WhatsApp quoteAs a rule, 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. Getting Import / Export Code right at the start avoids penalties that are easy to trigger and tedious to appeal. Just as important, for British founders, the UAE is around 7 hours from London, the UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of the UK depending on daylight saving, and English is the working language of UAE business, so there is no language barrier. The most common businesses British nationals open through GoldenKey are in consulting, financial services, real estate and education, although Import / Export Code supports almost any activity.
Why Import / Export Code
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. Keeping records for five years, issuing compliant invoices and filing on time are the ongoing obligations that follow Import / Export Code. Importantly, for British nationals, the practical advantages of Import / Export Code are the ease of travel between United Kingdom and the UAE, English is the working language of UAE business, so there is no language barrier, and a banking system that processes pound sterling (GBP) transfers daily.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of import / export code for British-owned companies.
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
Pricing
Importantly, use the table below to compare packages for import / export code for British-owned companies; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for import / export code for British-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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so import / export code for British-owned companies no longer requires a local partner. As we tell every client, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for import / export code for British-owned companies and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled import / export code for British-owned companies for traders, consultants, tech business owners and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. Day to day, most of our Import / Export Code clients come to us through referrals from other founders, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which papers each of them will ask for on an Import / Export Code file.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for import / export code for British-owned companies.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Import / Export Code take with the FTA?
To be clear, the FTA typically responds within 20 business days, and simple applications are often approved faster. GoldenKey submits a complete file to avoid information requests.
What happens if I miss the Import / Export Code deadline?
Late registration attracts a fixed penalty, and late filings add further penalties. If you are already late, GoldenKey can register you and advise on penalty reconsideration where grounds exist.
Does Import / Export Code apply to a new company with no revenue yet?
The customs code is needed before the first shipment, so new traders apply as soon as the licence is issued.
Can a British citizen own 100% of a company in Import / Export Code?
Yes. British 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 British applicants?
To be clear, processing for British nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from United Kingdom that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
