Guidance

Doing business in Syria: Syria trade and export guide

Published 4 November 2025

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-syria/doing-business-in-syria-syria-trade-and-export-guide

1. Syria export overview

Syria offers a potentially high return market in which to do business despite a challenging and high-risk context.

The new Syrian government is working to deliver stability to Syria, including through political transition and economic recovery. For now, Syria remains a lower middle income country according to the World Bank, but there are commercial opportunities and likely a pipeline of new commercial opportunities to come.

Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Syria include:

  • a new government looking to facilitate external private investment and expedite public sector reform
  • a market which values British goods and services
  • the rapid return of Syrians to the country after over a decade of war enhancing potential economic output

Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Syria.

2. Challenges of doing business in Syria

Syria is a challenging market. Over a decade of conflict has heavily impacted the economy, causing a decline in both public and private investment.

The main issues are:

If you are considering entering the Syrian market, you should ensure you take the necessary steps to comply with the requirements of the UK Bribery Act. You can learn more about protecting your business from bribery and corruption on Business.gov.uk.

2.1 Security considerations

The security situation in Syria remains volatile and dangerous after over a decade of conflict and insecurity. Some areas within Syria are not under the control of the Syrian government, including northeast Syria and Suwayda province in southern Syria. Businesses should take this into account alongside UK travel advice when considering establishing operations in Syria.

3. Growth potential

3.1 Economic growth

Syria’s macro-economic picture is reflective of a country that has endured more than a decade of devastating civil conflict, but is, arguably, showing signs of recovery. The World Bank’s Macro Fiscal Assessment of Syria (June 2025) notes that Syria’s economy contracted by more than half between 2010 and 2024. Syria moved from being a low middle income country with Gross National Income (GNI) per capita edging towards $2,500 in 2010, to one with GNI per capita at $830 in 2024. The conflict left 90% of Syrians in poverty, with a quarter of the population now living in extreme poverty on less than $2.15 per day and 67% living on less than $3.65 per day – the lower middle income country poverty line.

Syria’s economy is set to grow by 1% in 2025 – a marked shift after years of decline. Growth remains stymied by an outdated financial system and a fragile security environment. The Syrian treasury is nearly empty, meaning financial risks with respect to large projects will likely sit with private sector investors. However, the Syrian Government introduced a new investment law in July which clearly aims at incentivising international investment.

3.2 Regional partnerships

The Gulf, Turkey, Lebanon and other countries in the Levant serve as potential gateways to Syria for larger companies based there, including UK companies unable to travel to Syria. However, Syrians emphasise the importance of being present in Syria to do business.

4. UK and Syria trade

Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Syria was £6 million in the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2025, an increase of 500% or £5 million at current prices from the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2024. Of this £6 million:

  • total UK exports to Syria amounted to £5 million in the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2025 (an increase of 400% or £4 million at current prices, compared to the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2024)
  • total UK imports from Syria amounted to £1 million in the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2025 (an increase of £1 million at current prices, compared to the 4 quarters to the end of Q1 2024)

5. Opportunities for UK businesses in Syria

Short-term opportunities centre around large-scale deals with the Government of Syria or its representatives addressing urgent needs in the country. Such investments should encounter fewer obstacles with respect to financial transactions. Sectors in this category include oil and gas, and infrastructure, such as electricity, water, transportation, financial services, and telecommunications.

5.1 Energy

Syria’s economy in general and particularly the energy sector is heavily dependent on oil. However, since April 2021 the UK government no longer provides support for fossil fuel projects overseas. This is part of the government’s objective to support the sector’s transition to green technology and renewable energy.

Contact ditmeap.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk for more information on oil and gas opportunities.

5.2 Infrastructure

Syria’s infrastructure needs significant reconstruction and renewal following over a decade of conflict.

Companies can play an important role in the design and construction of the following sectors:

  • water infrastructure
  • residential and non-residential buildings
  • telecommunications
  • power supply networks

Contact the export support team for more information on infrastructure opportunities.

5.3 Defence and security

There is a demand in Syria for UK defence, cyber and physical security sector equipment and expertise. With a growing number of companies looking to enter the Syrian market, there are also opportunities for security firms to ensure trade and business can function safely.

