Import-Export Business Setup in Dubai – Licenses, Costs & Tips for 2025

Dubai handled over AED 1.58 trillion in non-oil trade in the first 9 months of 2025 alone. A perfectly structured business setup consultant in Dubai for import-export is still the single most powerful wealth-creation vehicle in the Middle East — with 0 % tax on profits, instant customs clearance, and access to 3.1 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight. This is the complete 2,200-word blueprint every serious trader uses in 2025.

Why Import-Export in Dubai Crushed Every Other Model in 2025

• 0 % corporate tax + 0 % personal income tax
• No customs duty on re-exports
• 72-hour cargo clearance (best in world)
• 10,000+ new trading companies registered Jan–Oct 2025
• Average net margin for general trading: 28–42 %

The Only 3 Licenses You Will Ever Need

License Type	Best Zone 2025	Cost (Full Package)	Visa Quota
General Trading License	DMCC or Jebel Ali (JAFZA)	AED 35,000–85,000	5–unlimited
Commercial License (specific items)	IFZA / Meydan (cheaper)	AED 17,999–35,000	1–8
E-Trader License (online only)	DED	AED 1,070/year	0

General Trading in DMCC remains the gold standard.

Full 10-Step Setup Process (28–55 Days)

Step 1 – Choose Your Free Zone (2025 Ranking)

1. DMCC – prestige + banking
2. JAFZA – logistics & warehouses
3. Dubai South – near airport & Expo
4. IFZA – cheapest general trading
5. RAKEZ – industrial goods

Step 2 – Reserve Trade Name & Initial Approval

Include “General Trading” or specific items (e.g., “Foodstuff Trading”).

Step 3 – Secure Warehouse / Office

Minimum requirement 2025:

• General trading: flexi-desk OK
• Food/cosmetics/pharma: temperature-controlled warehouse mandatory

Step 4 – Customs Code & Client Code

Register with Dubai Customs → receive importer/exporter code (2–5 days).

Step 5 – Open Corporate Bank Account

DMCC + JAFZA companies approved in 5–12 days at Emirates NBD, Mashreq, or FAB.

Step 6 – VAT Registration (Voluntary = Smart)

Reclaim 5 % VAT paid on imports instantly.

Step 7 – Product Registration (If Required)

• Food → Dubai Municipality + ESMA
• Cosmetics → Dubai Municipality
• Electronics → TRA labeling

Step 8 – Hire Customs Clearing Agent

Mandatory for first 50 shipments (cost AED 350–800 per shipment).

Step 9 – Open Dubai Trade Account

Single window for all bills of entry, certificates of origin, etc.

Step 10 – Start Trading

First container can land within 30 days of license.

Complete Cost Breakdown 2025 – Three Scenarios

Item	Budget Trader (IFZA)	Mid-Level (DMCC)	Large-Scale (JAFZA)
License + registration + office	18,500	65,000	120,000
Warehouse (first year)	35,000	120,000	450,000+
Customs code + Dubai Trade	5,000	5,000	5,000
Bank account + first deposit	3,000	5,000	10,000
VAT + accountant	8,000	15,000	25,000
First 10 staff visas	45,000	80,000	150,000
Total capital required year 1	AED 114,500	AED 290,000	AED 760,000+

The Highest-Margin Import-Export Niches 2025

1. Luxury used cars (Japan → Dubai → Africa)
2. Mobile phones & accessories
3. Foodstuff (rice, sugar, frozen meat)
4. Beauty & personal care
5. Medical equipment & PPE

Average ROI: 35–80 % per container cycle.

Pro Tips That Made Traders Millions in 2025

1. Use JAFZA “Customs Bonded Corridor” → zero duty on goods in transit
2. Register your brand with Ministry of Economy → stop parallel imports
3. Open LCs through Emirates NBD or FAB → 90–180 days credit from suppliers
4. Use Dubai as regional hub → re-export to Saudi, Qatar, Egypt, India with 0–3 % duty
5. Hire an ex-customs officer as clearing agent (saves AED 50k+ per year in fines)

Dubai is not just a trading city in 2025 — it is the most powerful wealth accelerator on earth for anyone who can move physical goods. Follow every step above and your first container will pay for your entire setup cost — many times over.