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 paperwork must match your licence exactly. Getting Import / Export Code right at the start avoids penalties that are easy to trigger and tedious to appeal. Construction & Contracting in Import / Export Code means building, civil works, MEP and specialist contracting for clients across the UAE, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. Put simply, contracting is almost always a mainland licence because projects are delivered on client sites across the emirates. Classification grades and an engineer's credentials are required for most contracting categories.
Why Import / Export Code
GoldenKey prepares the EmaraTax request for Import / Export Code, uploads the documents and follows up with the FTA until the certificate is issued. Penalties for late Import / Export Code or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, and for that reason GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its clients. GoldenKey has licensed construction & contracting in Import / Export Code for clients ranging from solo company owners to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
How Import / Export Code works with GoldenKey
Step 1Assessment
GoldenKey checks your position against the thresholds for Import / Export Code and advises when to register. If the authority raises a query on import / export code for a contracting company at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
GoldenKey opens or accesses your EmaraTax account and links the licence, signatory and bank details needed for Import / Export Code.
Step 3Application
GoldenKey fills the FTA application for Import / Export Code and uploads the licence, IDs and turnover evidence. Your portal shows the status of this step for import / export code for a contracting company in real time.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
The FTA issues your Import / Export Code certificate and we add every filing and payment date to your compliance calendar.
Documents required
The document list for import / export code for a contracting company is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
Pricing
In our experience, pricing for import / export code for a contracting company depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for a contracting company; 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
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes import / export code for a contracting company a route to relocation as well as a business decision. 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 import / export code for a contracting company.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for a contracting company for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay. In short, every Import / Export Code package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. After your Import / Export Code licence is granted, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
As a rule, tell us about your plans for import / export code for a contracting company and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Import / Export Code apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
The customs code is needed before the first shipment, so new traders apply as soon as the licence is issued.
Is Import / Export Code mandatory for a free zone company?
Absolutely. 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.
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
The FTA nine times out of ten responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Import / Export Code?
Import / Export Code applies to a contracting company businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone.
What approvals does construction & contracting need?
Municipality contractor classification; civil defence for MEP work. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
