Are you looking to expand your export business to take advantage of Dubai’s booming international trade and international businesses? Dubai has shaped itself as an economic hub for East-meets-West business activity and has positioned itself as a re-export business centre for global trade.
If you’ve been considering how to start an export business from India to Dubai, this article will look at:
- Advantages of exporting to Dubai and the UAE
- Steps to start an exporting business from India to Dubai
- Documents required to start an export business from India to Dubai
- What can I export from India to Dubai?
- Working with Trade License Zone
Advantages of exporting to Dubai and the UAE
Dubai has grown into an exciting global destination for tourists and travellers and one of the fastest-growing economic hubs globally. It has a population comprising more than 90% foreign nationals, all enjoying a high standard of living afforded by the UAE’s business-friendly and zero-tax environment.The UAE boasts a leading road infrastructure and air and seaports that support every business and trading activity.
As we have already mentioned, Dubai is a frontrunner in the re-exports industry as a hub and an ideal gateway to enter the UAE and Middle East markets, thanks to its perfect East-meets-West location.To take advantage of Dubai’s economic development, simply contact the company formation specialist teams at Trade License Zone to help you start an import-export business.
We’ll help you with your import-export license, documents such as your approved export declaration certificate, assist you with the customs office and customs department, open a corporate bank account, registering and visa stamping, and more.
Steps to start an export business from India to Dubai
All companies trading in Dubai need to adhere to specific regulations for business setup, business license, company naming, business activities, and more. This section will give you the steps to start an exporting business from India to Dubai.
Step #1: Partner with Trade License Zone
The first step in starting an import-export business in Dubai is to partner with Trade License Zone. Our professional services will manage all aspects of your import-export business license for your import-export company to trade legally, company registration and setup process. We will also guide you on all the Dubai Customs documents required from this government authority and obtain external approvals on your behalf.
Step #2: Choose a trade name
Trade License Zone will help you choose and register your company name with the UAE’s Registry Office. You can use your name in the company’s trade name, but you must use it in full instead of just your surname or initials. The business name must adhere to the UAE’s naming policies, including that a business name cannot include any offensive or profane language, or any references to Allah or Islam.
Step #3: Choose your business activity for your trade license
Outlining your import-export business activities is essential for your import-export business license in Dubai. Your import business license enables you to carry out several activities specifically defined by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) for this business and company type. Failure to list all your business activities may result in penalties. It is best to partner with a company formation expert such as Trade License Zone to align your license application and business activities.
Step #4: Define the company’s legal structure
All import-export business category types in Dubai require an import-export business license. The UAE government’s legal necessities for this type of company structure require a local sponsor to partner with a foreign entrepreneur or investor.
The local sponsor must be an Emirates citizen and hold a minimum of 51% of the import and export company’s shares.Export-import business owners must apply for a Commercial License and register their business entity as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) when they trade in UAE customs territory.
As defined by the legal necessities of the Dubai Customs agency, company structure laws stipulate that foreign entrepreneurs and investors need to apply for their business license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
Once these companies have got their trade licenses, they must register as an import-export business with Dubai Customs before trading legally.Setting up your export-import business in Dubai is a streamlined process thanks to recent changes to business regulations in the UAE. However, if you are unsure of any steps, seek expert advice from Trade License Zone to help you successfully obtain your import and export business license in Dubai.
Step #5: Apply for initial approval for import and export business activities
To do business in the local market with an export and import permit and trading license, you must apply for initial approval from Dubai’s DED. This initial approval signifies that Dubai’s government authorities have no objections to your export and import license. It must be pointed out that this is different from a temporary export permit.
Step #6: Preparing documents required
To proceed with the export and import license application process, all partners, shareholders and the company’s local sponsor must sign the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent Agreement (LSA) documents at the DED.
Step #7: Choose a business location
All import-export license holders must rent a business location. The rental agreement/tenancy contract must be provided with the other documents required for the import-export license application.
Dubai boasts a world-class infrastructure with business locations in adjacent prime zones for efficient transport and logistics of import and export business activities. Finding a business location is easy; choosing which one is best suited to your company’s needs requires the help of experts. Trade License Zone can guide you in selecting ideal offices and logistics spaces for your business.
Step #8: Registering with Dubai Customs
Once the DED has notified you of your successful import-export license and paid for the trading license, you must register your business with Dubai Customs. This step will get your business its unique Customs Code, allocated to export-import business entities. This Customs Code must be supplied with each import and export activity.
Documents required to start an export business from India to Dubai
To apply for an import-export license, you will need to collect and submit the following documents to start an export business from India to Dubai:
- Company name
- Company formation and business activity
- Copies of all shareholders’ and partners’ passports
- UAE residence visa copy of all partners or shareholders
- Passport copy and Emirates ID of local sponsor
What can I export from India to Dubai?
Dubai accounts for 70% of the UAE’s import and export business. Thanks to the UAE’s free trade regulations, India’s exports play a part in the economic development of Dubai and re-export business in Dubai boosts India’s economic development on many levels, too.
Here is a list of the most common goods exported from India to the UAE through Dubai customs:
- Petroleum products
- Mineral fuels, mineral oils, and related by-products
- Clothing and textiles
- Precious metals and precious and semi-precious stones
- Iron, steel and related by-products
- Plastics and related by-products
- Electrical machinery, equipment and parts
- Machinery and mechanical appliances
- Ships, boats and related floating structures
- Organic chemicals
Tips on growing an export business from India to Dubai
The local UAE market has a burgeoning demand for import goods from India. Entrepreneurs and investors have a tremendous potential to increase the export of these products to Dubai for the re-export business.
Research the market: Before you start exporting your products to Dubai, it is important to research the market and identify the products that are in demand. You should also study the regulations and procedures for exporting to Dubai, including customs procedures, taxes, and tariffs. This will help you understand the potential demand for your products and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.
Build relationships: Developing strong relationships with potential customers and suppliers is crucial when exporting to Dubai. Attend trade shows and exhibitions in Dubai to network with potential clients and partners. You should also consider partnering with a local distributor or agent who can help you navigate the local market and establish your business in Dubai.
Build a strong online presence: A strong online presence is essential for any business, and it is particularly important for an export business. Build a professional website that showcases your products and services, and invest in online marketing to reach potential customers in Dubai. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with potential clients and partners.
Focus on quality: Quality is a top priority for customers in Dubai, and they are willing to pay a premium for products that meet their high standards. Make sure your products are of high quality and meet all relevant standards and regulations. You should also focus on providing excellent customer service to ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchases.
Be patient and persistent: Building a successful export business takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent. Keep in touch with your customers and partners, and be responsive to their needs and concerns. Stay up to date with the latest market trends and adapt your business strategy as needed. With perseverance and hard work, you can build a successful export business from India to Dubai.
Working with Trade License Zone
Business setup in the UAE is straightforward when you partner with a team of experts such as Trade License Zone. Starting an import-export trading company in Dubai can be a tricky process regarding applying for an import-export business license, company structure, handling of documents required, and visas. When you partner with Trade License Zone, we will save you from unnecessary delays or rejections and streamline the entire process.
The company formation specialist team at Trade License Zone can get started once you provide us with some basic documentation and a little information about the nature of your import-export business and business activities. Then, please sit back and let our team take care of the rest. We’ll manage your trade license and visa applications, communicate with all relevant local departments and authorities and report when you’re ready to trade. It really is that simple.