Dubai International Advisory Consultants

Cost Calculator

General Trading License in Dubai, UAE

Start your trading business with a general trading license in Dubai, offering flexibility to trade multiple product categories, access to international markets, and a streamlined path to setting up a commercial business in one of the world’s most dynamic trade hubs.

Get a free consultation today

What is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license in Dubai is a commercial license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a designated UAE free zone authority, authorising a business to import, export, buy, and sell a wide range of goods under a single license. Unlike specialist trading licenses that restrict a company to a specific product category, a general trading license covers multiple product groups simultaneously, making it the most flexible commercial license available in the UAE.

The general trading license Dubai is the preferred license choice for entrepreneurs who want to trade across different sectors without the administrative complexity of holding separate licenses for each product type. A single general trading license allows your business to deal in electronics, textiles, food products, building materials, machinery, and more, all under one registered entity. This flexibility is one of the primary reasons it is the most commonly obtained commercial license in the UAE market.

General trading companies in Dubai can be established as mainland Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) under the DET, or as free zone companies under authorities such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, or Ajman Free Zone. The right choice depends on whether your primary market is within the UAE or international. Our business setup consultants in Dubai provide a free recommendation during the initial consultation based on your specific product categories and target customers.

Dubai’s General Trading License

What Activities Are Allowed Under a General Trading License in Dubai?

One of the most common questions from investors is exactly what they can trade under a general trading license in UAE. The answer is broad: almost any tangible product category is permitted under a single license, with a limited set of exceptions that require additional regulatory approvals. Here is a structured breakdown of what your license covers:

Product Category

Examples

Electronics and Technology

Computers, mobile phones, home appliances, components, accessories

Textiles and Garments

Clothing, fabrics, footwear, accessories, uniforms

Food and Beverages

Packaged food, beverages, spices, dry goods (halal-compliant products)

Furniture and Home Goods

Office furniture, household items, decor, soft furnishings

Building Materials

Steel, cement, tiles, pipes, fittings, glass, insulation

Automobiles and Spare Parts

Car parts, accessories, lubricants, tyres, batteries

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Skincare, perfumes, toiletries, hair care, beauty products

Machinery and Equipment

Industrial tools, agricultural equipment, construction machinery

Stationery and Office Supplies

Paper, packaging materials, office equipment, writing instruments

Sports and Recreation

Sports equipment, outdoor gear, fitness accessories, toys

Products Requiring Additional Approvals

  • Alcohol and tobacco: require Ministry of Economy permit in addition to the general trading license
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: require Dubai Health Authority (DHA) registration and import permits
  • Firearms and ammunition: require Ministry of Interior licensing, not covered under general trading
  • Hazardous chemicals: require separate environmental permits from relevant regulatory authorities
  • Precious metals and gemstones: require a commodity-specific license from DMCC or relevant authority

For businesses unsure whether a specific product falls within the permitted scope of a general trading license in Dubai, our team reviews your exact product list against DET activity codes before you commit to a license structure, eliminating the risk of applying for the wrong license type.

Benefits of Getting a General Trading License in Dubai

A Dubai general trading license delivers a set of competitive advantages that make it one of the most practical license structures available in the UAE business environment:

  • Trade multiple products under one license: A general trading license eliminates the need to obtain separate licenses for each product category, reducing your annual licensing cost and administrative complexity significantly compared to holding multiple specialist licenses.
  • 100% foreign ownership: Whether you set up on the mainland or in a UAE free zone, foreign nationals can own 100% of their general trading company without requiring a local UAE partner. This applies to both general trading license UAE free zone setups and mainland LLCs since the 2021 ownership reforms.
  • UAE market access and international trade: A mainland general trading licence in Dubai allows direct trade with UAE consumers, retailers, and government entities. Free zone trading licenses are optimised for import/export and international supply chain operations.
  • Tax efficiency: General trading companies licensed in UAE free zones benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. VAT at 5% applies to most local goods sales, but exports outside the UAE are zero-rated, meaning no VAT on international shipments.
  • Import and export without customs duties: Free zone general trading companies enjoy duty-free import and re-export within the zone, significantly reducing landed cost for international traders using Dubai as a distribution hub.
  • Access to UAE banking infrastructure: A UAE-registered general trading company opens corporate bank accounts with access to the UAE’s mature, internationally connected banking system, including multi-currency accounts and trade finance facilities.
  • Flexible activity scope: You can add or amend trading activities to an existing general trading license through a straightforward DET amendment process, allowing your business to evolve without requiring a completely new license application.

