Transportation and Logistics
Freight Forwarding & Logistics Licence in Dubai 2026
Dubai is the logistics capital of the Middle East — Jebel Ali Port, two major cargo airports and a road network into the whole GCC make it the natural base for freight forwarding, warehousing and supply-chain businesses. To operate legally you need a freight forwarding or logistics licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET/DED), or from a logistics free zone, plus a customs broker code. Dubai Business Services sets up the right structure for how you actually move goods.
What the Licence Covers
With the correct activity codes, a logistics licence can cover freight forwarding (sea, air and land), customs clearing and brokerage, warehousing and distribution, third-party logistics (3PL), courier and last-mile delivery, and shipping-line or cargo agency services. Related activities can be combined on one licence.
Mainland or Free Zone?
- Mainland (DET): deliver and distribute anywhere in the UAE, serve local clients directly, and bid for local contracts. Many logistics activities allow 100% foreign ownership.
- Logistics free zones (e.g. Jebel Ali / airport free zones): excellent for international freight, re-export and warehousing with customs advantages; local UAE delivery is usually handled through the mainland or a partner.
DBS matches the jurisdiction to your cargo flows so you are not boxed out of the market you actually want to serve.
Requirements & Documents
- Passport copies of the shareholder(s) and manager
- Proposed trade names for reservation
- Tenancy contract / Ejari for office and any warehouse
- Memorandum of Association (for an LLC)
- A customs broker / import-export code for clearing and cross-border freight
Step-by-Step Process
- Reserve the trade name and select freight/logistics activity codes
- Obtain DET initial approval
- Sign the tenancy contract and register Ejari
- Sign the MOA and issue the DET trade licence
- Register a Dubai Customs code and open the establishment card for visas
Cost — What Drives the Price
Your total depends on the jurisdiction, the number of activities and visas, and whether you take warehouse space. Freight forwarding without heavy assets can start lean; adding a warehouse, fleet or many visas increases it. DBS gives you an itemised quote and a renewal estimate rather than a headline that hides the customs and warehouse line items.
Timeline
A freight forwarding licence is typically issued within a few working days once documents are ready; the customs code and any warehouse fit-out add a short step before you go operational.
Why DBS
DBS knows exactly which activity codes a forwarder, clearing agent or 3PL needs, and how to pair a mainland licence with free-zone advantages. We reserve your name, handle DET submission, register your Dubai Customs code, and get you moving cargo without regulatory delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs code for freight forwarding? Yes — clearing and cross-border freight require a Dubai Customs broker/import-export code, which DBS registers for you.
Can a foreigner own a logistics company in Dubai? In most cases yes — many mainland logistics activities now allow full foreign ownership. DBS confirms it for your activity.
Mainland or free zone for freight forwarding? Free zones suit international re-export and warehousing; mainland suits local UAE delivery and contracts. Many businesses use a combination — DBS advises the best fit.
Can I add warehousing and courier later? Yes — activities can be added to the licence as you grow.
