WhatsApp quoteDay to day, 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. Day to day, getting Import / Export Code right at the start avoids penalties that are easy to trigger and tedious to appeal. Import & Export in Import / Export Code 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. GoldenKey has licensed import-export business businesses for clients in Import / Export Code and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later.
Why Import / Export Code
As a rule, penalties for late Import / Export Code or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, which is why GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its clients. Keeping records for five years, issuing compliant invoices and filing on time are the ongoing obligations that follow Import / Export Code. As a rule, for import & export, Import / Export Code offers the office options such a business actually needs and a visa quota that can grow with the team.
How Import / Export Code works with GoldenKey
Step 1Assessment
Importantly, we confirm whether Import / Export Code is mandatory, voluntary or not yet required for your business, and set the right timing. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for import / export code for an import-export business.
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
To be clear, we complete the Import / Export Code file with turnover, activity and import details and upload the supporting papers. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for import / export code for an import-export business.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
The FTA issues your registration certificate and we add the filing and payment dates to your compliance calendar.
Documents required
Importantly, the document list for import / export code for an import-export business is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
Pricing
All prices for import / export code for an import-export business are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. To be clear, use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for an import-export business; 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
As a rule, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes import / export code for an import-export business a route to relocation as well as a business decision. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies import / export code for an import-export business for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
Day to day, our quotations for import / export code for an import-export business list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for an import-export business for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. You deal with one named case manager from the first call until your Import / Export Code licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for import / export code for an import-export business, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the Import / Export Code deadline?
For most clients, 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.
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.
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 allowed in Import / Export Code?
For most clients, import / Export Code applies to an import-export business businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone.
Which licence type covers import & export?
As a rule, import & Export is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
