Goods Wholesalers Trading License in Dubai: Cost and Requirements
Topic Summary
What the License Actually Permits You to Do
The Goods Wholesalers Trading License (Activity Code 4690.98) authorises holders to buy and sell general merchandise in bulk across a wide range of product categories. It positions the license holder as an intermediary between producers or importers and retailers, industrial buyers, or other wholesalers.
Dubai South's Location Is a Major Advantage
The free zone sits adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, which handles over 800,000 tonnes of cargo annually and is projected to become the world's largest airport. This on-site air freight access makes the setup especially valuable for time-sensitive or high-volume trade operations.
Expect to Budget From AED 12,500 Per Year
Entry-level license packages start from approximately AED 12,500 annually, though total costs rise depending on visa allocations, office or warehouse requirements, and the number of activities listed. Many packages bundle license fees, establishment card fees, and facility costs together for easier budgeting.
Setup Can Be Completed in as Few as Five Days
Standard applications at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can be processed in as little as three to five working days. This fast turnaround makes it practical for entrepreneurs and businesses that need to begin trading operations quickly.
Full Foreign Ownership and Zero Personal Income Tax
The free zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no personal income tax and zero corporate tax on qualifying income, along with full repatriation of profits. These terms make it one of the most financially competitive wholesale trading environments in the Middle East.
Ideal Business Profiles for This License
The license suits international trading companies, importers and exporters handling mixed merchandise, and entrepreneurs building re-export businesses targeting African, South Asian, or GCC markets. Established wholesalers expanding into the Middle East and investors seeking a scalable structure are also strong candidates.
Dubai has long been one of the world's most active trade corridors, connecting manufacturers in Asia and Europe with buyers across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. For entrepreneurs and established businesses looking to capitalise on this position, obtaining a Goods Wholesalers Trading License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is one of the most direct routes into large-scale commerce. This guide covers everything you need to know about Activity Code 4690.98, from what the license covers to setup costs, compliance requirements, and who stands to benefit most.
What Is the Goods Wholesalers Trading License?
The Goods Wholesalers Trading License falls under the Trading category and is classified with Activity Code 4690.98. It authorises the holder to wholesale a broad range of goods that are not specialised to a single product category. In practical terms, this means a license holder can buy and sell general merchandise in bulk, acting as an intermediary between producers or importers and retailers, industrial buyers, or other wholesalers.
The license is issued through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, a purpose-built commercial ecosystem situated adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the largest cargo airports in the world. This location gives license holders immediate proximity to air freight infrastructure, making it highly suited to time-sensitive or high-volume trade flows.
Who Is This License Best Suited For?
This license is particularly well matched to the following business profiles:
International trading companies seeking a UAE base for regional distribution
Importers and exporters handling mixed or general merchandise categories
Entrepreneurs building a re-export business targeting African, South Asian, or GCC markets
Established wholesalers expanding their footprint into the Middle East
Investors looking for a flexible, scalable trading structure with full foreign ownership
Dubai South Free Zone: Why Location Matters
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is strategically positioned within the Dubai South district, a 145-square-kilometre urban development designed around logistics, aviation, and commerce. Al Maktoum International Airport, located within the same zone, handled over 800,000 tonnes of cargo annually in recent years and is projected to become the world's largest airport upon full completion.
The free zone itself offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full repatriation of profits. These factors, combined with access to world-class logistics infrastructure, make it one of the most competitive wholesale trading environments in the region.
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 4690.98
License Type: Trading License
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Corporate Tax: 0% on qualifying income
Cargo Airport: Al Maktoum International, on-site
Typical License Cost: From approximately AED 12,500 per year (subject to package and approvals)
Setup Timeline: As little as 3 to 5 working days for standard applications
Setup Costs and What to Expect
The cost of establishing a Goods Wholesalers Trading License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone varies depending on the package selected, the type of office or facility required, and any additional regulatory approvals. Entry-level packages typically begin from around AED 12,500 annually and can increase based on visa allocations, flexi-desk or warehouse requirements, and the number of activities listed on the license.
Costs to factor into your budget include the license registration fee, establishment card fees, visa fees per employee or shareholder, and any facility rental costs. Many free zone packages bundle these elements together, making it easier to forecast total first-year expenditure.
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
To obtain the license, applicants are generally required to submit the following:
Completed application form from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Proposed company name (subject to availability and naming guidelines)
Business plan or activity description in some cases
Proof of address for shareholders
No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the applicant is currently employed in the UAE
Depending on the goods being traded, certain categories may require additional approvals from relevant UAE authorities. Wholesale traders dealing in food products, chemicals, or regulated materials should verify sector-specific requirements before submitting their application.
Steps to Set Up Your Goods Wholesalers Trading License
Select your business activity and confirm Activity Code 4690.98 is appropriate
Choose a company name and check availability with the free zone authority
Select a license package that fits your operational needs
Submit your documentation to Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Receive initial approval and pay the applicable fees
Collect your trade license and establishment card
Apply for residence visas and open a corporate bank account
Related Activities
Caps & Lids Trading Trading License
Frequently Asked Questions
