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Overview
Dubai’s location, investor-friendly policies and global connectivity makes it one of the best place to start an import export business. For Indian entrepreneurs, this is even more attractive due to strong bilateral trade relations between India and UAE. Whether you want to import textiles, export electronics or trade in food commodities, Dubai has a smooth path to enter the global supply chain.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start an import export business in Dubai, types of licenses, customs registration, documents required, legal regulations and how Flyingcolour can support your journey.
Dubai connects Europe, Asia and Africa through its ports and airways. Jebel Ali Port is among the top 10 busiest ports globally, making Dubai a true logistics powerhouse.
Dubai has 0% income tax for individuals and 9% corporate tax only above AED 375,000 profit, as per Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022.
Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) and Free Zones have digital-first business registration systems.
UAE has signed double tax treaties (DTTs) and trade agreements with over 80 countries, including India, for favorable tax treatment and trade incentives.
You can export to GCC, Africa, CIS and beyond without many bureaucratic hurdles.
Issued by Dubai DED, allows unrestricted import/export across UAE and internationally. Ideal for B2B trade or retail logistics.
Issued by authorities like JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS etc. Enables international trading and importing/exporting without customs duty within the zone. For local distribution, you must appoint a local distributor.
Covers a wide range of unrelated products (e.g. electronics, garments, FMCG). Suitable if you plan to trade in multiple product lines.
Mainland: Direct access to UAE market, physical presence required.
Free Zone: Ideal for international trade, 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor needed.
Common DED or Free Zone activities:
Pick a unique business name and get it approved by the licensing authority. Avoid offensive, religious or restricted words.
Submit documents:
To legally import/export, you must register with Dubai Customs and obtain a Customs Client Code via the Dubai Trade Portal.
Popular UAE banks: Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, ADCB. You’ll need your trade license and partner documents.
Many Free Zones offer warehouses, flexi-desks and shared workspaces. Mainland businesses must have a physical address.
You can apply for investor and employee visas through your trade license.
Passport copy of shareholder(s)
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 – Corporate Tax
100% foreign ownership
Mainland businesses need a local distributor for Free Zone goods
India is Dubai’s #1 trading partner
We specialise in import export business setup in Dubai for Indian entrepreneurs, offering:
With Flyingcolour, you avoid unnecessary costs and delays—we make the setup smooth, fast and profitable.
Yes. With our remote setup services, you can register your company without visiting Dubai.
No, but if you need to store goods, a warehouse is recommended. Many Free Zones offer flexible warehousing.
No. Most Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership with no sponsor requirement. Mainland requires UAE national sponsorship for some specific activities.
Company registration and licensing typically takes 5–10 working days.
Yes, but if you’re in a Free Zone, you’ll need a distributor to sell directly in the UAE mainland.
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