How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone
How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone
How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone
Dubai is the world's fourth-largest re-export hub, handling over USD 300 billion in non-oil trade annually and connecting supply chains from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its geographic position, combined with world-class port and airport infrastructure at Dubai South, makes it the most strategically positioned location in the world for trading businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 461 trading activities covering every major product category with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port from your registered address.
Dubai is the world's fourth-largest re-export hub, handling over USD 300 billion in non-oil trade annually and connecting supply chains from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its geographic posi…
Let's Get You Started
Let's Get You Started
What Does a Trading License in Dubai Cover?
What Does a Trading License in Dubai Cover?
A trading license authorises your company to import, export, and wholesale physical goods. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, 461 trading activities cover food and beverages, garments, electronics, machinery, building materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gold and precious metals, luxury goods, and e-commerce. General Trading (4690.97) allows you to trade multiple product categories under a single activity code, making it the most commercially flexible trading option available.
A trading license authorises your company to import, export, and wholesale physical goods. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, 461 trading activities cover food and beverages, garments, electronics, machinery, building materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gold and precious metals, luxury goods, and e-commerce. General Trading (4690.97) allows you to trade multiple product categories under a single activity code, making it the most commercially flexible trading option available.
Who Can Apply for a Trading License in Dubai?
Who Can Apply for a Trading License in Dubai?
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Third-Party Approvals
Third-Party Approvals
Most general trading activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Food products require MOCCAE registration. Pharmaceuticals require MOHAP product approval. Gold and precious metals require CBUAE DNFBP registration and AML compliance programme. Restricted goods require relevant authority approval. Confirm product-specific requirements before importing.
Most general trading activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Food products require MOCCAE registration. Pharmaceuticals require MOHAP product approval. Gold and precious metals require CBUAE DNFBP registration and AML compliance programme. Restricted goods require relevant authority approval. Confirm product-specific requirements before importing.
Popular Activities
Popular Activities
Popular Activities
General Trading
4690.97
General Trading
4690.97
General Trading
4690.97
Ready Made Garments Trading
4771.95
Ready Made Garments Trading
4771.95
Ready Made Garments Trading
4771.95
Wholesale of Consumer Electronics
4649.03
Wholesale of Consumer Electronics
4649.03
Wholesale of Consumer Electronics
4649.03
Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals
4662.04
Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals
4662.04
Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals
4662.04
Foodstuff and Beverages Trading
4721.98
Foodstuff and Beverages Trading
4721.98
Construction Materials Trading
4752.57
Construction Materials Trading
4752.57
Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods
4649.08
Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods
4649.08
E-Commerce
4790.00
E-Commerce
4790.00
General Trading
4690.97
Wholesale of Consumer Electronics
4649.03
Foodstuff and Beverages Trading
4721.98
Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods
4649.08
Ready Made Garments Trading
4771.95
Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals
4662.04
Construction Materials Trading
4752.57
E-Commerce
4790.00
Why Dubai South for Trading
Why Dubai South Free Zone for Trading
Why Dubai South for Trading
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For trading businesses that depend on efficient air, sea, and rail freight connections, no other UAE free zone offers the same logistics combination. The proximity alone reduces operational costs and transit times for businesses moving high volumes of goods.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Setup Process
Setup Process
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
01
02
03
04
05
Choose Your Business Activity
Browse the 461 trading activity codes at dubaisouthbh.com/business-activities. First five codes included at no extra cost.
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
FAQs – Trading License Dubai
FAQs – Trading License Dubai
FAQs – Trading License Dubai
FAQs – Trading License Dubai
What is the Difference Between a General Trading License and a Specific Trading License?
What is the Difference Between a General Trading License and a Specific Trading License?
Can a Free Zone Trading Company Sell to UAE Mainland Retailers?
Can a Free Zone Trading Company Sell to UAE Mainland Retailers?
Do I Need a Warehouse to Get a Trading License in Dubai?
Do I Need a Warehouse to Get a Trading License in Dubai?
What Makes Dubai South the Best Location for a Trading Company in the UAE?
What Makes Dubai South the Best Location for a Trading Company in the UAE?
Can a Free Zone Trading Company Export to Any Country from Dubai?
Can a Free Zone Trading Company Export to Any Country from Dubai?
How Much Does a General Trading License Cost in Dubai in 2025?
How Much Does a General Trading License Cost in Dubai in 2025?
Is There Personal Income Tax on Trading Profits in the UAE?
Is There Personal Income Tax on Trading Profits in the UAE?
What Are the AML Requirements for Gold and Precious Metals Trading in Dubai?
What Are the AML Requirements for Gold and Precious Metals Trading in Dubai?
Can I Combine Multiple Product Categories Under One Trading License?
Can I Combine Multiple Product Categories Under One Trading License?
What is the UAE Corporate Tax Position for Trading Free Zone Companies?
What is the UAE Corporate Tax Position for Trading Free Zone Companies?
