Third-port trading through a UAE entity — outside the scope of VAT entirely, at the crossroads of global trade.
Goods moving from your supplier's country straight to your buyer's country — never touching the UAE — sit completely outside the UAE VAT system. Not zero-rated: outside. If goods do transit the UAE for export, exports are zero-rated and input VAT on local costs is reclaimable.
The UAE has none.
First AED 375,000 of profit at 0%; Small Business Relief under AED 3M revenue (through end of 2026). Trading at serious scale? The 0% qualifying regime for goods distribution lives in designated zones — choosing the right zone before you incorporate is exactly our job.
The honest math: a trader clearing US$300K a year in margin on Brazil–China flows pays $0. At larger scale, the structure decides whether you stay at 0% — which is why the structure comes first.
First AED 375,000 of profit at 0% for everyone; Small Business Relief below AED 3M revenue is currently legislated through end of 2026. Conditions apply — keeping you inside them is our job.
Free zone company with a trading activity — remote, fast, low cost.
General trading activity — one license covering virtually any goods category.
Designated-zone entity for the 0% qualifying regime, warehouse options, and port proximity. We structure the transition when your numbers justify it.
Add an offshore holding above the trading company.
No. Third-port trading — supplier ships directly to your buyer — is standard practice and sits outside UAE VAT.
Commercial invoices, transport documents, and proof of export or delivery. Documentation requirements have tightened — keeping your file audit-ready is part of our compliance package.
Yes — and with the dirham pegged to the dollar, your UAE banking holds value against your invoicing currency.
Yes — banks everywhere scrutinize trade flows. The difference: we build your file so the story is coherent from day one — license activity, invoices, and money flow all matching.
Answer 5 questions. Get a personalized recommendation — which setup, which zone, what it costs — before you spend anything.
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