WhatsApp quoteFrom day one, the 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. 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. Day to day, for Irish founders, the UAE is around 7.5 hours from Dublin, the UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of Ireland, and English is the working language in both countries. To be clear, irish aircraft lessors and agri-food exporters are major players in the UAE market, which gives Irish entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Import / Export Code licence is issued.
Why Import / Export Code
As a rule, penalties for late Import / Export Code or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, and that is why GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its customers. Day to day, 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. Many Irish founders run Import / Export Code companies alongside an existing business in Ireland, using the UAE entity for international invoicing and regional sales.
Documents required
From day one, the document list for import / export code for Irish-owned companies is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
Pricing
Pricing for import / export code for Irish-owned companies 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 Irish-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
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so import / export code for Irish-owned companies no longer requires a local partner. In practice, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for import / export code for Irish-owned companies.
Why GoldenKey
Most of our Import / Export Code customers come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, and for that reason we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our quotations for import / export code for Irish-owned companies list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with import / export code for Irish-owned companies, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Crucially, tell us about your plans for import / export code for Irish-owned companies 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.
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
On the ground, 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?
Absolutely. 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 Irish citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Yes. Irish nationals can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Can my family from Ireland join me?
Once your investor visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children, and GoldenKey processes their visas alongside yours.