Contact the export support team for more information on defence and security opportunities.

Contact the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) to check your goods are meeting legal requirements for export.

5.4 Healthcare

The conflict has led to a significant shortage of medical and healthcare produce and expertise in Syria, as well as extensive damage to health infrastructure.

Specific areas of opportunity for UK businesses are:

  • building hospitals
  • medical equipment and training
  • pharmaceuticals (including generic brands)

Contact the export support team for more information on healthcare opportunities.

5.5 Financial services

Syria’s financial services industry is underdeveloped and requires significant reform.

Opportunities for UK business include:

  • advising the Syrian government on banking sector reform and financial services regulations
  • investment banking to meet the needs of global clients operating in Syria across various industry sectors, as well as local financing demands
  • budgeting reform and capacity building which will affect gold reserves and currency exchange

Contact the export support team for more information on financial and professional services opportunities.

6. Start-up considerations

The Syrian market is challenging. It’s more suited to medium to large sized companies with the capability and risk appetite to succeed in a tough market. You must have a proven track record in the Middle East and North Africa region to be likely to succeed here.

The principal options to establish a business in Syria are to:

  • participate in a local Syria company or entity (for example, joint venture)
  • establish a branch office
  • appoint a trusted and well-connected commercial agent or distributor

Contact ditmeap.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk for more information on Syrian business, trade and investment opportunities.

Companies looking to reduce risks to entering the Syrian market by arranging an appropriate level of private security and insurance may wish to contact the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG). SCEG is a grouping of security companies who can privately provide in-country services for the private sector.

6.1 Investment

Syria updated their Investment Law in 2025 to support revitalising the economy. As a result of the legislation changes:

  • the Syrian Investment Authority (SIA) has been detached from the Ministry of Economy and brought under the control of the Presidency
  • there are better guarantees on property rights
  • new investor service centres (one stop shops) established with streamlined licensing processes
  • tax and customs incentives have been expanded across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and transport
  • legal safeguards have been improved with arbitration options aligned with international standards offering investors greater security

You must comply with UK sanctions on business activity. Consult the sanctions guidance before doing business and seek in-country legal counsel on the best approach to doing business in Syria.

It is the responsibility of UK businesses to fully determine the extent of their specific risk exposure, and to develop an appropriate set of safeguards and controls tailored to their particular circumstances.

On 24 April 2025, the UK lifted sanctions on some sectors including trade, finance, transport (aviation) and energy production while maintaining sanctions that continue to hold Bashar Al-Assad and his associates to account. The UK also lifted sanctions on organisations previously linked to the Assad regime, including the Central Bank of Syria, the Syrian Ministry of Defence and Interior, top energy companies and media companies. These changes were intended to help facilitate essential investment into Syria and support the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy. The Government of Syria itself, including its ministries, is not designated under the UK Syria sanctions regimes or the UK counter-terrorism sanctions regimes. 

7.1 Standards and technical regulations

Syria is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Syrian Arab Organization For Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) has responsibility for quality control and standardisation issues.

7.2 Intellectual property (IP)

Syria is a signatory to the:

Enforcement of IP rights is challenging in Syria.

8. Business behaviour

The official language of Syria is Arabic.

The working week is Sunday to Thursday.

The Islamic dress code is not compulsory, but it’s advisable for women to dress conservatively.

9. Entry requirements and travel advice

Go to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) travel advice for entry requirements and travel advice to Syria. FCDO currently advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.

9.1 UK consular support

Consular support is not available from the UK government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

9.2 Travel insurance

If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. Have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place.

9.3 Visa requirements

You must have a visa to travel to Syria.

If you choose to travel to Syria against FCDO advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. You can apply for a visa and check the status of your visa application on the Syria Evisa platform.

It currently takes approximately 5 to 7 days for a visa application to be processed and a decision to be made. Note these times may vary. Contact the relevant interim Syrian authorities for further information.

10. Contacts

Contact ditmeap.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk for more information on Syrian business, trade and investment opportunities.

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