Why Dubai is a Global Hub for General Trading Businesses

Dubai’s position as the world’s most connected trade hub is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate government investment in infrastructure, policy, and business environment design specifically to attract international trading companies. For anyone considering a general trading business in Dubai, these are the structural advantages that make the city outperform every alternative in the region:

  • Strategic geographic location: Dubai sits at the junction of Europe, Asia, and Africa, within a four-hour flight radius of markets covering over three billion people. This position gives Dubai general trading companies access to supply chains, buyers, and logistics networks that no other city can replicate.
  • Jebel Ali Port: One of the world’s top ten container ports by volume, Jebel Ali provides general trading companies with direct access to global shipping routes, bonded warehousing, and the full JAFZA free zone ecosystem.
  • Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International: Two international airports with world-class air cargo facilities make Dubai the natural hub for time-sensitive general trading goods including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value consumer products.
  • Business-friendly regulatory environment: The UAE government consistently ranks in the top tier globally for ease of doing business. Licensing timelines, digital government services through DubaiNow and EmaraTax, and single-window registration portals make setting up and maintaining a general trading company straightforward.
  • Zero personal income tax: Shareholders and employees in Dubai pay no personal income tax on earnings, making the total cost of business ownership lower than in most comparable global trade jurisdictions.
  • Free trade agreements: The UAE has signed comprehensive free trade agreements with India, Indonesia, Israel, and is expanding its network across ASEAN and African markets, giving general trading companies in Dubai preferential market access terms unavailable to competitors based elsewhere.

Free Zone vs Mainland: Which is Best for Your General Trading License?

The most important structural decision in your general trading license Dubai setup is whether to register in a free zone or on the mainland. Each structure has specific advantages, and the right choice depends entirely on your target customer and supply chain model:

Free Zone General Trading License

  • Best for: International importers, exporters, and re-exporters primarily targeting markets outside the UAE
  • Cost: Starting from AED 10,000 with flexi-desk arrangements available (no dedicated office required)
  • UAE market access: Requires a local distributor or mainland agent to sell directly to UAE consumers
  • Tax: 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income; exports zero-rated for VAT
  • Popular free zones: IFZA (international business, holding companies), Meydan (startups, cost-effective), Ajman (lowest entry cost), DMCC (commodity trading, premium ecosystem)
  • Setup link: See our dedicated Dubai free zone company formation page for a full free zone comparison

Mainland General Trading License (DET)

  • Best for: Businesses targeting UAE consumers, retailers, malls, supermarkets, and government entities directly
  • Cost: License from AED 15,000 per year; physical office mandatory (adds AED 15,000 to AED 80,000 annually)
  • UAE market access: Trade directly with any UAE buyer without a distributor
  • Tax: 9% corporate tax applies on taxable profits above AED 375,000 per year
  • Ownership: 100% foreign ownership permitted for commercial trading activities since 2021
  • Setup link: See our Dubai mainland company formation page for the full mainland process

Many growing businesses hold both: a free zone general trading licence in Dubai for international operations, and a mainland entity for local UAE distribution. We help clients structure this arrangement to optimise tax position and operational efficiency across both jurisdictions.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a General Trading License in Dubai

Here is the exact process our team follows for every general trading license in Dubai application, with realistic timelines based on current DET processing standards:

  1. Define your business structure and jurisdiction: Choose between mainland DET and your preferred free zone based on whether your customers are primarily in the UAE or internationally. This single decision determines your total cost, tax position, and operational flexibility from day one.
  2. Reserve your trade name: Submit three proposed company names to the DET or free zone authority for approval. Names must comply with UAE naming rules: no religious references, no offensive language, no identical names to existing registrations. Timeline: 1 to 2 working days.
  3. Obtain initial DET approval: The DET issues an Initial Approval Certificate confirming your business activity is accepted before legal documents are drafted. Cost: approximately AED 150 to AED 500. Timeline: 2 to 3 working days.
  4. Draft and notarise the MOA: For mainland LLCs and multi-shareholder structures, a Memorandum of Association defining ownership and business activities must be drafted in Arabic, signed by all shareholders, and notarised at a Dubai Notary Public. Timeline: 2 to 3 days.
  5. Secure office space and register Ejari: Mainland companies require a physical office with an Ejari-registered tenancy contract. Free zone companies typically use a flexi-desk arrangement included in the license package. Timeline: 3 to 5 days for office sourcing and Ejari registration.
  6. Submit documents and pay DET licensing fees: We submit the complete application package including MOA, initial approval, Ejari, and passport copies to the DET for final license issuance. Timeline: 1 to 2 working days after submission.
  7. Process investor visa and Emirates ID: Once the license is issued, apply for your investor residence visa through GDRFA Dubai, complete your DHA medical fitness test, and obtain your Emirates ID through ICA. Timeline: 7 to 14 working days.

