A general trading license in Dubai empowers businesses to import, export, and trade a diverse range of products under a single license. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international investor, this license offers the flexibility to operate across various sectors, making it a popular choice for those aiming to tap into Dubai’s dynamic market.
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Table of Contents
Overview & Key Takeaways
A general trading license in Dubai and in the UAE enables businesses to deal in multiple product categories. These categories are electronics, furniture, textiles, foodstuffs. In return this allows a business owner a wider scope of business opportunity without needing multiple permits.
Whether you setting up in a free zone or on the mainland, this license allows you to operate in the UAE vibrant markets. This license is suitable for companies that want to deal in a wide range of trading activities and scale operations across regions.
Why Obtain a General Trading License in Dubai?
Flexibility in Trade Activities
A general trading license allows companies to import, export, and distribute various goods within the UAE and internationally. A commercial license which is for businesses trading in specific goods, a general trading license in UAE permits you to trade across multiple sectors under a one license that allows multiple activities.
Ideal for Business Setup in the UAE
For anyone starting a business in Dubai, this is a popular option to simplify licensing and increase operational flexibility. Whether you’re launching a trading business, a general trading company in Dubai, or setting up a general trading entity, this license accommodates both.
Trading License in Dubai Allows Global Scalability
A trading license in the UAE opens access to major trade routes, ports, and free zone jurisdictions that support imports, exports, and e-commerce logistics. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) also supports fast-track options for business setup in Dubai.
Mainland and Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
Dubai offers two primary jurisdictions to obtain a general trading license:
Mainland
- Trade freely within the UAE market
- Requires a physical office and, in some cases, a UAE national as a partner
- Greater access to local distributors and government contracts
Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership
- Streamlined processes for e-commerce and import/export
- Ideal for businesses focusing on international trade
- Many free zone offers include licensing, workspace, and UAE visas in packages
Mainland and Free Zone Comparison
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Market Access | UAE-wide | International & Free Zone only |
| Ownership | Local sponsor or 100% foreign (select cases) | 100% foreign ownership |
| Office Requirement | Mandatory | Flexi-desk/office options |
| Cost Range | AED 25,000 – 45,000 | AED 12,000 – 30,000+ |
| License Flexibility | High (trade + services possible) | High (trade + bundled packages) |
Benefits of a General Trading License
- Diverse Trade Possibilities: You can trade electronics, fashion, furniture, and more under a single license.
- Business Scalability: Suitable for startups and large enterprises aiming to scale globally.
- Tax Efficiency: Many jurisdictions offer 0% corporate and personal income tax.
- Reputation and Market Access: Operating from Dubai enhances global credibility.
- E-commerce Readiness: Ideal for online traders who need a reliable legal framework.
- Operational Flexibility: Easily add or remove business activities without major restructuring.
- Ease of Expansion: Open branches or expand to other emirates with streamlined approvals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup with a General Trading License
Step 1: Decide Jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone)
Evaluate your license for your business depending on your trade region, customers, and logistics model.
Step 2: Define Business Activities
Select from the types of general trading licenses and business activities in the UAE permitted under the law.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Select a name that complies with UAE naming regulations.
Step 4: Submit Initial Application
Submit the application for a general trading license through DED or your preferred free zone.
Step 5: Lease Business Premises
Choose an office or warehouse that meets authority requirements.
Step 6: Submit Required Documents
Documents may include shareholder passports, NOCs, business plan, lease agreement, and more depending on the process of obtaining a general trading license.
Step 7: Pay Fees and Obtain the License
License cost in Dubai depends on jurisdiction, visa needs, and facility types. This completes the process of opening a general trading company.
Step 8: Apply for Visas and Open Bank Account
Free zone company packages often include UAE visas, while mainland businesses must meet quota limits.
Cost of a General Trading License in Dubai
The trading license cost in Dubai varies depending on:
- Jurisdiction: mainland and free zone licenses differ
- Number of business partners
- Type of license (basic vs full-package)
- Location and lease terms
Estimated Range:
- Free Zone Licenses: AED 12,000 – AED 30,000
- Mainland Dubai: AED 25,000 – AED 45,000+
The cost of obtaining a general trading license may be higher if including warehousing, staff visas, and PRO services.
Benefits of a General Trading License
- License enables you to trade across multiple categories under a unified structure
- Ideal for companies with a general trading model to diversify offerings
- Great for import/export of goods listed in the license to/from within the UAE and outside
- Simplifies compliance through activities under a single license
- Supportive infrastructure for opening a general trading company and securing workspaces
General Trading License Checklist
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
- Chosen your jurisdiction: mainland or free zone
- Defined your business activities and selected trade categories
- Reserved a unique, compliant trade name
- Prepared all required documents (passport copies, business plan, etc.)
- Leased a physical office or flexi-desk, as required
- Submitted the initial application to the relevant authority
- Paid all applicable fees (license, registration, lease)
- Applied for visa quotas and established corporate bank account
Use this checklist to streamline your process and avoid delays in obtaining your general trading license.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a general trading license be used for online sales?
Yes. Especially in free zones, businesses can operate e-commerce platforms for global or regional trade.
Q: What are the trade activities allowed?
Most non-regulated goods are included. Restricted items require additional permits.
Q: What’s the difference between a general trading license and a specific license?
Yes, consultants and agencies specialize in guiding you through the options for obtaining a general trading license efficiently.
Q: What are “mainland and free” references in documentation?
This refers to businesses that hold permission to operate in both mainland Dubai and free zones through structured packages.
Q: Can I apply for multiple visas under one license?
Yes, depending on your office space and Free Zone or DED guidelines.
Q: Will I get assistance opening a business bank account?
Setup agencies like Prolink TFS assist clients in navigating banking requirements and documentation.
Conclusion: Why Apply for a General Trading License Now?
If you are an investor, entrepreneur, or international trader, a general trading license is one of the most versatile license types in the UAE. It allows you to trade in many sectors. It simplifies operations, and supports long-term growth.
By starting your general trading business license in Dubai, you will be tapping into a high-growth market and benefit from efficient business regulations, free zone jurisdictions, and global connectivity.
Our team is ready to help you obtain your general trading license and assist with the full process for obtaining a general trading license from licensing to leasing to visa processing.
Get your general trading license today and unlock new markets across the UAE and beyond.
Why Choose Prolink TFS for Your Business Setup?
At Prolink Transaction Follow Up Services (Prolink TFS), we specialize in business license registration, company formation, PRO services, and corporate compliance in Dubai and across the UAE.
Our Services Include:
- Mainland and Free Zone company formation
- Visa and residence permit processing
- Assistance with Emirates ID, status change, and entry permits
- End-to-end PRO services and ongoing compliance support
- Dedicated support for commercial license and general trading activities
- Help with opening UAE bank accounts, document attestation, and translation
Contact us today to explore tailored solutions for your business license and take advantage of Dubai’s growing global trade ecosystem.