WhatsApp quoteAs a rule, 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. 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. In our experience, external approvals for retail shop are: municipality signage and fit-out, mall management for mall units. GoldenKey has licensed retail 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
The steps for Import / Export Code are: apply on the Dubai Trade or relevant customs portal, upload licence and authorised signatory supporting documents, pay the registration fee and then link the code to your freight forwarder. Importantly, the code is renewed annually with the licence and is required before your first shipment can be cleared. To be clear, for retail shop, 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
We confirm whether Import / Export Code is mandatory, voluntary or not yet required for your turnover and activity, and fix the right timing.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
GoldenKey creates or accesses your EmaraTax account and links the licence, authorised signatory and bank details. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to import / export code for a retail business.
Step 3Application
We complete the Import / Export Code application with turnover, activity and import details and upload the supporting papers.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
In short, once the FTA approves, we diarise your return and payment deadlines so nothing is missed. Your portal shows the status of this step for import / export code for a retail business in real time.
Documents required
Importantly, the document list for import / export code for a retail business is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- 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
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
Pricing
Put simply, use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for a retail business; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for import / export code for a retail business 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
For most clients, 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 a retail business predictable. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so import / export code for a retail business no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for import / export code for a retail business list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. After your Import / Export Code licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. 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 a retail business happen the same day they are ready.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss import / export code for a retail business.
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 issued.
Can GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
Yes — 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?
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.
Is retail shop allowed in Import / Export Code?
Import / Export Code applies to a retail business 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 retail shop with other activities?
Day to day, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
