WhatsApp quoteIn our experience, 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. Importantly, 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 has Thai clients from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and our consultants understand the paperwork issued in Thailand and how to attest them for the UAE. From day one, the most common businesses Thai nationals open through GoldenKey are in hospitality, wellness and spa, food and beverage and jewellery, although Import / Export Code supports almost any activity.
Why Import / Export Code
Day to day, the steps for Import / Export Code are: apply on the Dubai Trade or relevant customs portal, upload licence and authorised signatory papers, pay the registration fee and then link the code to your freight forwarder. On the ground, penalties for late Import / Export Code or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, and for that reason GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its clients. Thai applicants benefit from the fact that Import / Export Code already has many Thai shareholders on its register, so its officers recognise Thailand documents and name formats instantly.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for import / export code for Thai-owned companies; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Customs code and import records where applicable
Pricing
The figures below for import / export code for Thai-owned companies are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Day to day, pricing for import / export code for Thai-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 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
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 Thai-owned companies predictable. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes import / export code for Thai-owned companies a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Importantly, 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. In short, most of our Import / Export Code clients come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for Thai-owned companies for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for import / export code for Thai-owned companies, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Import / Export Code mandatory for a free zone company?
It can. 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 GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
It can. 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.
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
Importantly, 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.
Can a Thai citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Yes. Thai nationals can own the full share capital of a Import / Export Code company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Do Thai nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Import / Export Code?
No — You can apply for the licence from Thailand with scanned papers, and the investor residence visa is completed afterwards.
