General Trading License in Dubai: The Complete 2026 Guide

In 2026, over 40% of all new mainland commercial licenses in Dubai fall under trading categories (Dubai Economy and Tourism, 2025). A general trading license in Dubai costs between AED 12,000 and AED 50,000 depending on setup type. Free zone routes can be approved in as few as 3 business days. Jebel Ali Port handles over 14 million TEUs annually (DP World, 2024). Dubai South Free Zone sits within a 145 sq km economic zone. These numbers matter because a general trading license in Dubai is one of the most commercially flexible structures in the UAE, covering import, export, and multi-category resale under a single registration.

This guide covers what a general trading license in Dubai actually includes, what it costs in AED, how mainland compares to free zone, the exact documents you need, and a clear process to get licensed. You'll also find out why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the fastest route for most entrepreneurs and SMEs in 2026.

What Is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license in Dubai is a commercial license issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (mainland) or a free zone authority that permits the holder to import, export, buy, and sell a wide range of goods across multiple product categories under one license, without needing separate approvals for each product type.

The Legal Definition and Issuing Authorities

A general trading license in Dubai falls under the commercial license category, not professional or industrial. It's governed by UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, which sets the legal framework for how trading entities are structured and registered across the country.

For mainland companies, Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) is the issuing authority. Free zone companies are licensed by their respective free zone authority, Dubai South, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), or DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), among others. Each issues its own commercial registration number, but the core multi-product flexibility remains the same.

• Issued by DET for mainland or by individual free zone authorities

• Classified as a commercial license (not professional or industrial)

• Authorises multi-product trading under one commercial registration number

• Governed by UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021

A practical example: a Dubai-based entrepreneur importing electronics from China, reselling furniture locally, and exporting cosmetics to Saudi Arabia can do all three under one general trading license issued by DET. That's the core appeal. You're not filing three separate applications, you're running three revenue streams from a single registration.

How It Differs from Other Commercial Licenses

• A general trading license covers hundreds of product categories; a specific trading license is limited to 1–3 approved activities

• A professional license covers services (consulting, design, IT); a general trading license covers physical goods

• An industrial license covers manufacturing; general trading covers buying and selling finished goods

• Broader scope means higher government fees than a single-activity license, but the trade-off is flexibility to pivot without re-licensing

Free zone general trading licenses carry the same multi-product flexibility but restrict direct trading inside the UAE mainland without a local distributor or a mainland branch. Worth factoring in early if your primary customer base is UAE-based retailers or government entities.

What Activities Does a General Trading License Cover?

A general trading license in Dubai covers the import, export, and resale of most physical goods, including electronics, foodstuffs, building materials, textiles, and machinery. It does not cover regulated items such as pharmaceuticals, weapons, or alcohol without additional special approvals from the relevant UAE regulatory authority.

Product Categories Typically Permitted

The permitted scope is broad. Under a standard general trading license in Dubai, you can trade in:

• Electronics and electrical equipment

• Foodstuffs and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods)

• Building materials and hardware

• Textiles, garments, and fashion accessories

• Machinery, tools, and industrial equipment

• Furniture and home goods

• Automotive parts and accessories

• Stationery, office supplies, and packaging materials

Here's a real-world scenario that shows how this plays out: an SME operator running a general trading company at Dubai South imports power tools from Germany, sells them locally to construction firms, and re-exports surplus stock to East Africa. That's three revenue streams from a single license. Dubai's Jebel Ali Port handles over 14 million TEUs annually, making it the world's ninth-busiest container port (DP World, 2024), proximity to that infrastructure is a genuine competitive advantage for any general trading operation.

What a General Trading License Does Not Cover

Not everything is included. These categories require separate approvals before you can trade:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices, require Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) registration

• Alcohol, requires a separate Liquor License from Dubai's relevant authority; not available to all business types

• Weapons and defence equipment, governed by UAE Strategic Goods Control regulations

• Financial services, insurance, and investment products, regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) or Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)

• Tobacco and e-cigarettes, require additional approvals from UAE federal authorities including the Ministry of Health

Free zone general trading licenses may carry slightly different approved activity lists depending on the free zone's sector focus. Always confirm your specific permitted goods list with the issuing authority before you start trading.

Mainland vs Free Zone General Trading License, Key Differences

A mainland general trading license lets you trade directly anywhere inside the UAE and with government entities, but requires a local office and DET approval. A free zone general trading license offers 100% foreign ownership and lower setup costs, but direct mainland trading requires a local distributor or a mainland branch.

Mainland General Trading License: Ownership and Market Access

Since the 2021 amendments to the UAE Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most commercial activities on the mainland, including general trading. UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 55 of 2021 expanded the list of activities open to full foreign ownership, removing the historical requirement for a local sponsor in most trading categories.

That's a significant change. You can now own your mainland general trading company outright, sell directly to UAE retailers, and bid on government contracts without an intermediary. The trade-offs are real though:

• A physical office or warehouse in Dubai is mandatory (Ejari-registered)

• Setup costs typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000+ depending on location and approvals

• Subject to UAE corporate tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (effective June 2023)

• Longer processing timelines versus free zone applications

Free Zone General Trading License: Speed, Cost, and Foreign Ownership

• 100% foreign ownership guaranteed, no local partner required

• Zero personal income tax; qualifying free zone income may attract 0% corporate tax under applicable free zone regimes

• Faster setup, some free zones approve licenses in 2–5 business days

• Lower all-in setup cost versus mainland in most cases

• Dubai South Free Zone is particularly well-positioned: adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, making it ideal for import/export-heavy general trading businesses

An overseas investor launching a Dubai-based general trading company to serve GCC markets can incorporate at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone in under a week, without a local partner, at a fraction of the mainland cost. Dubai South itself spans 145 sq km and was purpose-built for logistics and trade, Al Maktoum International Airport, which sits within the master plan, is projected to become the world's largest airport by capacity.

