Sea Cargo Services licence in the UAE
Sea Cargo Services licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.
- IFZA (Dubai)
- 5224002
- Ajman Free Zone
- AM-02940
- Dubai mainland (DET)
- 5224002
Regulator approval required
What the authority says
Includes firms specialized in sea shipping of imported and exported goods. The role of such firms is to receive goods from different parties to arrange for shipping as well as handling all related services such as storage, packing, unloading and sorting out. The tasks of these firms involve also contacting shipping companies or agents to reserve spaces in ships and boats and arranging the insurance formalities.
IFZA activity catalogue · synced 5 September 2026
Where you can licence this
| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Listed | Code5224002 | Licence typeCommercial | ApprovalRequired before the licence issues | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Ajman Free Zone | Listed | CodeAM-02940 | Licence typeServices | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityOffice |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Listed | Code5224002 | Licence typeCommercial | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.
Routes that list this activity
- IFZA (Dubai)Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 12,900
Updated
Open guide - Ajman Free ZoneLower cost, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 5,555
Updated
Open guide - Dubai mainland (DET)Onshore trading rights, Ejari premisesFrom, no visaAED 14,000
Updated
Open guide
A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.
Additional conditions
- Ajman Free Zone ISIC code
- 5224002
Facility and premises restrictions
- Ajman Free Zone AM-02940 facilities
- Office
Third-party approvals
Dubai Ports Authority
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
We would like to inform you that one or more of the activities selected for the license require approval from the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA). This approval is mandatory and must be obtained before the issuance or renewal of the license. Required Documents issued by IFZA: • Initial Approval (or trade license for existing company) • TPA letter (for each regulated activity) How to Apply for DPA Approval: 1. Register the company online through the PCFC portal: https://online.trakhees.ae/oaservices/nonclient/company/register/verifyLicense/form.htm While registering: . Select DSOA as the authority. . Choose “Ports & Maritime” as the role. 2. Once your username and password are approved, log in at https://online.trakhees.ae/oaservices/login/form.htm Navigate to DPA Services > New NOC Request > New NOC for Marine Activities, and select the relevant activity title. 3. You will be prompted to upload the required documents (TPA letter and initial approval). 4. Additional documents or forms may be requested by DPA. These will be shared directly with the applicant. Important Notes: • The initial approval will be provided by IFZA once the license passes the mandatory security checks • DPA process Timeline: 1-3 working days. • Fees: AED 600 (payable directly to the regulating authority). • Approval must be renewed annually at the same cost. For assistance with the application process or any technical issues, please contact the DMA website support team directly. For any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist.
Free zone or mainland
- Both IFZA in Dubai and Ajman Free Zone list this activity, so the choice is a Dubai licence address against a lower package cost.
- Dubai mainland under DET lets you invoice UAE mainland clients directly, but it expects Ejari-registered premises and runs longer than a free-zone desk package.
- Dubai Ports Authority clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.
Also catalogued elsewhere
The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.
- DMCC6301-04 · Service
- Meydan Free Zone5224.96
Related activities
- Air Cargo ServicesIFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Cargo Loading & Unloading ServicesIFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Goods Land Shipment ServicesAjman Free Zone
- Sea Shipping Lines AgentsIFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Air Cargo AgentIFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading ServicesIFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)
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FAQ
Can I add more activities to a Sea Cargo Services licence later?
Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.
Does this activity need third-party approval?
Yes. Dubai Ports Authority must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.
Licence Sea Cargo Services with Dubai Setup Index
Compare free-zone and Dubai mainland requirements for costs, premises and how you invoice.