Dubai’s growing economy and prime location make it an ideal destination for UK entrepreneurs looking to start a trading business. A General Trading License in Dubai allows firms to trade a wide range of goods, from electronics to food products, without restrictions on product categories.
Whether you’re a startup or an established company, obtaining this license provides access to the UAE’s growing markets and global trade opportunities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of getting a General Trading License in Dubai, covering the requirements, costs, and benefits in 2025.
What is General Trading?
A General Trading License in Dubai allows businesses to trade a wide range of goods under a single license. With a Dubai General Trading License, companies can import, export, distribute, and sell various products, including electronics, textiles, food, and more.
This license is ideal for entrepreneurs operating in multiple industries without obtaining separate permits for each category. It is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or by free zone authorities for firms operating within designated free zones.
Key benefits of obtaining a General Trading License in Dubai:
- 100% foreign ownership in free zones
- No restrictions on the number of products traded
- Tax advantages and access to international markets
- Easy business setup and minimal restrictions
If you’re considering starting a trading business in the UAE, obtaining a Dubai General Trading License is a strategic move for long-term growth.
Why Do You Need a Dubai General Trading License?
A Dubai General Trading License is essential for businesses that want to trade multiple products across different industries. Here’s why you need one:
Trade a Wide Range of Products
A general trading license allows you to import, export, distribute, and sell various goods under one license. It covers industries such as electronics, textiles, food, and more.
Flexibility in Business Operations
Unlike other trade licenses restricting specific activities, a general trading license enables businesses to deal with diverse products without requiring multiple licenses.
Access to Local and International Markets
With this license, businesses can operate within Dubai, the UAE, and internationally, leveraging the city’s prime location and world-class logistics infrastructure.
100% Foreign Ownership in Free Zones
If you set up your company in a Dubai Free Zone, you can enjoy full ownership without needing a local sponsor.
Tax Benefits & No Currency Restrictions
Dubai offers a business-friendly environment with 0% personal and limited corporate tax and no restrictions on the repatriation of profits.
Investor Visa Eligibility
A general trading license allows business owners to apply for investor visas, making living and operating in the UAE easier.
Simple Setup Process
Dubai has streamlined the process of obtaining a general trading license, making it quick and efficient, especially with the help of business setup consultants.
What Kinds of Business Licenses Are Available in Dubai, UAE?
Dubai presents four primary business license types, complemented by specialised licenses in different economic zones. These main licenses are widely favored in Dubai Mainland.
Commercial Trade License
The commercial trade license is for businesses engaged in buying and selling goods, including activities such as trading, importing, exporting, renting, brokering, and more. A commercial trade license is still required for businesses in Dubai that trade internationally.
Professional Trade License
A professional business license is exclusively for businesses offering services to individuals or other companies. In Dubai Mainland, a professional license grants access to lucrative government contracts.
Industrial Trade License
Dubai’s industrial trade license serves businesses engaged in local manufacturing activities. You must own physical office space within the country to qualify for this license. The license allows you to import raw materials, process them, package them, sell them, and export finished products.
Tourism Trade License
The tourism license in Dubai is for tour-organizing businesses, a newer trade license in the UAE. The government implemented this license to oversee the UAE’s tourism sector, which is mandatory for travel agencies, hospitality establishments, tour operators, and related businesses.
How to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
Setting up a general trading business in Dubai is strategic, offering various opportunities in the region’s growing market. To obtain a General Trading License in Dubai, follow these essential steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Business Location
Dubai offers three main business jurisdictions: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore.
- Mainland: Ideal for unrestricted trading within the UAE and globally.
- Free Zone: Offers tax benefits but may have limitations on trading within the UAE.
- Offshore: No physical office is required in Dubai primarily for international trade.
For seamless domestic trading, a mainland general trading license is recommended. However, a free zone setup may be more suitable if cost savings and tax exemptions are priorities.
Step 2: Define Your Trading Activities
The UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) provides a list of authorized business activities. You can select up to 10 activities under a single license as long as they comply with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Certain activities, such as dealing in weapons or pharmaceuticals, require additional external approvals. Ensure your business activities align with the nature of your trade before submission.
Step 3: Choose a Business Name
Your company name must comply with UAE trade name regulations, which include:
- No offensive, religious, or geographical terms.
- No abbreviations or special characters.
- No resemblance to globally recognized brands.
