the certificate is issued. Keeping records for five years, issuing compliant invoices and filing on time are the ongoing obligations that follow Excise Tax Registration. Day to day, excise Tax Registration is a sensible home for import & export because importing goods into the UAE and exporting or re-exporting them to regional and global markets is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Excise Tax Registration works with GoldenKey
Step 1Assessment
GoldenKey checks your position against the thresholds for Excise Tax Registration and advises when to register. For excise tax registration for an import-export business, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
GoldenKey creates or accesses your EmaraTax account and links the licence, authorised signatory and bank details.
Step 3Application
In our experience, we complete the Excise Tax Registration application — turnover, activity and import details — and upload every supporting document. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to excise tax registration for an import-export business.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
The FTA issues your Excise Tax Registration certificate and we add every filing and payment date to your compliance calendar.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for excise tax registration for an import-export business; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
Pricing
The figures below for excise tax registration for an import-export business are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Importantly, use the table below to compare packages for excise tax registration for an import-export business; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 3,500 |
|---|
FTA excise registration for producers, importers or warehouse keepers of excisable goods
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of excise tax registration for an import-export business predictable. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for excise tax registration for an import-export business.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Excise Tax Registration application, download your documents and pay invoices from your phone. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for excise tax registration for an import-export business happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with excise tax registration for an import-export business, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Just as important, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for excise tax registration for an import-export business in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
Yes. GoldenKey can prepare and submit filings on your behalf and handle FTA correspondence, so you have one point of contact for licence, visa and tax matters.
How long does Excise Tax Registration take with the FTA?
The FTA typically responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
Is Excise Tax Registration mandatory for a free zone company?
On the ground, excise registration depends on the goods, not the jurisdiction. A free zone company importing or stockpiling excise goods must register, and designated-zone warehousing requires its own approval.
Is import & export allowed in Excise Tax Registration?
Excise Tax Registration applies to an import-export business businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: importers, producers and stockpilers of excise goods, and operators of excise warehouses.
Can I combine import & export with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
