WhatsApp quoteThe Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax portal makes Import / Export Code a digital process, but the questions it asks are precise and the supporting documents must match your licence exactly. GoldenKey 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. The most common businesses Canadians open through GoldenKey are in education, engineering, healthcare and technology, although Import / Export Code supports almost any activity. Canadian universities, engineering firms and agri-food exporters are well established in the UAE, which gives Canadian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Import / Export Code licence is issued.
Why Import / Export Code
GoldenKey prepares the EmaraTax submission for Import / Export Code, uploads the paperwork and follows up with the FTA until the certificate is issued. For most clients, 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. Canadian applicants benefit from the fact that Import / Export Code already has many Canadian shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Canada documents and name formats instantly.
Documents required
For import / export code for Canadian-owned companies the registrar asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
Pricing
The figures below for import / export code for Canadian-owned companies are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for import / export code for Canadian-owned companies depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
| 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
Put simply, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for import / export code for Canadian-owned companies. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so import / export code for Canadian-owned companies no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for Canadian-owned companies for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. To be clear, our quotations for import / export code for Canadian-owned companies list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with import / export code for Canadian-owned companies, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
As we tell every client, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss import / export code for Canadian-owned companies.
Frequently asked questions
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.
What happens if I miss the Import / Export Code deadline?
From day one, late registration attracts a fixed penalty, and late filings add further penalties. If you are already late, GoldenKey can register you and advise on penalty reconsideration where grounds exist.
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.
Can a Canadian citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Yes. Canadians can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Canadians need a UAE visa before applying for Import / Export Code?
No. You can apply for the licence from Canada with scanned paperwork, and the investor UAE residence visa is handled afterwards.
