Topic Summary
What Is Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need and Why It Matters
You need a UAE trade license listing your goods activity, plus a Dubai Customs registration code. A free zone general trading license covers buying, selling, importing, exporting and re-exporting. It's also the legal basis for clearance, banking and visas. See our guide to an import export license in Dubai .
Why Dubai Works as a Trade Base for Jordanian Entrepreneurs
Why Dubai Works as a Trade Base for Jordanian Entrepreneurs
Which License Covers Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need
A general trading license or a commodity license covers most Jordan–Dubai trade. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licensing for trading starts from AED 12,500, with full foreign ownership and a visa package tied to the license.
Step-by-Step Guide to Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need
Choose your activity, apply for the Dubai South license, register with Customs, open a Dubai Trade account, then arrange your visa.
Customs Registration and Dubai Trade Portal Access
Dubai Customs issues the code tied to your license number. Over 98% of declarations run digitally through Dubai Trade . Most goods carry 5% customs duty, with exemptions by category.
Moving Goods Between Jordan and Dubai: Documents and Clearance
Every shipment needs matching paperwork. Mismatched HS codes cause most holds.
Costs, Visas and Compliance for Jordanian Traders
Budget for the license from AED 12,500, customs registration, visa, medical, Emirates ID, bank setup, clearing, storage and freight. Add a 20% buffer for approvals and freight. Compare each cost in our import business in Dubai cost guide .
Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need is the first question Amman traders ask. Dubai's non-oil foreign trade passed AED 2.2 trillion (Dubai Chamber, 2024), and more than 40,000 importers and exporters hold a Customs code. This guide helps Jordanian founders choose a license, register, and budget.
What Is Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need and Why It Matters
You need a UAE trade license listing your goods activity, plus a Dubai Customs registration code. A free zone general trading license covers buying, selling, importing, exporting and re-exporting. It's also the legal basis for clearance, banking and visas. See our guide to an import export license in Dubai.
Trade License Versus Customs Registration
The license gives you the right to trade. The customs code lets you clear cargo, and it's requested after the license is issued. Picture a Jordanian founder holding a general trading license whose olive oil sits in port because nobody requested the code. It happens.
Why Dubai Works as a Trade Base for Jordanian Entrepreneurs
Dubai South sits beside Al Maktoum International Airport and near Jebel Ali's container network, which shortens transit for Levant-origin goods. UAE ports handle over 14 million TEUs a year (DP World, 2025).
Trade License Options for Jordan–Dubai Import and Export
Feature | General Trading License | Specialised Commodity License |
|---|---|---|
Product scope | Several non-restricted categories on one license | One focused category such as dates, coffee or tea |
Best suited for | Testing several Jordanian supply lines | An olive oil or za'atar exporter with one core line |
Extra approvals needed | Only for regulated goods | Food approvals via Dubai Municipality |
Starting cost at Dubai South | From AED 12,500 | From AED 12,500 |
Customs registration required | Yes, before any declaration | Yes, before any declaration |
Hold stock without final-market duty exposure.
Gulf buyers prefer UAE-invoiced supply.
Bank in AED and USD.
Read how a re-export business in Dubai works.
Which License Covers Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need
A general trading license or a commodity license covers most Jordan–Dubai trade. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licensing for trading starts from AED 12,500, with full foreign ownership and a visa package tied to the license.
General trading suits a founder importing Jordanian cosmetics, cleaning products and snacks together. Specialised licenses suit narrower lines, like a foodstuff import and export business. Pick the narrowest activity matching your core product.
Pharmaceuticals, chemicals and some foods need pre-approvals, for instance from MOHAP. Confirm HS codes first. A medical supplies importer should secure health approval before the first shipment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need
Choose your activity, apply for the Dubai South license, register with Customs, open a Dubai Trade account, then arrange your visa.
Define goods: list products and HS codes, flag regulated items.
Get licensed: submit passports and activity choice. Apply remotely from Amman with attested documents.
Register: request your customs code and create a Dubai Trade account.
Bank and visa: open a corporate account, then complete entry permit, medical and Emirates ID.
Our import business step-by-step guide goes deeper.
Customs Registration and Dubai Trade Portal Access
Dubai Customs issues the code tied to your license number. Over 98% of declarations run digitally through Dubai Trade. Most goods carry 5% customs duty, with exemptions by category.
Do I need VAT registration?
Yes, once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. The standard rate is 5% (Federal Tax Authority). Corporate tax registration also applies, so keep invoices and customs papers for audit.
Moving Goods Between Jordan and Dubai: Documents and Clearance
Every shipment needs matching paperwork. Mismatched HS codes cause most holds.
Commercial invoice and packing list.
Bill of lading or airway bill.
Chamber-attested certificate of origin.
Health certificates for food.
One first-time importer's cargo was held because its declared activity didn't match its license. Use a licensed clearing agent for early shipments. Check whether you need a separate license to export.
Costs, Visas and Compliance for Jordanian Traders
Budget for the license from AED 12,500, customs registration, visa, medical, Emirates ID, bank setup, clearing, storage and freight. Add a 20% buffer for approvals and freight. Compare each cost in our import business in Dubai cost guide.
Your visa is tied to the license, typically valid two years, handled through GDRFA. Once residency is active, you can sponsor a spouse and children. Renew the license annually.
Your Next Step
Import and Export Between Jordan and Dubai: What License You Need comes down to three pieces: a matching free zone license, a customs code with Dubai Trade access, and any product approvals. Speak with the Dubai South Business Hub team to confirm your activity and get a clear cost breakdown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
