Selling in the UAE without a local company: your options (2026)
Yes, a foreign brand can sell in the UAE without setting up a company there. It needs a licensed local partner to import, register the products and put them on sale: an official importer, a distributor or an agent. That choice decides who holds the stock, the registrations and the relationship with points of sale.
Why a local partner is needed
To import into Dubai, a business needs a trade licence and a customs code, applied for on the Dubai Trade portal. Cosmetics and perfumes must also be registered with Dubai Municipality, through Montaji, by an eligible local entity. Without a UAE structure, these roles go through a partner.
Sources: Meydan Free Zone, “Customs code in Dubai” (accessed 18/10/2026) · Dubai Municipality, certified products
Option 1: an official importer
The official importer (importer of record) clears the goods in its own name and pays customs duty, generally 5% of the CIF value, and 5% import VAT. Depending on the contract, the brand can remain the owner of its stock, held by a logistician, and then sell to points of sale. Who pays what and who owns what is agreed in writing. Scena Distribution is being set up: Scena can become a brand’s official importer without buying its stock.
Sources: Dubai Customs, 5% customs duty on CIF value · Federal Tax Authority, 5% VAT (Federal Decree-Law 8/2017)
Option 2: a distributor
A distributor buys your products, imports them and resells them through its network. It is simple for the brand, but it weighs on the shelf price and keeps the relationship with retailers. Since Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 on commercial agencies, in force since 15 June 2023, the notion of commercial agent also covers distributors: exclusivity, duration and exit terms are negotiated before signing.
Sources: CMS, “New dawn for commercial agencies in the UAE” (Federal Law 3/2022) · Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, “New UAE Commercial Agencies Law comes into force”
Option 3: a commercial agent
An agent sells on your behalf without buying the stock. As a rule, only UAE nationals or companies they own can be registered as commercial agents; the 2022 law provides limited exceptions. It notably allows an agreement to end with twelve months’ notice, or as the contract provides.
Sources: CMS, “New dawn for commercial agencies in the UAE” (Federal Law 3/2022) · Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, “New UAE Commercial Agencies Law comes into force”
What about selling online?
Testing demand online is a good first step, but cosmetics and perfumes remain subject to registration and labelling, and you still need to know who imports and who sells. See our article on testing the UAE with e-commerce.
What about a free zone company?
A free zone company can import, but it generally sells into the local market through a distributor or an additional licence. Setting up a structure is better decided once sales justify it.
Sources: Meydan Free Zone, “Customs code in Dubai” (accessed 18/10/2026)
What the brand keeps
Your retail price, ownership of your stock and control of your registrations: who files, in whose name and how they are transferred back if you change partner. Put it in writing before the first filing.
Checklist
- 01Choose the route: official importer, distributor or agent
- 02Check the partner’s licence and customs code
- 03Agree in writing who files Montaji registrations, and in whose name
- 04Negotiate territory, exclusivity and exit terms
- 05Keep ownership of stock and control of the retail price
NoteThis is general orientation, to be checked with legal counsel or a licensed customs broker before any decision. Updated 18 October 2026.