Documents Required for General Trading License in Dubai

Having a complete, correctly prepared document package before submitting to the DET is the single biggest factor in avoiding processing delays. Here is the full checklist for a standard general trading license in Dubai UAE application:

Personal Documents

  • Passport copies of all shareholders and directors with a minimum of six months validity remaining
  • Emirates ID copies for any UAE-resident shareholders or directors
  • UAE residence visa copies for existing UAE residents involved in the company
  • No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer for any UAE-employed shareholders

Business Documents

  • Trade name reservation certificate confirming DET approval of your company name
  • Initial Approval Certificate from the DET confirming your trading activities are accepted
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafted in Arabic, signed by all shareholders, and notarised
  • Tenancy contract for your office space, registered with Ejari (mandatory for mainland applications)

Supporting Documents

  • Bank reference letter from your existing bank confirming your account is in good standing
  • Business plan for regulated activities or for free zones that require operational documentation
  • Shareholder resolution authorising company formation, required when any shareholder is a corporate entity

Cost of General Trading License in Dubai

The cost of a general trading license in Dubai varies across jurisdictions. Here is a transparent breakdown of starting costs and estimated first-year totals across the most popular options:

Jurisdiction

License Cost (AED/yr)

Office Requirement

Estimated Total First Year

Ajman Free Zone

10,000 – 15,000

Flexi-desk available

AED 15,000 – 25,000

Meydan Free Zone

12,500 – 18,000

Flexi-desk available

AED 20,000 – 30,000

IFZA Free Zone

14,000 – 22,000

Flexi-desk available

AED 22,000 – 35,000

Dubai Mainland (DET)

15,000 – 25,000

Physical office required

AED 35,000 – 70,000

DMCC Free Zone

30,000 – 50,000

Flexi-desk available

AED 40,000 – 65,000

Hidden Costs to Budget For

  • DET Market Fee (mainland only):5% of annual office rent, charged on top of the license fee. A AED 30,000 per year office generates an additional AED 750 Market Fee annually
  • Chamber of Commerce membership: AED 1,200 to AED 3,000 per year, mandatory for all mainland DET companies
  • Establishment Card: AED 1,200 to AED 2,000 one-time fee, required before any visa applications
  • License amendment fees: Adding new trading activities to an existing license costs AED 500 to AED 2,000 per amendment at the DET
  • Annual renewal: Renewal cost is similar to the initial license fee each year. Budget for renewal 60 days in advance to avoid late penalty fees of AED 750 per month on an expired license

Factors That Affect Your Total Cost

  • Jurisdiction choice: mainland licenses cost more in year one due to office rent; free zone licenses have lower overhead
  • Number of shareholders: additional shareholders may add notarization and documentation costs
  • Number of visas: each investor or employee visa adds AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 to setup costs
  • Activity complexity: general trading licenses with additional regulated activities require supplementary approvals with associated government fees

How Long Does It Take to Get a General Trading License in Dubai?

Timeline is one of the most practical concerns for anyone starting the general trading license Dubai process. Here is an accurate breakdown by stage, based on current DET and free zone processing standards:

Stage

Timeline

What Happens

Trade Name Reservation

1 – 2 days

DET approves your proposed company name

Initial DET Approval

2 – 3 days

Preliminary approval for your business activity

Document Preparation

2 – 5 days

MOA drafting, passport attestation, Ejari coordination

Office Lease and Ejari

3 – 5 days

Physical office secured and registered with RERA (mainland only)

License Issuance

1 – 2 days

DET issues your general trading license after fee payment

Investor Visa Processing

7 – 14 days

GDRFA entry permit, DHA medical, ICA Emirates ID

Total (License Only)

7 – 14 working days

Mainland DET license. Free zone licenses: 5 – 10 days.

