Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License in Dubai: Cost and Requirements
Topic Summary
What the Trading License Actually Covers
The Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License (Activity Code 4773.14) authorises businesses to import, export, distribute, and trade synthetic botanicals made from plastic, silk, and polyester. Permitted activities span wholesale, retail, online sales, and supply to hospitality and events sectors.
Dubai South Is a Prime Re-Export Hub
Dubai's location between Asia and Europe, paired with world-class logistics, makes it one of the most efficient re-export bases globally. Goods from China, India, and Southeast Asia can be imported, repackaged, and redistributed to GCC, African, and European markets with minimal delays.
Expect Low Setup Costs From AED 12,000
License registration starts from AED 12,000 per year, with visa allocations costing AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 each and virtual office options from AED 1,500. Total annual costs typically range between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000 depending on the package chosen.
100% Foreign Ownership Is Fully Permitted
Businesses operating under this license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can be entirely foreign-owned, removing the need for a local Emirati partner. This makes it especially attractive to international entrepreneurs and traders entering the UAE market.
Setup Can Be Completed in Under a Week
The registration process at Dubai South can be completed in as few as three to five working days. Most packages also include visa eligibility, streamlining the process for founders relocating or hiring staff.
Strong Demand Across Key UAE Sectors
Dubai's luxury hotels, shopping malls, corporate offices, and event companies create consistent year-round demand for durable, low-maintenance artificial botanicals. The city hosts thousands of events annually, all requiring decorative solutions that outperform fresh flowers on cost and longevity.
This License Suits a Wide Range of Businesses
The license is ideal for importers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, interior design firms, event decor companies, and international traders using Dubai as a distribution hub. Its flexibility makes it accessible to both startups and established businesses scaling into new markets.
The global artificial flowers and plants market continues to expand rapidly, driven by rising demand from hospitality, retail, events, and interior design sectors. Dubai sits at the heart of this trade, serving as a gateway between Asian manufacturers and markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. For entrepreneurs and businesses looking to capitalise on this opportunity, obtaining an Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a straightforward, cost-effective route to market.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from activity codes and license types to setup costs, compliance requirements, and why Dubai South is an ideal base for this trade.
What the License Covers
The Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License falls under Activity Code 4773.14, classified as a Trading License within the Trading category. This license authorises businesses to import, export, distribute, and trade artificial flowers, plants, foliage, and related decorative items made from synthetic materials such as plastic, silk, and polyester.
Permitted activities under this license typically include:
Wholesale and retail trading of artificial flowers and plants
Import and re-export of decorative synthetic botanicals
Supply to hospitality, retail, and events businesses
Distribution across the UAE and international markets
Online and offline sales of artificial floral products
UAE and Dubai Market Context
The UAE's artificial flowers and plants market benefits from consistent demand across luxury hotels, shopping malls, corporate offices, and event management companies. Dubai alone hosts thousands of events annually, all of which require decorative solutions that are durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective compared to fresh flowers.
Dubai's strategic location between Asia and Europe, combined with world-class logistics infrastructure, makes it one of the most efficient re-export hubs globally. Goods manufactured in China, India, and Southeast Asia can be imported into Dubai South, repackaged or rebranded, and then distributed to markets across the GCC, Africa, and beyond with minimal delays.
Infographic: Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License in Dubai South
Activity Code: 4773.14
License Type: Trading License
Category: Trading
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Estimated License Cost: From AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year (depending on package)
Setup Timeline: As few as 3 to 5 working days
Visa Eligibility: Included in most packages
Re-export: Fully permitted within free zone framework
Who This License Suits
The Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading License is well-suited to a broad range of business profiles, including:
Importers sourcing goods from China, India, or Southeast Asia for GCC distribution
Event management and decor companies seeking a supply chain base
E-commerce entrepreneurs selling artificial botanicals online
Interior design firms that also trade decorative products
International traders using Dubai as a re-export hub for African and European markets
Setup Costs and Steps
Setting up an Artificial Flowers & Plants Trading business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone involves a clear and manageable process.
Estimated Costs
Cost Component | Estimated Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
License registration fee | From AED 12,000 |
Visa allocation (per visa) | AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 |
Virtual office or flexi-desk | AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 |
Government and registration fees | AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 |
Costs vary depending on the chosen package, number of visas required, and whether warehouse or office space is needed. It is advisable to request a tailored quote based on your specific business requirements.
Setup Steps
Step 1: Choose your business activity and confirm Activity Code 4773.14
Step 2:Select a company name in line with UAE naming conventions
Step 3: Submit the application along with required documents to Dubai South
Step 4: Pay the license and registration fees
Step 5: Receive your trading license and open a corporate bank account
Step 6: Apply for residency visas if required
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Businesses operating under this license must adhere to Dubai South Free Zone regulations and broader UAE trade laws. Key compliance points include:
Annual license renewal with updated documentation
Compliance with UAE customs regulations for imports and re-exports
Adherence to product labelling and safety standards where applicable
Maintaining valid residency visas for all employees under the license quota
Corporate bank account held with a UAE-licensed financial institution
No special external government approvals are typically required for artificial flowers and plants trading, as the products are non-regulated decorative goods. This makes the licensing process considerably faster compared to sectors involving food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals.
Why Dubai South is Well-Positioned for This Trade
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers unique advantages for artificial flowers and plants traders. Located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and in close proximity to Jebel Ali Port, it provides unrivalled access to global logistics networks. Businesses can import large consignments from Asia, store them in bonded warehouses, and distribute them regionally or internationally with speed and efficiency.
Additional advantages include:
100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate and personal income tax
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Proximity to major logistics and freight infrastructure
Streamlined digital government services for fast company formation
Access to a large pool of skilled logistics and trade professionals
Related Activities
Gold Silver Jewellery & Accessories Trading Trading License
Pearls & Precious Stones Trading Trading License
Watches & Clocks & Spare Parts Trading Business
Frequently Asked Questions
