You’ll need an e-commerce licence from a relevant authority, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a free zone like Dubai CommerCity.

Yes, UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership of e-commerce and general trading businesses.

To register a trading company in Dubai, choose a business name, decide on a legal structure, get initial approval, and apply for a general trading licence.

A general trading licence allows businesses to trade in multiple unrelated products, including import, export, distribution, and re-export activities

The cost varies by jurisdiction but generally ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on the business scope and location.

No, recent UAE laws allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, including trading, without requiring a local sponsor.

You’ll need passport copies, business name approval, a lease agreement or e-channel registration, and initial approval from the DED or free zone authority.

Yes, for e-commerce or service businesses, PO Boxes are acceptable in many free zones, but a physical office is often required for general trading.

No, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership without needing a UAE national partner.

Ajman Free Zone, Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), and Fujairah Creative City offer affordable packages for e-commerce startups.

Company setup and licensing typically take 3 to 7 business days once all documents are submitted.

Yes, most authorities allow licence upgrades as your business expands, subject to regulatory approval and fee adjustments.

Free zones offer 100% ownership and low-cost setup, while mainland licences allow direct trade within the UAE market.

It’s a licence for entrepreneurs to run online businesses from anywhere globally, available through platforms like Dubai Virtual Commercial City.

Yes, e-commerce businesses earning over AED 375,000 annually must register for VAT and charge 5% on taxable sales.

You can register for VAT via the Federal Tax Authority’s online portal once you meet the threshold.

There is no personal income tax, but corporate tax may apply to certain entities from 2023 based on profits.

Ensure timely VAT filing, renew your business licence annually, and comply with the relevant authority’s regulations.

Yes, free zones are especially suited for international trade and exporting goods or services globally.

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) ensure businesses have substantial operations in the UAE. Certain sectors must comply.

Yes, all companies must declare their UBOs to enhance transparency and align with UAE anti-money laundering laws.

Yes, the standard import duty is 5%, but this varies by product type and trade agreements.

Unlicensed business activity can result in fines, closure of business, or legal action by authorities.

No, even if you sell through platforms like Instagram, you must hold a valid e-commerce or trader licence.

You need a UAE-licensed entity to register as a seller on Amazon.ae.

Yes, Noon offers wide visibility and a localised platform ideal for new and experienced sellers.

Yes, dropshipping is legal in the UAE with an e-commerce licence, especially when using third-party logistics partners.

Shopify, WooCommerce, and local options like Salla and Zid are popular for UAE-based online stores.

No legal requirement to register your domain in the UAE, but a UAE-hosted domain (.ae) can boost trust and SEO locally.

Yes, most UAE banks allow free zone companies to open accounts, but compliance checks may vary.

PayPal is available. Stripe has limited access, but local gateways like Telr, PayTabs, and Network International are widely used.

Aramex, Fetchr, Emirates Post, and DHL are commonly used for e-commerce delivery across the UAE and GCC.

You can enable COD through your courier service, which will collect cash from the customer and settle with you periodically.

Yes, many free zones are structured to support global exports and cross-border fulfilment.

Dubai South and Sharjah Airport Free Zone are ideal for Amazon FBA due to proximity to logistics hubs.

Some categories like cosmetics or supplements may require product registration through the municipality or Ministry of Health.

Yes, many free zones allow multiple brands or domains under one e-commerce licence, depending on your package.

Most logistics companies provide plugins or APIs for platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce for easy courier integration.

They must obtain a freelancer or influencer licence from NMC or a media free zone to operate legally in the UAE

Yes, import activities require a valid trade or general trading licence. Some goods, like food or cosmetics, also need product registration with the relevant UAE authority before clearance.

Customs clearance involves submitting import documents, paying duties, and passing inspections. Using a licensed customs broker can speed up the process and ensure compliance.

Yes, third-party logistics providers and bonded warehouses can store goods for foreign companies, but a local entity is needed for selling within the UAE.

Duties are paid only when goods are released for local sale, making them ideal for re-exports.

Yes, labels must follow UAE standards, including Arabic text for ingredients, origin, and expiry dates, especially for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals

Submit your product details to Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department, including labels, ingredients, and certificates of origin, before import or sale.

Last-mile delivery is the final stage of shipping goods to the customer. In the UAE, fast and reliable last-mile service is key to customer satisfaction.

Yes, an export licence from a free zone or mainland authority is required for shipping goods outside the UAE, even if your company is registered locally.

Yes, many free zones offer warehouse facilities with tax benefits, easy customs clearance, and proximity to ports and airports.

Free zone warehouses offer duty-free storage, full foreign ownership, and streamlined customs processes, making them ideal for re-exports and e-commerce fulfilment.