The fastest general trading license in UAE setups are through digital-first free zones like Meydan and IFZA, where license issuance can be completed in as little as 5 working days when documents are ready at the start. Mainland DET licenses with Ejari requirements typically take 7 to 14 working days. Working with experienced business setup consultants in Dubai who manage submissions directly compresses timelines by running parallel steps wherever the DET process permits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a General Trading License

Most delays and additional costs in the general trading license Dubai process stem from a small set of avoidable mistakes that experienced consultants catch before they cause problems:

  • Choosing the wrong jurisdiction: Selecting a free zone when your primary customers are in the UAE means you cannot sell to them directly without a mainland distributor. Selecting mainland when you primarily export means paying for an expensive physical office you do not operationally need.
  • Applying for a specialist license instead of general trading: Some investors apply for a single-category commercial license when a general trading license would cover all their intended product lines at a lower annual total cost. Upgrading later requires a separate application and additional fees.
  • Mismatched document information: Names, addresses, and passport numbers must match exactly across all documents. A single discrepancy between your passport, MOA, and Ejari triggers a rejection that adds 5 to 10 working days to your timeline.
  • Not budgeting for the DET Market Fee: The 2.5% market fee on annual office rent is a mandatory cost that many setup guides omit. Failing to budget for it causes cash flow surprises at license issuance.
  • Ignoring VAT registration timing: General trading companies crossing the AED 375,000 taxable turnover threshold must register for VAT within 30 days. Missing this deadline triggers an immediate AED 20,000 penalty. Our VAT consultants in Dubai manage this proactively.
  • Underestimating banking timeline: UAE corporate bank account approval for general trading companies typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after license issuance. Plan your operational launch timeline with this in mind and begin the banking process immediately after license receipt.
  • Adding too many activities at setup: The DET charges per activity group. Listing 20 unrelated product categories to future-proof the license inflates your initial license cost unnecessarily. Focus on your actual initial trading categories and amend later as needed.

Why Choose Professional Business Setup Consultants in Dubai

Setting up a general trading company in Dubai involves coordinating between the DET, MOHRE, GDRFA, ICA, and DHA across a timeline where each step depends on the last. A single missed document, mismatched detail, or wrong activity code resets the timeline and generates additional government fees. Professional business setup consultants in Dubai remove this risk entirely by managing the entire process with direct authority access and established submission relationships.

  • Activity mapping before application: We review your exact product list against DET activity codes before any fees are paid, ensuring your license covers everything you intend to trade and nothing requires a separate approval.
  • Jurisdiction recommendation: We recommend mainland versus free zone based on your actual customer base, not a generic answer. If IFZA is right for you, we tell you. If a mainland DET license with Ejari is necessary for your trade model, we say so clearly.
  • End-to-end document management: From trade name reservation to license issuance, MOA notarization, Ejari registration, and investor visa processing, we manage every submission. You receive your license without visiting any government office.
  • Ongoing compliance support: Our accounting services in Dubai team handles your annual license renewal, VAT filing, and WPS payroll compliance, keeping your general trading company fully compliant without demanding your personal time.

Start Your General Trading Business in Dubai with Expert Guidance

Dubai International Advisory Consultants has helped 500-plus businesses obtain their general trading license in Dubai across mainland and free zone jurisdictions since 2010. Whether you are a UK-based entrepreneur entering the UAE market, an international trader building a distribution hub in Dubai, or a UAE-based business expanding your product range under a general trading structure, our team handles every step with speed, accuracy, and full compliance.

From your initial jurisdiction recommendation through to license issuance, visa processing, and annual renewal, Dubai International Advisory Consultants is your single point of contact for everything your general trading business needs to operate legally and efficiently in the UAE. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised cost estimate for your specific product categories and target market.

Get Free Consultation

Our Services

About the Author

Adil Ahmad is a UAE business setup and trade licensing specialist at Dubai International Advisory Consultants with 14 years of experience in general trading license Dubai applications, DET commercial licensing, and free zone company formation across IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, and Ajman. He has guided over 500 entrepreneurs through the complete general trading license in UAE process from activity selection to license delivery and ongoing compliance management.

+971 568072491

Got Questions? Contact Us

Scroll to Top