How to export and re-export from the UAE

In the UAE you can find products from all over the world, thousands of enterprises and industries and the optimal geographic location between East and West. In addition to completely tax-free export operations, the state guarantees the support of banks and the protection of foreign investors, ample opportunities for entering international markets and for scaling your trading business.

Main UAE exports

Construction Materials

A sought-after product group in the actively developing GCC countries

Precious stones and metals

13% of all exports fall into this product group

Cosmetics and perfumery

The total volume of exports in this category increased by 31% over 5 years

Untreated metals

10.1% of all export operations are in aluminum and alloys

Electrical products

Including equipment and spare parts, this category accounts for 7.5% of exports

Textile products

UAE ranks third in the world by volume of apparel and textile exports

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Benefits of exporting and re-exporting from the UAE

No taxes

No taxes when conducting international export and re-export activities along with the ability to get reimbursed for previously paid VAT

Financial comfort

Freedom to deposit and withdraw funds with no currency controls. Simplified KYC procedure for transactions in local currency (dirham)

Taxpayer number

A company operating in the UAE receives a TRN number, which ensures the high confidence of counterparties and financial institutions

Favorable location

The UAE is an international trade hub and recognized logistics center, being the ideal geographic location at the intersection of Europe, Africa and Asia

Tax residency

All business owners can obtain a residency permit and then the status of tax resident, which protects them against the exchange of tax and financial information (CRS)

Prestige

Despite the tax-free nature, the UAE jurisdictions are not offshore and are not included in any OECD or FATF black or gray lists. International treaties are recognized and adhered to

SORP Group specialists will help you develop and launch a concept for conducting export and re-export operations from the UAE. They will leverage the legislative framework and agreements regarding Free Trade Zones and the Common Customs Space of the Gulf States. SORP will provide full support for your business including helping with mandatory licensing procedures.

Jurisdiction of incorporation for UAE export activities

Local (Mainland) company incorporation

A tool for implementing transfer pricing opportunities, which also ensures bank support and confirms the economic presence of your business in the UAE

Gives the unlimited right to conduct business in the UAE domestic market and in foreign markets.
The activities of companies are regulated by the economic departments of each of the Emirates.
It does not require the involvement of a local partner, it makes it possible to have 100% foreign ownership.

Free Zone company incorporation

A tool for conducting international activities. It offers the possibility of renting a warehouse only in the place of incorporation, with some visa and territorial restrictions. They vary in license types and infrastructure.

It gives companies the right to conduct business only in the territory of the incorporation zone and abroad.
The UAE FTZs differ in the types of licenses and formal business incorporation procedures.
Full 100% foreign ownership is permitted without the need to involve a local partner.

Banks have their own internal rating of each of the UAE zones, which they use to determine the overall reliability of companies registered there. Choosing a good zone can significantly ease opening bank accounts. Customers and suppliers also pay special attention to the jurisdiction of incorporation. Therefore, if you are depending on the support of banks to carry out settlement operations, you should pay special attention to premium FTZs or open a business in the Mainland.

SORP expert solutions for exporting products from the UAE

Business model selection

We will identify a suitable business license, then select the best legal entity type for your activities

Business incorporation

Fast incorporation through our close collaboration with the state licensing authorities

Outsourcing of core business processes

Administrative, tax, accounting, legal and PRO support by SORP Group experts 24/7

Dubai business address

Rent space in our SORP business center for office accommodation and fast licensing procedures.

Opening bank accounts

We steer you through passing the KYC procedures of banks using our close cooperation

Local partner or agent

Nominee service from SORP Investment LLC protected by waiver of rights in the court.

To start a re-export business here you need to understand and comply with the requirements of Economic Substance in the UAE. SORP solutions provide you with all the resources and guidance you need. That includes proof that where the company was incorporated is where business operations occur, that you have a confirmed management and decision-making center in the UAE, and that your operations are formally affiliated to the UAE tax system.

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UAE is an ideal platform for exporting activities

Stable growth

HSBC estimates that, on average, total merchandise exports from the UAE will grow by about 8% yearly in value terms between 2021 and 2030. By 2030, the goods of the non-oil sectors will account for more than 70% of total exports.

World recognition

The World Bank recently ranked the UAE as the 26th easiest country to do business in and 5th for international trade. The country has a wide foreign trade network covering over 220 countries and offering markets for a diverse portfolio of goods and services.

Strategic location

The UAE is the 3rd largest export and re-export center in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore. A vast volume of cargo from different countries transits through the air and sea ports of the UAE. Due to the country’s exceptionally favorable location, cargo flows come from the EU, India, China, the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

Modern logistics solutions

The UAE has the best transport infrastructure in the Middle East and ranks 11th in the world in terms of logistics efficiency. An innovative project has started in Dubai, building a framework that will include a network to support unmanned cargo transportation with ground infrastructure, drone ports, loading bays and service stations.

International Trade Hub

The country has a wide foreign trade network covering more than 220 countries. In addition to the Customs Union with the 5 other GCC countries, the UAE is included in the GAFTA list of 18 countries according to the Agadir Agreement. This permits customs-free and duty-free trade across the entire zone.