Typically 1–3 working days, depending on product type, documentation accuracy, and inspection requirements.

Jebel Ali Port (Dubai), Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), and Port Rashid (Dubai) are major gateways for import and export operations.

Yes, freight forwarders offer consolidation services, combining multiple shipments into one to reduce costs and simplify customs clearance.

It confirms that imported goods meet UAE regulatory standards. Certain products require this certificate for customs clearance.

Yes, electronics must comply with TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) standards, and some require prior approval before import

Use a courier or fulfilment partner with return management systems to process product returns efficiently and maintain customer trust.

Yes, the UAE’s strategic location, free zones, and trade agreements make it a top choice for re-exporting goods to the GCC, Africa, and Asia.

HS codes classify goods for customs and taxation purposes. Accurate HS coding ensures smooth clearance and correct duty charges.

Yes, cargo insurance protects goods against loss, theft, or damage during shipping and is highly recommended for import/export businesses.

Yes, licensed customs brokers can manage paperwork, duty payments, and clearance, ensuring compliance with UAE laws.

Free zone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership and tax incentives but face restrictions on direct mainland trade. Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE without a local distributor.

Yes, we source products globally, connecting you with reliable suppliers, managing quality checks, and ensuring compliance with local import laws.

It streamlines cross-border trade by simplifying customs processes, documentation, and logistics, making import/export faster and more cost-effective.

Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, VAT registration is mandatory. Businesses under this threshold can register voluntarily.

You can store, process, and re-export goods without paying import duties, paying only when goods enter the local UAE market.

Yes, trademark registration protects your brand from misuse and gives you exclusive rights to use it in the UAE for 10 years.

Yes, from product formulation to packaging and certification, we help create customised private label goods for your brand.

It’s a facility where your products are stored, packed, and shipped to customers, allowing you to outsource order management.

Yes, using a GCC-specialised logistics partner ensures faster delivery, regulatory compliance, and reduced customs delays.

Some marketplaces require a local trade licence, while others allow foreign sellers through approved fulfilment providers.

Yes, it’s legal if you have a trade licence. Products must comply with UAE regulations, especially in restricted categories.

Yes, even free samples need commercial invoices and packing lists, and some may require a certificate of origin.

Yes, we offer end-to-end marketing, including SEO, social media, paid ads, and content creation for global and local markets.

It’s a long-term procurement strategy that reduces costs, ensures quality, and builds sustainable supplier relationships.

You’ll need a trade licence, food safety approvals, and HACCP compliance before starting operations

Yes, we review your operations to ensure adherence to customs laws, import/export rules, and industry regulations.

It’s the process of unloading goods from inbound transport and loading them directly onto outbound transport, reducing storage time.

Yes, UAE’s ports and free zones are key hubs for re-exporting to African markets with efficient transit connections.

Not mandatory, but using a licensed agent speeds up clearance and ensures accurate document handling.

You’ll need a trade licence from the Department of Economic Development or a free zone authority, plus customs registration.

Yes, we offer market entry strategy, distribution partnerships, compliance checks, and localisation for GCC audiences.

It’s the final step of the delivery process from a distribution hub to the customer’s doorstep, crucial for customer satisfaction.

Yes, from account registration to product listing optimisation, we manage the full process to help you sell successfully.

A bonded warehouse allows you to store goods without paying customs duties until they are released for local sale.

Yes, but it must meet safety and quality regulations, and certain categories require special approvals

Incoterms define buyer/seller responsibilities in international trade, avoiding disputes over shipping, insurance, and duties.

Yes, we integrate and manage orders across e-commerce platforms, retail partners, and wholesale channels.

Yes, we connect you with retail buyers, prepare product pitches, and manage merchandising for in-store success.

It ensures products meet UAE and GCC safety, performance, and labelling standards before market entry.

Yes, we help implement technology, automation, and e-commerce solutions to modernise operations.

They reduce or eliminate double taxation for international traders, improving profitability.

Yes, via drop shipping or cross-docking, provided regulations and quality checks are met.

Yes, we work with vetted influencers to drive awareness and sales for your products in target markets.

It’s a strategy to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and improve efficiency across your logistics network.

Yes, halal certification is mandatory for meat and certain processed foods to enter GCC markets.

Yes, we recommend and integrate secure, compliant payment systems for international transactions.

Rebranding refreshes your visual identity, messaging, and market positioning to boost competitiveness.

Yes, we plan and execute seasonal campaigns timed for regional buying trends and peak demand.

Leverage UAE’s re-export hubs, partner with African distributors, and comply with each country’s import laws.