UAE
General Trading License
One licence covering a broad, unrestricted range of tradable goods.
Broad
Activity scope
100%
Foreign ownership
AED 12,500
Starting from (free zone)
24.5%
Of Dubai's GDP (trade sector)
Overview
Want to buy and sell many different products under one licence? A general trading licence in Dubai lets you do exactly that. With one licence 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, hitting AED 83.12 billion in the first nine months of 2024 alone — about 24.5% of Dubai's GDP. In the same year, more than 70,500 new companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, with trading leading the pack.
A general trading licence is a commercial trade licence that lets one company trade in many kinds of goods — think of a supermarket or an import-export firm selling food, toys and homeware all at once. It is not the same as a regular trade licence, which ties you to a single product group. A general trading licence removes that limit, letting you deal in almost any legal product under one roof. On the mainland, the official activity code for this licence is 4690018.
What You Can Trade
Most physical goods are fair game under a general trading licence.
Electronics & Computer Parts
Electronics, mobile accessories, and computer parts and peripherals.
Clothing & Textiles
Clothing, footwear, and textiles across categories.
Furniture & Homeware
Furniture, homeware and household goods.
Food, Perfumes & Cosmetics
Packaged food, perfumes and cosmetics.
Toys & Stationery
Toys, pet supplies and stationery.
Goods That Need Extra Approval
Some goods are restricted — you can still trade them, but only with a special permit on top of your general trading licence.
⚠ Restricted Goods — Special Permit Required
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Medicines and medical products
- Cars and vehicles
- Chemicals
- Firearms and weapons
Why Get a General Trading Licence in the UAE?
Dubai sits between Europe, Asia and Africa, with two of the world's busiest ports and airports and a customs process that moves fast.
Trade Many Products at Once
One licence, many product lines — no need to open a separate licence for each.
100% Foreign Ownership
In free zones, and in most mainland trading activities, you own the whole company.
Full Profit Repatriation
Send your money home with no forex limits — the dirham is pegged to the US dollar.
Low Taxes
No personal income tax, and a competitive corporate tax environment.
Easy Visas
Sponsor staff, and bring your spouse and children, once you meet the income rules.
Path to the Golden Visa
A trading business can support a 10-year Golden Visa if you meet the investment or business criteria.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Should You Pick?
This decides who you can sell to, what you pay, and whether you need an office.
| 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 licence) | 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 |
Pick the mainland to sell straight to the local market or open a shop. Pick a free zone to trade across borders, sell online, or run the business from abroad.
How to Get a General Trading Licence in Dubai
Here are the six steps. A well-prepared file moves quickly.
- 1
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.
- 2
Choose mainland or free zone
This sets your authority — DET for mainland, or a free zone authority. Confirm your legal structure, usually an LLC.
- 3
Get initial approval
Submit your details and IDs for the first sign-off from the authority.
- 4
Collect and submit documents
Passports, visa and Emirates ID copies, the MoA, and any extra papers your jurisdiction asks for.
- 5
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.
- 6
Pay and collect your licence
Settle the licence and issuance fees, then receive your trade licence, 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 Licence Cost in Dubai
Costs depend on your jurisdiction, visas and office. Mainland LLCs also state AED 300,000 of share capital in the MoA — you do not have to deposit it in a bank.
| Cost Component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Free Zone licence | From AED 12,500, depending on visas and package |
| Mainland licence | AED 25,000+, once office and fees are added |
| Year-one budget | ~AED 25,000, typical for most traders |
| Annual renewal | ~AED 15,000 approximate cost per year |
A general trading licence usually costs more upfront than a single-activity licence because it covers far more — for most multi-product traders, that trade-off pays off fast.
How Evolva Helps
We handle the whole setup so you don't have to chase paperwork.
Name Reservation & Activity Selection
We handle trade name reservation and select the right activity codes for your product range from the outset.
Document Checks & Submission
Our team checks every document and submits your application to the relevant government authority.
Fast, Flexible Free Zone or Mainland Setup
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.
Visas & Bank Account Support
After your licence is issued, we help with visa processing and opening a corporate bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your General Trading License setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
Related Services
Trade License
The legal permit that lets your company carry out a specified commercial activity anywhere in the UAE.
Ecommerce License
Sell products and services online legally in the UAE, across your own store, marketplaces and social channels.
Professional License
For consultants, specialists and service providers trading on professional skill rather than goods.
Ready to get started with General Trading License?
Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.