What documents does an Italian national need to start a import export business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your import export venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a import export company in SHAMS?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

How much does it cost to set up an Import Export business in Sharjah Media City?

The total setup cost for an Import Export business in SHAMS starts from approximately AED 6,150 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,200 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What are the tax implications for an Import Export business in Sharjah Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in SHAMS may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Can I get a residence visa with my Import Export licence from SHAMS?

Yes, your import export licence from SHAMS entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,200.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my SHAMS Import Export licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from SHAMS, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Import Export company in SHAMS?

Most of the setup process for a import export business in SHAMS can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Import Export in Sharjah Media City for Italian nationals

Free ZoneCommercial

Import Export in SHAMS

Starting From

AED 6,150

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Sharjah

About Import Export

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and SHAMS is one of the most popular jurisdictions for import export operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Sharjah Media City gives your Import Export business access to Sharjah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. The Import Export activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up import export businesses in Sharjah Media City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why SHAMS for Import Export?

Choosing SHAMS for your import export business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers budget-friendly from aed 6,150, which is particularly valuable for import export operations. Additionally, fast setup process ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 2,500 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of SHAMS for import export professionals. Furthermore, no physical office requirement positions your import export business for long-term success in the region. With Sharjah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, SHAMS remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Sharjah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Budget-friendly from AED 6,150

Fast setup process

100% foreign ownership

No physical office requirement

Media and creative focus

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

For Italian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your import export business in SHAMS.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your import export company in SHAMS: Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Italian business structures.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Document attestation for Italian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Italy, (2) Attestation by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to import export businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Signed application form from SHAMS authority

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	6,150
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Flexi Desk	2,500
Shared Office	6,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 11,850

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your import export business plan and the best SHAMS licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the import export licence application to SHAMS. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official SHAMS trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your import export business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Import Export in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750