WhatsApp quoteFrom day one, 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. 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. In short, recruitment & HR Services in Import / Export Code means recruitment, manpower supply, outsourcing and HR consultancy, and it is licensed as a professional activity. Typical examples of this activity include recruitment agency, manpower supply, HR outsourcing and executive search, which can generally sit together on one Import / Export Code licence.
Why Import / Export Code
On the ground, 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 customers. GoldenKey prepares the EmaraTax application for Import / Export Code, uploads the documents and follows up with the FTA until the certificate is issued. GoldenKey has licensed recruitment & hr services in Import / Export Code for customers 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
Importantly, we confirm whether Import / Export Code is mandatory, voluntary or not yet required for your business, and set the right timing. Your portal shows the status of this step for import / export code for a recruitment agency in real time.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
GoldenKey creates or accesses your EmaraTax account and links the licence, authorised signatory and bank details.
Step 3Application
From day one, we complete the Import / Export Code application — turnover, activity and import details — and upload every supporting document. If the authority raises a query on import / export code for a recruitment agency at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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
Here is what you will need for import / export code for a recruitment agency; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
Pricing
All prices for import / export code for a recruitment agency are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for import / export code for a recruitment agency 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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many company owners choose it as a base for import / export code for a recruitment agency. To be clear, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for import / export code for a recruitment agency and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
From day one, you deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Import / Export Code licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. GoldenKey builds its own CRM and client portal, so you can see the status of your Import / Export Code submission, download your documents and pay invoices from your phone. In practice, 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.
Day to day, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for import / export code for a recruitment agency in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Import / Export Code apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
On the ground, 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 normally responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
Is recruitment & hr services allowed in Import / Export Code?
As a rule, import / Export Code applies to a recruitment agency businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone.
Can I combine recruitment & hr services with other activities?
As a rule, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