Mainland vs Free Zone: General Trading License at a Glance

A side-by-side comparison of key decision factors for entrepreneurs choosing between a mainland DET license and a Dubai South free zone license in 2026.

• Setup cost: Mainland AED 15,000–AED 30,000+ vs Free Zone from AED 12,000 all-in

• Setup timeline: Mainland 2–4 weeks vs Free Zone 3–5 business days

• Foreign ownership: Both now permit 100% (mainland since 2021; free zone since inception)

• UAE mainland trading: Mainland, direct; Free Zone, via distributor or branch

• Office requirement: Mainland requires Ejari-registered space; Free Zone offers flexi-desk

• Corporate tax: Both subject to 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (qualifying free zone income may be 0%)

Suggested alt text: Comparison table showing mainland vs free zone general trading license in Dubai across cost, timeline, ownership, and market access criteria, 2026.

Comparison grid showing five key decision factors between a mainland DET general trading license and a Dubai South free zone general trading license. Mainland vs Free Zone: General Trading License Dubai 2026 Factor Mainland (DET) Free Zone (Dubai South) Setup Cost AED 15,000–30,000+ From AED 12,000 all-in Setup Timeline 2–4 weeks 3–5 business days Foreign Ownership 100% (since 2021) 100% (always) UAE Mainland Sales Direct, no intermediary Via distributor or branch Office Requirement Ejari-registered space Flexi-desk available Visa Included in Package Separate cost Often bundled

Mainland vs free zone general trading license comparison, Dubai 2026. Sources: Dubai Economy and Tourism; Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.

How Much Does a General Trading License Cost in Dubai?

A general trading license in Dubai costs between AED 12,000 and AED 50,000 depending on mainland or free zone setup, office requirements, and visa packages. Free zone options such as Dubai South Business Hub start at a lower all-in figure and include a residence visa, making them the more cost-effective choice for most SMEs.

Mainland Cost Breakdown (AED)

Mainland costs add up across several line items. Here's what you're actually paying for:

• DET initial approval fee: AED 1,000–AED 2,000

• Trade name reservation: AED 620–AED 900

• License issuance fee: AED 8,000–AED 12,000 (varies by activity count and company type)

• Memorandum of Association notarisation: AED 1,000–AED 3,000

• Office lease (Ejari registration): minimum AED 10,000–AED 25,000 per year depending on location

• Residence visa per person: AED 3,000–AED 5,000 (not included in the license fee)

That Ejari-registered office requirement is the biggest hidden cost driver. You can't skip it on the mainland. Free zones, by contrast, often waive it entirely with a flexi-desk package.

Free Zone Cost Breakdown (AED), Dubai South as a Benchmark

• All-in packages at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone bundle the license fee, establishment card, flexi-desk allocation, and one residence visa into a single AED figure, calculate your trading license cost for current 2026 pricing

• No annual Ejari office lease required for flexi-desk packages

• Visa costs are included in standard packages, reducing first-year outlay significantly

• Renewal fees are lower than the mainland equivalent in most cases

• Free zone general trading licenses in Dubai typically save SMEs AED 15,000–AED 25,000 in first-year costs versus a comparable mainland setup

Documents Required to Apply for a General Trading License

To apply for a general trading license in Dubai you typically need a completed application form, passport copies of all shareholders and directors, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the applicant is a UAE resident employed elsewhere, a business plan or activity description, and proof of a registered office address or free zone flexi-desk agreement.

Core Documents for All Applicants

• Completed license application form, via the DET online portal for mainland, or the free zone authority's portal for free zone applications

• Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and the company manager, minimum 6-month validity required

• Passport-sized photographs of all shareholders and the manager

• Proposed trade name, at least three options ranked in order of preference

• Business activity description clearly stating general trading intent

Is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) Always Required?

A No Objection Certificate is required if you're currently employed in the UAE under a work visa and want to set up a company. Your existing employer issues the NOC confirming they have no objection to you holding a trade license. If you're setting up as a free zone company and your visa will be sponsored by the free zone, the NOC requirement from a previous employer may not apply. Confirm with your chosen authority before submitting.

Additional Documents Depending on Structure

• For an LLC (mainland): Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarised by a UAE Notary Public

• For a free zone company: Shareholder resolution or Articles of Association, template provided by the free zone

• Proof of registered office: Ejari certificate for mainland; flexi-desk or office agreement for free zone

• For corporate shareholders: parent company's Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, and board resolution, all attested and legalised by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, then counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Activity-specific pre-approvals: some goods categories require clearance from UAE federal ministries before the license is issued, confirm with DET or your free zone before submitting

Free zone applications are typically leaner. Dubai South Business Hub accepts digital document submission and does not require notarised MOAs for sole-shareholder structures, which cuts days off the process. For a full document checklist, see our guide on how to get a general trading license in Dubai.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a General Trading License in Dubai

Getting a general trading license in Dubai involves six steps: choose your jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), reserve your trade name, submit your application and documents, receive initial approval, sign your MOA or Articles of Association, pay license fees, and collect your license. Free zone routes can be completed in as few as 3–5 business days.

How to Get a General Trading License in Dubai (2026) 1ChooseJurisdiction 2ReserveTrade Name 3SubmitDocuments 4