WhatsApp quoteImport / 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. Importantly, 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. As we tell every client, dutch nationals are an active community in logistics, water, agriculture technology and trading, so the Import / Export Code authority, the banks and the immigration officers see Dutch applications every day and process them without hesitation. the Netherlands is a major European gateway for UAE re-exports, and Dutch logistics expertise is in demand across Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port, which gives Dutch entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Import / Export Code licence is granted.
Why Import / Export Code
As we tell every client, 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. 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. Many Dutch founders run Import / Export Code companies alongside an existing business in Netherlands, using the UAE entity for international invoicing and regional sales.
Documents required
For most clients, for import / export code for Dutch-owned companies the registrar asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
Pricing
From day one, use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for Dutch-owned companies; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. For most clients, all prices for import / export code for Dutch-owned companies are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
| 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 2026-10-06.
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 Dutch-owned companies for international founders. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from import / export code for Dutch-owned companies can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with import / export code for Dutch-owned companies, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for Dutch-owned companies for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. 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 Dutch-owned companies.
If you would like a written quotation for import / export code for Dutch-owned companies, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
From day one, 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.
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.
Can a Dutch citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Yes — Dutch nationals can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
How long does the process take for Dutch applicants?
Just as important, processing for Dutch nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Netherlands that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
