General Trading License
in Dubai
A General trading license in Dubai allows entrepreneurs to conduct trading without facing penalties.
Let's Talk
Free Consultation
General Trading License in Dubai: Costs, Steps and Setup Guide
Want to buy and sell many different products under one license? A general trading license in Dubai lets you do exactly that. With one license you can import, export, re-export, and sell goods across different categories, from electronics to clothing to packaged food.
Dubai rewards this kind of business. Wholesale and retail trade is the emirate's biggest economic sector. It hit AED 83.12 billion in the first nine months of 2024, about 24.5% of Dubai's GDP. In the same year, more than 70,500 new companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and trading led the pack.
This guide walks you through what the license covers, what it costs, the steps to get one, and how mainland and free zone options compare. We set up trading companies every week at A&A Associate, so the advice here is practical, not theory.
- One general trading license lets you trade many unrelated products under a single company.
- Costs run from about AED 12,500 in a free zone to AED 25,000 or more on the mainland. Most traders budget around AED 25,000 in year one.
- Free zones give you 100% ownership and a fast setup. The mainland lets you sell directly to the local UAE market.
- A few goods (alcohol, tobacco, medicines, cars, chemicals, weapons) need extra approvals.
- A clean application can be approved in about a week, and some free zones issue it in under an hour.
What Is a General Trading License in Dubai?
A general trading license in Dubai is a commercial trade license that lets one company trade in many kinds of goods. Think of a supermarket or an import-export firm that sells food, toys, and homeware all at once.
It is not the same as a regular trade license. A normal trade license ties you to one product group. If you hold a license for clothing, you cannot sell electronics too. A general trading license removes that limit. You can deal in almost any legal product under one roof.
On the mainland, the official activity code for this license is 4690018.
What You Can Trade
Most physical goods are fair game. A few examples:
- Electronics, mobile accessories, and computer parts
- Clothing, footwear, and textiles
- Furniture and homeware
- Packaged food, perfumes, and cosmetics
- Toys, pet supplies, and stationery
What Needs Extra Approval
Some goods are restricted. You can still trade them, but you need a special permit on top of your license:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Medicines and medical products
- Cars and vehicles
- Chemicals
- Firearms and weapons
If you plan to store or move frozen food, fresh produce, or bulk stock, you will also need proper warehouse space.
Why Get a General Trading License in the UAE?
Dubai is built for trade. It sits between Europe, Asia, and Africa, has two of the world's busiest ports and airports, and a customs process that moves fast. Demand is strong too. Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and millions of residents all rely on traders to keep shelves full.
Here is what makes the license worth it:
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Should You Pick?
This is the biggest choice you will make. It decides who you can sell to, what you pay, and whether you need an office. Here is a simple side-by-side.
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (e.g. IFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% in most trading activities | 100%, always |
| Sell to UAE Market | Yes, directly to anyone | Through a mainland distributor |
| Setup Speed | About a week | As fast as 60 minutes in some zones |
| Office | Needed (from year two for instant license) | Optional flexi-desk in many zones |
| Min. Capital | AED 300,000 stated in MoA (no bank deposit needed) | Usually none stated |
| Best For | Local retail, government contracts, shops | Import-export, e-commerce, overseas founders |
Short version: pick the mainland if you want to sell straight to the local market or open a shop. Pick a free zone if you trade across borders, sell online, or run the business from abroad. Dubai has more than 30 free zones, so the right one depends on your product and budget.
A general trading licence sounds like it means "anything goes." It doesn't. The two things that trip up new traders most are regulated goods and the customs import-export code. Sort both out before you sign your first supplier contract, not after.
How to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
Here are the six steps. A well-prepared file moves quickly.
- Pick Your Activities and Name
List the product groups you want to trade. Choose a company name that follows UAE naming rules, then reserve it.
- Choose Mainland or Free Zone
This sets your authority: DET for mainland, or a free zone authority. Confirm your legal structure, usually an LLC.
- Get Initial Approval
Submit your details and IDs for the first sign-off from the authority.
- Collect and Submit Documents
Passports, visa and Emirates ID copies, the MoA, and any extra papers your jurisdiction asks for.
- Sort Office and Customs
Get an Ejari-attested tenancy contract if you need an office, and register for an import-export code with Dubai Customs if you import goods.
- Pay and Collect Your License
Settle the license and issuance fees. You then receive your trade license, MoA, and share certificate.