- If using a personal name, it must be the full legal name.
- Six-month validity for approved names, requiring renewal.
Additionally, trademarks must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy to secure exclusive rights.
Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval
After finalizing your trade name and business activities, you must obtain initial approval from the relevant authority (DED for mainland businesses, Free Zone authorities for free zone setups).
Documents required include:
- Trade name reservation receipt
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Passport copies of shareholders
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable
Upon approval, you will receive a certificate stating that the authorities have no objections to your business setup.
Step 5: Secure Office Space
A physical office or warehouse is mandatory for a general trading business in Dubai. Options include:
- Mainland: Allows unrestricted access to warehouses and offices.
- Free Zones: Some allow virtual offices, while others require physical space.
Before applying for a license, register your lease agreement through Ejari, the UAE’s tenancy registration system.
Step 6: Submit Your General Trading License Application
With all the prerequisites in place, you can apply for your General Trading LLC License through the DED or the respective Free Zone authority. Ensure all documents are accurate and submit the required payments on time.
If your trading activities involve regulated goods, you may need additional approvals from authorities like Dubai Municipality or the Ministry of Health.
Get Expert Assistance
The process of setting up a business in Dubai can be streamlined with the help of business setup consultants like Shuraa Business Setup. They assist in documentation, approvals, and compliance to ensure a smooth licensing process.
Ready to start your trading business in Dubai? Let Shuraa UK guide you through the process.
Documents Needed for a General Trading License in Dubai
Below are the documents needed for a general trading license in Dubai:
- For Individual Shareholders
- Copy of passport
- Passport-size photo
- Copy of residence visa
- Copy of Emirates ID
- For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation
- Certificate of incumbency or equivalent
- Memorandum of association
- Board Resolution
These documents verify the company’s identity, residency, and legal existence and authorise trading activities.
Activities Allowed Under UAE General Trading License
While encompassing a wide range of activities, some common business endeavours permitted under a general trading license in Dubai include:
- Importing and Exporting
- Operating Retail Stores
- Online Selling
- Trading in Multiple Products
- Dealing with Medical Products (Subject to Dubai Health Authority approval)
General Trading License in Dubai Mainland
Dubai offers the flexibility to obtain a general trading license either on the mainland or within one of its Free Zones. Both options provide competitively priced packages customised to your company’s formation needs in the city.
General Trading License in Dubai Free Zones
In Dubai’s free zone jurisdictions, foreign investors can form companies. However, several authorities need a minimum share capital of AED 1 million to get a general trade license. However, the business and jurisdiction may impact expenditure.
Dubai General Trading License cost
Obtaining a general trade license in Dubai typically costs between AED 15,000 to AED 50,000, but this can vary based on several criteria. These include the company’s location, warehouse capacity, office space, any further approvals, business jurisdiction, and visa applications.
When you work with Shuraa’s expertise, you can be confident that your transactions will be transparent and genuine. We attentively manage all payments to obtain the most cost-effective general trade license in the UAE for you. Furthermore, there are no hidden costs involved with establishing a business in the UAE.
Obtain Your General Trading License with Shuraa UK
General trading licenses are among the most sought-after business licenses in the country and for good reasons. Securing the best deal for a general trading license in Dubai can be challenging. Therefore, reaching out to the right experts for proper advice and support in forming your company in a new country is crucial.
Shuraa UK has assisted foreign investors and entrepreneurs in establishing and managing their business ventures in Dubai and the UAE for over two decades. We’ve served 1,00,000+ entrepreneurs, both local and international, with their UAE company registration needs.
Our team of corporate advisors provide business setup services. Whether you have inquiries about obtaining a general trading license in Dubai or need guidance on opening a business bank account in Dubai, you can rely on us to offer the most transparent and reliable assistance.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between a General Trading License and a Regular Trading License?
The difference between a general trading license and a regular trading license are as follows:
General Trading License
- Allows trading across multiple industries and various products
- Higher cost but offers business diversification
Regular Trading License
- Limits trade to one sector and a specific product group
- Lower cost with no scope for diversification
Q2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Trade License in Dubai?
Typically, it takes 3–4 weeks to get a trade license, depending on document completeness and business activity. Ensuring error-free submission can speed up approval.
Q3. What is the Instant Trade License in Dubai?
The Instant License allows businesses to start operations within minutes, ideal for commercial and professional ventures. Expert guidance makes the process seamless.
