How to Start a Garments and Apparel Trading Business in Dubai
Topic Summary
1. Dubai Is a Global Garments and Apparel Trading Hub
Dubai's strategic location, world-class port infrastructure, and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe make it an ideal base for textile and clothing trading businesses.
2. Scope Covers Menswear, Womenswear, Sportswear, and Accessories
The license permits import, export, buying, and selling of clothing and textile products including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, sportswear, accessories, protective clothing, and ready-made garments.
3. Multiple Activity Codes Combine Under One License
Applicable codes include men's garment trading, ladies garment trading, garment accessories trading, protective garments trading, and ready-made garments trading, all combinable under a single entity.
4. No Third-Party Approval and AML/DNFBP-Exempt
Garments and apparel trading carries no third-party pre-approval requirement and is exempt from AML/DNFBP compliance obligations, streamlining the registration process.
5. First Five Activity Codes Included in the Base License
The base license covers up to five activity codes without additional charge, allowing traders to structure a broad garments portfolio under one entity.
Dubai is one of the world's most important garments and apparel trading hubs. Its strategic location, world-class port infrastructure, and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe make it an ideal base for textile and clothing businesses.
Setting up a garments and apparel trading business in Dubai starts with understanding the license cost, activity selection, and how your trading model fits within UAE regulations.
This guide explains how to start a garments and apparel trading company in Dubai through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering activity codes, license costs, and the full setup process.
What Does a Garments and Apparel Trading License Allow?
A garments and apparel trading license allows your business to import, export, buy, and sell clothing and textile products. This includes menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, sportswear, accessories, protective clothing, and ready-made garments.
At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, you can combine multiple relevant activities under a single license. For more context on how trading licenses work generally, see our guide on general trading license in Dubai.
Relevant Activity Codes for a Garments and Apparel Trading License
The following activity codes apply to garments and apparel trading businesses:
4771.82 , Men's Garment Trading
4771.83 , Ladies Garment Trading
4771.87 , Garments Accessories Trading
4771.89 , Protective Garments and Vests Trading
4771.95 , ReadyMade Garments Trading
Third-Party Approval: None. | AML / DNFBP: Exempt.
You can explore the full list of trading activities available through the business activities directory. For other trading activity examples, visit the general trading business license page.
License Cost for a Garments and Apparel Trading Business in Dubai
The license cost at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500. The first five business activities are included in your license at no additional charge. If you need more than five activities, each additional one costs AED 2,000. Use the business setup cost calculator to get a transparent price breakdown.
Setting Up Your Garments and Apparel Trading Business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
The registration process is fully digital. Submit your business details through the online application, select your garments and apparel trading activity codes, choose your workspace and visa requirements, receive your cost estimate and confirm payment, then receive your license documentation digitally. For entrepreneurs setting up as a foreigner, read our guide on business setup in the UAE as a foreigner.
Can a Free Zone Garments Company Trade with Dubai Mainland?
Free zone companies can export goods internationally and trade with other free zone entities. For trading directly with the UAE mainland, you will typically need a local distributor or a separate mainland distribution arrangement. Read our article on whether a free zone company can do business across the UAE for a full explanation.
Why Trade Garments and Apparel from Dubai?
Dubai's Jebel Ali Port is one of the world's largest container ports, offering seamless connectivity for garment and textile traders moving goods between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Combined with zero corporate tax on qualifying income and full foreign ownership, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides a compelling base for garments businesses. Read more about global trade opportunities from Dubai South Free Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
