WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey handles Import / Export Code for the companies we form and for businesses that come to us later, so the process is routine for our tax team. Import / Export Code is a customs client code that lets your company clear goods through UAE ports and airports, and it applies to any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone. For most clients, the most common businesses Austrians open through GoldenKey are in engineering, hospitality, construction technology and trading, although Import / Export Code supports almost any activity. On the ground, austrians are a small community of engineers, hospitality managers and traders, so the Import / Export Code authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Austrian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Import / Export Code
The steps for Import / Export Code are: apply on the Dubai Trade or relevant customs portal, upload licence and authorised signatory documents, pay the registration fee and then link the code to your freight forwarder. In short, keeping records for five years, issuing compliant invoices and filing on time are the ongoing obligations that follow Import / Export Code. Austrian applicants benefit from the fact that Import / Export Code already has many Austrian shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Austria documents and name formats instantly.
Documents required
On the ground, for import / export code for Austrian-owned companies the authority asks for the following papers, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
Pricing
All prices for import / export code for Austrian-owned companies are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. As a rule, use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for Austrian-owned companies; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 2,000 |
|---|
Dubai Customs or respective emirate customs code for trade activity
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
On the ground, banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of import / export code for Austrian-owned companies predictable. Put simply, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many business owners choose it as a base for import / export code for Austrian-owned companies.
Why GoldenKey
Day to day, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which supporting documents each of them will ask for on an Import / Export Code file. Most of our Import / Export Code clients come to us through referrals from other business owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. If a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Import / Export Code file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the file sit.
Call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through import / export code for Austrian-owned companies step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Import / Export Code 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.
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.
Is Import / Export Code mandatory for a free zone company?
Yes. Free zone traders need a customs code to move goods in and out of the zone, and a separate mainland importer code if they sell into the UAE market.
Can a Austrian citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Absolutely. Austrians can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Austrians need a UAE visa before applying for Import / Export Code?
No. You can apply for the licence from Austria with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is processed afterwards.