Documents You Will Need
👤 Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy
- Residence visa copy (if already in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Two passport-size photos
- NOC from current sponsor, if a UAE resident
🏢 Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Good Standing or Incumbency
- Board resolution and power of attorney
General Trading License Cost in Dubai
Costs depend on your jurisdiction, visas, and office. Here is a realistic guide:
Mainland LLCs also state AED 300,000 of share capital in the MoA. You do not have to deposit it in a bank. A general trading license usually costs more upfront than a single-activity license because it covers far more. For most multi-product traders, that trade-off pays off fast.
How A&A Associate Helps
We handle the whole setup so you don't have to chase paperwork. That means name reservation, activity selection, document checks, and submissions to the government authorities. After your license is issued, we can help with visas and opening a corporate bank account.
Whether you want a fast free zone setup or a mainland trading company, our consultants and legal team make sure your file is right the first time.
Conclusion
📞 Ready to Start Trading in Dubai?
Partner with A&A Business Setup Experts — Dubai's trusted business setup consultants. Book a free consultation and get a clear quote for your general trading license. We'll map out your setup in one call.
General Trading Licensein Dubai
A complete checklist of documents required to establish a General Trading Company in Dubai, UAE.
- All shareholders and appointed manager
- Minimum 6 months validity required
- Recent color photographs
- White background required
- UAE Residence Visa copy
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate from current employer
- Required if shareholder holds a sponsored UAE work visa
- Proof of company registration in home jurisdiction
- Company objectives and governing rules
- Certified copy required
- Board approval to establish Dubai entity
- Appointment of company manager named
- Current directors and shareholders list
- Issued by registered agent or authority
- Corporate documents may require:
- UAE Embassy Attestation
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation
- Official Trade Name Reservation Certificate from DED
- Outline of all intended trading activities
- List of product categories to be traded
Mainland Companies
- Ejari-registered tenancy contract
Free Zone Companies
- Flexi-desk agreement
- Workspace agreement
Quick Checklist
How to Start a General Trading Business in Dubai
A general trading license allows you to trade multiple products under a single license, making it one of the most flexible and profitable business options in Dubai.
This video explains the cost, licensing process, approvals, and key requirements to start a general trading business in the UAE.
With expert guidance, you can set up your company faster, stay compliant, and scale your trading operations with confidence.
Faq
What is a general trading license in Dubai used for?
It lets one company import, export, re-export, and sell many different products under a single license. You can trade across categories, like electronics, clothing, and food, without opening a separate license for each one.
How much does a general trading license in Dubai cost?
It starts at about AED 12,500 in a free zone and runs to AED 25,000 or more on the mainland. Most traders budget around AED 25,000 in year one. Renewal is roughly AED 15,000 a year, depending on visas and office space.
How long does it take to get the license?
A clean, complete application is often approved in about a week. Some free zones, such as Meydan’s Fawri service, can issue a license in under 60 minutes once your documents and payment are in.
Should I choose mainland or free zone?
Pick the mainland if you want to sell directly to the UAE market or open a shop. Pick a free zone for import-export, e-commerce, 100% ownership, and a faster, cheaper setup. Free zone firms sell on the mainland through a local distributor.
What can I not trade with this license?
Most goods are allowed. Restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, medicines, cars, chemicals, and weapons need extra approvals from the relevant authority. You can still trade them once you hold the right permit.
Do I need to live in Dubai to open a trading company?
No. In free zones you can set up remotely and own 100% of the business without being a UAE resident. You can run it from abroad or hire a manager. You will still need to handle visas if you want UAE residency.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
Mainland LLCs state AED 300,000 of share capital in the Memorandum of Association, but you do not have to deposit it in a bank. Most free zones do not require any stated capital.
Can I trade online with a general trading license?
Yes. The license covers retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. You can sell through your own website or marketplaces, online and offline, as long as your products are within the license scope.
How many activities can one license cover?
A general trading license covers a broad range of goods under one entity. On the mainland, a license can typically hold up to 10 listed activities. Free zones often allow a wide activity list within one package.
Do I need an office?
On the mainland you generally need an office, though an instant license lets you skip it in year one. Many free zones offer a flexi-desk option, so a full office is optional when you start.
What is the difference between a trade license and a general trading license?
A trade license limits you to one product group. A general trading license lets you trade many unrelated products across industries under a single company. The general license has a much wider scope.
Can I get a Golden Visa with a general trading license?
It can support a 10-year UAE Golden Visa if you meet the investment or business criteria. The license itself does not grant the visa, but it can form part of an eligible setup.