A general trading licence lets one company import, export, and sell many unrelated product categories. That is why traders prefer it over single-activity licenses. This guide explains what a trading licence dubai setup costs, which activities it covers, and the steps to get licensed on the mainland or in a free zone.
What Is a General Trading License?
It is a commercial license issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) for mainland companies, or by a free zone authority. One license covers many product groups, so you avoid holding separate licenses for each category. It covers tangible goods, not services, and “general” does not mean unrestricted.
Activities Allowed
Some goods need extra permits or a separate license: alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, firearms, hazardous chemicals, and precious metals. Before applying for a trading licence dubai, match each product to an approved activity code.
The DET charges by activity group, so padding the license with unrelated activities raises your cost. Adding activities later costs roughly AED 500 to 2,000 per amendment. Common permitted categories include:
- Electronics and appliances
- Textiles, garments, and footwear
- Packaged food and beverages (halal-compliant)
- Furniture and home goods
- Building materials
- Machinery and equipment
- Auto spare parts
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Stationery and packaging
- Sports goods and toyst.
Cost of a General Trading License in Dubai
Consultant estimates vary, so treat these as indicative and request an itemized quote.
| Jurisdiction | License fee (AED/year) | Office | Est. first-year total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | 10,000–15,000 | Flexi-desk | 15,000–25,000 |
| Meydan Free Zone | 12,500–18,000 | Flexi-desk | 20,000–30,000 |
| IFZA | 14,000–22,000 | Flexi-desk | 22,000–35,000 |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | 15,000–25,000 | Physical office required | 35,000–70,000 |
| DMCC | 30,000–50,000 | Flexi-desk | 40,000–65,000 |
Costs beyond the license fee:
- Investor or employee visas: about AED 3,500 to 7,000 each
- Establishment card: AED 1,200 to 2,000
- Mainland only: DET market fee of 2.5% of annual office rent, and Chamber of Commerce membership (AED 1,200 to 3,000)
- Trade name, initial approval, and MOA notarization: a few hundred dirhams each
- Annual renewal, bank account setup, and insurance
Budget for the full first year, not the headline fee, because the real cost of a trading licence dubai is usually well above the advertised price.
Mainland vs Free Zone
- Mainland: Trade directly with UAE retailers, consumers, and government buyers. A physical office is generally required. Corporate tax is 9% on profits above AED 375,000.
- Free zone: Lower cost, flexi-desk options, and strong for export and re-export. The 0% corporate tax rate applies only to Qualifying Free Zone Persons on qualifying income, so it is not automatic.
- Mainland access: Under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, most free zone companies (DIFC excepted) can obtain a DET branch license or temporary permit to trade on the mainland.
- Ownership: Most commercial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. Confirm this for your specific activity, since older guides still mention local sponsors.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose your jurisdiction and activities.
- Reserve a trade name (1 to 2 days).
- Obtain initial approval (2 to 3 days).
- Draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (mainland LLCs).
- Secure an Ejari-registered office (mainland) or a flexi-desk (free zone).
- Submit documents, pay fees, and receive the license.
- Apply for the establishment card, investor visa, and Emirates ID (7 to 14 working days).
- Get a customs code if you import or export, then open a bank account.
Mainland licenses typically take 7 to 14 working days and free zone licenses 5 to 10, so most applicants hold a trading licence dubai within two weeks when documents are accurate.
Documents Required
- Passport copies with at least six months’ validity
- Trade name certificate and initial approval
- Memorandum of Association (notarized for LLCs)
- Ejari tenancy contract (mainland)
- NOC from an employer, if a shareholder is employed in the UAE
- Shareholder resolution, if a shareholder is a company
After You Get the License
- Renewal: Renew yearly, and start about 60 days early to avoid late penalties.
- Customs: Mainland entry of goods generally attracts duty of around 5% of CIF value.
- VAT: Register once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000.
- Corporate Tax: Register with the FTA and file annual returns.
- Banking: Corporate account approval often takes 3 to 6 weeks and is never guaranteed.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a free zone when most customers are in the UAE, or the reverse
- Listing unrelated activities “just in case”
- Mismatched names or passport details across documents, which can add 5 to 10 working days
- Ignoring hidden fees and VAT registration timing
- Assuming restricted goods are covered
Conclusion
A trading licence dubai gives you flexibility to trade many product lines from one company. Whichever route you choose, a general trading licence works best when your activity list is lean and accurate. Pick the jurisdiction that matches your customers, confirm activity codes before paying, and budget for the full first-year cost. Fees and rules change, so confirm current figures with the DET or your chosen free zone.
FAQs
Can I sell online with this license?
Yes, in most cases. Check that your e-commerce activity is included and whether your jurisdiction needs a separate e-commerce permit.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
There is usually no fixed minimum for the license itself. Some LLC structures or packages may specify share capital, so check with the authority.
Can I set up without living in the UAE?
Many free zones offer remote or non-resident setups. Mainland setups usually need notarized documents and a local Ejari office.
Can I hold both a free zone and a mainland license?
Yes. Many traders keep a free zone license for exports and a mainland entity or DET permit for local sales.
What happens if my license expires?
Late fees apply, and you cannot trade or process visas on an expired license. Renew promptly to avoid extra penalties.
