Topic Summary
What Is General Trading License Dubai and Why It Matters
A general trading license in Dubai is a free zone or mainland permit that lets a company buy, sell, import, export and re-export a range of unrelated, non-restricted goods under one license. It suits traders who want product flexibility.
General Trading License Coverage: Product Categories at a Glance
General Trading License Coverage: Product Categories at a Glance
What Products Can I Trade General License Dubai Holders Rely On Most
Holders mostly trade fast-moving consumer products, electronics accessories, home goods, office supplies and construction accessories. The best fit is any non-restricted good you can describe within your listed activity codes.
Five-Stage Process to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
To get a general trading license in Dubai, choose activity codes, select a license type, submit documents, pay fees, then receive your license and visa eligibility. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone runs this as one digital application.
What a General Trading License Does Not Cover
A general trading license does not automatically cover food, medicines, firearms, tobacco, hazardous chemicals or certain precious items. These need specific codes or regulator approvals. It also excludes unrelated professional services.
Costs, Visas and Choosing the Right License Type
General trading licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year, with residency visa packages tied to the license. Final cost depends on activity codes, office option and visa quota.
Your Next Step
Now you know what is general trading license dubai holders get: flexible coverage of non-restricted goods and clear exclusions. List your products, confirm codes, then speak with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone about a license and visa package.
Dubai records over 40,000 new company registrations a year (Dubai Chamber, 2024). Many new traders ask the same thing first: what can my license let me sell? This guide explains what is general trading license dubai, what it covers, and what it doesn't.
What Is General Trading License Dubai and Why It Matters
A general trading license in Dubai is a free zone or mainland permit that lets a company buy, sell, import, export and re-export a range of unrelated, non-restricted goods under one license. It suits traders who want product flexibility.
How a General Trading License Works
One license lists several activity codes across product groups. Picture a new entrepreneur importing home accessories, stationery and packaging under one license instead of three. You select activities at application, and they must match what you actually trade.
Why New Traders Choose It
Test product lines without re-licensing.
One renewal and one compliance file.
Add building accessories after six months, if codes allow.
Not sure about limits? Read whether you can trade any product on a general trading license.
General Trading License Coverage: Product Categories at a Glance
General trading license coverage typically includes consumer goods, electronics accessories, household items, building accessories, packaging, textiles and stationery. Regulated goods usually need extra approvals or a dedicated activity license.
Product Categories Typically Covered by a General Trading License
Product Category | Typical Examples | Extra Approval Needed? |
|---|---|---|
Consumer goods and gifts | Kitchenware, gift sets, toys | No, if codes are listed |
Electronics accessories | Phone cases, chargers, cables | Sometimes, for wireless devices |
Household and furniture items | Storage units, home decor | No |
Building and decoration accessories | Fittings, tiles, door handles | No, for non-hazardous items |
Packaging, stationery and textiles | Boxes, notebooks, linens | No |
Confirm final activity codes with the free zone authority before applying. The codes on your license define your legal scope.
When a Specialised License Fits Better
High-volume, single-category traders gain from activity-specific codes. A machinery wholesaler, for instance, needs a dedicated industrial code. See general trading license vs activity-specific license for the comparison.
What Products Can I Trade General License Dubai Holders Rely On Most
Holders mostly trade fast-moving consumer products, electronics accessories, home goods, office supplies and construction accessories. The best fit is any non-restricted good you can describe within your listed activity codes.
Import, Export and Re-Export Flows
Say you import kitchenware from Asia, store it, then re-export to East Africa. Customs registration and documents still apply. Dubai Trade publishes the procedures.
Matching Products to Activity Codes
List every product group before filing.
Adding codes later costs time and fees.
Keep supplier invoices consistent with licensed activities.
Mismatched invoices can trigger compliance queries.
Five-Stage Process to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
To get a general trading license in Dubai, choose activity codes, select a license type, submit documents, pay fees, then receive your license and visa eligibility. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone runs this as one digital application.
Define your product list and activity codes.
Choose license type and company name.
Submit passports, application and shareholder details.
Pay license and registration fees.
Receive the license, then apply for your residency visa package.
Want the full roadmap? See how to start a general trading business in Dubai.
What a General Trading License Does Not Cover
A general trading license does not automatically cover food, medicines, firearms, tobacco, hazardous chemicals or certain precious items. These need specific codes or regulator approvals. It also excludes unrelated professional services.
Restricted and Regulated Goods
Food needs food-specific approvals.
Pharmaceuticals fall under health regulators.
Chemicals, weapons and tobacco need special permits.
A trader adding packaged snacks needs a food code. Combined general and food licenses start from AED 12,500 per year; check what a general and food trading license costs.
Can an e-commerce trader sell cosmetics on a general license?
Not automatically. Cosmetics usually need their own activity code and product approvals. Check with the free zone and the relevant regulator, such as the Ministry of Economy, first.
Costs, Visas and Choosing the Right License Type
General trading licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year, with residency visa packages tied to the license. Final cost depends on activity codes, office option and visa quota.
Number of activity codes
Office space choice
Visa count: one for a solo founder, three for three partners
Renewal and extra approvals
Compare options in this guide to the types of trade licenses in Dubai before you commit.
Your Next Step
Now you know what is general trading license dubai holders get: flexible coverage of non-restricted goods and clear exclusions. List your products, confirm codes, then speak with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone about a license and visa package.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
