Business setup · Trade & commerce
How to Set Up a Logistics or Freight Company in the UAE
A logistics company in the UAE is licensed for activities such as freight forwarding, warehousing or transport, usually in a port or airport free zone or on the mainland. Land transport activities need approval from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, air cargo activities need the General Civil Aviation Authority, and moving goods requires customs registration.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Typical activities
- Freight forwarding, warehousing, land transport, courier
- Land transport
- Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure approval
- Air cargo
- General Civil Aviation Authority approval
- Customs
- Registration with the emirate’s customs authority
- Popular zones
- JAFZA, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai South, KEZAD
What do you need to know first?
Logistics covers very different businesses: an asset-light freight forwarder needs an office and customs access, while a warehousing or trucking company needs land, vehicles and many staff visas. The activity list and approvals follow from which of these you are.
Port and airport free zones such as JAFZA, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai South and KEZAD are built for logistics, with customs-bonded warehouses and direct port or airport access. Domestic distribution and last-mile delivery to UAE customers usually involve a mainland licence.
Many logistics groups use two entities: a free zone company for bonded storage and re-export, and a mainland company for local delivery. Setting them up in the right order, and pricing services between them at arm’s length, keeps customs, VAT and corporate tax clean.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Warehouse staff and drivers add visa needs quickly. Warehouses and land support larger visa allocations than offices.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Define the service
Forwarding, warehousing, transport or courier.
-
02
Check approvals
Land transport and air cargo need federal approvals.
-
03
Choose zone and premises
Office, warehouse or land near the port or airport.
-
04
License and register with customs
Obtain the licence and customs code.
-
05
Fleet and staff
Register vehicles where required and sponsor staff visas.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Define whether you are asset-light or asset-heavy (vehicles, warehouses).
- 02
Identify the federal approvals for land transport or air cargo.
- 03
Choose a zone beside the port or airport you use most.
- 04
Register with customs before handling shipments.
- 05
Plan driver licensing, vehicle registration and insurance.
Frequently asked
Questions about logistics & freight in the UAE
Do freight forwarders need a special licence in the UAE?
They need a licence covering freight forwarding and a customs registration. Air cargo activities also need General Civil Aviation Authority approval.
Which free zone is best for logistics?
JAFZA for sea freight beside Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai South for air freight, and KEZAD for Abu Dhabi port-side operations.
Do I need approval for a trucking company?
Land transport activities require approval from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in addition to the trade licence and any local transport authority requirements.
Can a free zone logistics company deliver to UAE customers?
Domestic distribution to mainland customers usually needs a mainland licence or a permitted arrangement. Confirm the model before licensing.
Is a freight forwarder the same as a logistics company?
A freight forwarder arranges transport and documentation; a logistics company may also own vehicles or warehouses. The licensed activities and approvals differ.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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