WhatsApp quoteGetting Import / Export Code right at the start avoids penalties that are easy to trigger and tedious to appeal. The 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. In our experience, the most common businesses Malaysians open through GoldenKey are in Islamic finance, halal food, oil and gas services and education, although Import / Export Code supports almost any activity. For most clients, malaysians are a community in Islamic finance, halal food, oil and gas and education, so the Import / Export Code authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Malaysian applications every day and process them without hesitation.
Why Import / Export Code
GoldenKey prepares the EmaraTax file for Import / Export Code, uploads the documents and follows up with the FTA until the certificate is issued. The code is renewed annually with the licence and is required before your first shipment can be cleared. Many Malaysian founders run Import / Export Code companies alongside an existing business in Malaysia, using the UAE entity for international invoicing and regional sales.
Documents required
For most clients, gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies.
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
Pricing
Crucially, the figures below for import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. As we tell every client, pricing for import / export code for Malaysian-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
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies for international company owners. In our experience, 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 Malaysian-owned companies predictable.
Why GoldenKey
In practice, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Importantly, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies.
As we tell every client, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for import / export code for Malaysian-owned companies, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Import / Export Code apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
In our experience, the customs code is needed before the first shipment, so new traders apply as soon as the licence is granted.
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.
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
The FTA in most cases responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
Do Malaysians need a UAE visa before applying for Import / Export Code?
Not in that case. You can apply for the licence from Malaysia with scanned paperwork, and the investor UAE residence visa is processed afterwards.
Can a Malaysian citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Absolutely. Malaysians can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
