Setting Up a Trading, Importing and Exporting Business in Dubai

Establishing a trading, import, and export enterprise at the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at a base licensing rate of AED 12,500. Dubai is the mechanical heart of global commerce, offering a high-velocity environment that connects suppliers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas with European, GCC, South Asian, and African consumers. 

The emirate's strategic location, world-class port and airport infrastructure, and business-friendly regulatory environment make it one of the most commercially efficient global trading platforms available. 

Trading, importing and exporting at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is built around the general trading and wholesale codes, which provide broad commercial coverage across product categories without pre-approval requirements. Dubai South's adjacency to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport gives trading businesses direct access to both sea and air freight infrastructure. 

For a full overview of what business setup costs in Dubai, read the cost of starting a business in Dubai guide. 

Instant Name Availability for International Traders  

Before you commit to supplier contracts or international shipping manifests, you must ensure your company name is available and compliant with UAE free zone regulations. In the world of global trade, your brand name is your first point of credibility with customs authorities and banking partners.  

The name check tool allows you to verify availability instantly, ensuring your 24-hour licensing window remains clear of administrative friction. Validating your name early is a tactical necessity for a professional launch. 

Breaking Down Trading and Import-Export License Cost 

The base license starts from AED 12,500, but the final cost depends on how your business is configured. The cost calculator allows you to generate a detailed estimate based on visas, workspace, and operational requirements, giving you clarity before moving forward. 

If you already have a business name in mind, confirming it early through a company name check help avoid delays at the application stage. 

Key Trading and Import Export Activity Codes 

• 4690.97   General Trading 

• 4690.00   Non-Specialised Wholesale Trade 

• 4690.87   General Trading Wholesalers 

• 4690.98   Goods Wholesalers 

General Trading - 4690.97 

General Trading (4690.97) is the standard and most commercially versatile code for trading, importing, and exporting businesses in the UAE. It covers the commercial trading of a broad range of goods across multiple product categories under one code. There is no restriction to a single product type, making it the standard starting point for multi-product trading businesses operating in the UAE and GCC markets. No pre-approval required. 

You could be a trading company importing electronics, household goods, consumer products, and industrial supplies from manufacturers in China, India, and Europe, and exporting or distributing them to retail chains, corporate buyers, and wholesale distributors across the GCC and East Africa. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Non-Specialised Wholesale Trade - 4690.00 

Non-Specialised Wholesale Trade (4690.00) is the ISIC classification code covering wholesale businesses that trade across multiple product categories without specialising in a single group. This code complements General Trading (4690.97) for businesses that operate as genuine wholesale distributors supplying retailers, institutions, and other businesses rather than trading at retail level. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

General Trading Wholesalers and Goods Wholesalers - 4690.87 / 4690.98 

General Trading Wholesalers (4690.87) specifically covers businesses that operate as wholesale distributors across general product categories. Goods Wholesalers (4690.98) covers the broader wholesale of diverse goods. Both codes reinforce the wholesale and distribution dimension of a trading business and can be combined with General Trading (4690.97) on the same Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Why Dubai South Works for Trading Business? 

Dubai South is positioned within one of the most efficient logistics corridors in the region, connecting Al Maktoum International Airport with Jebel Ali Port. 

For trading businesses, this means access to both air and sea freight from a single operational base. Goods can be imported, consolidated, and redistributed without unnecessary logistical fragmentation. 

The free zone structure also supports re-export models by suspending customs duty on goods that do not enter UAE domestic circulation, making it particularly attractive for businesses operating across multiple markets. 

This combination of infrastructure and regulatory flexibility is what allows trading businesses to scale without operational friction. 

Choosing Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone for Trading Businesses 

Dubai South is a part of 145 km2 master-planned city adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and in close proximity to Dubai Logistics Corridor, making it one of the most strategically positioned free zones in the UAE for import and export businesses.  

Trading companies based at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can receive air freight consignments and sea freight containers from the same location, consolidate if needed, and redistribute to customers across the GCC, South Asia, East Africa, and beyond.  

The free zone environment provides customs duty suspension on re-exported goods and full profit repatriation. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone enables 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, zero paid-up capital, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation. 

Get Your Trading and Import Export License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

Browse the business activities list to confirm your relevant codes. Once your activities are aligned with your business model and your company name is confirmed, the application can move forward with just a passport copy. 

Because trading and wholesale activities do not require pre-approvals, eligible applications are typically processed quickly, allowing businesses to move from planning to operation without extended timelines. 

Beyond Hub handles post-licensing needs: UAE residence visa applications, corporate bank account introductions, and VAT registration. Trading businesses that exceed AED 375,000 in annual taxable supplies are required to register for UAE VAT with the Federal Tax Authority. Exports are generally zero-rated, simplifying the VAT position for businesses focused on re-export. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How much does a trading and import export license cost in Dubai? 

The base license starts from AED 12,500 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. None of the trading and import-export business activity code requires pre-approvals, making it easier and streamlined to get license in as little as one working day. 

Q2. What products can I trade with a general trading license? 

General Trading (4690.97) covers a broad range of goods categories without restriction to a single product type, including consumer goods, electronics, household products, industrial supplies, clothing, and many other non-regulated categories. For regulated product categories such as food products, pharmaceuticals, or controlled items, additional product-specific operational clearances may be required beyond the basic trading license. 

Q3. Can I import goods to the UAE and re-export them? 

Yes. Re-export is a core commercial activity for Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone free zone companies. Goods can be imported, stored in bonded free zone facilities if needed, and re-exported to GCC and international markets without entering UAE domestic consumption. The free zone structure suspends UAE customs duty on goods that are re-exported, making Dubai one of the most cost-efficient consolidation and re-export platforms in the world. 

Q4. Can a foreigner own 100% of a trading company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership of general trading businesses. No local sponsor or UAE national partner is required. International traders can establish a fully foreign-owned UAE entity with complete control over operations and profits. 

Q5. Do I need a warehouse for a trading and import export business? 

Not mandatory for licensing. You can obtain a trading license with a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone flexi-desk without holding physical stock. If your business model involves physical goods handling, warehousing can be arranged separately within Dubai South's logistics infrastructure or at third-party logistics and fulfilment facilities in the wider Dubai South area. 

Q6. Can I add specialist product codes to a general trading license? 

Yes. Specialist product trading codes can be combined with General Trading (4690.97) on the same Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license, giving your business both broad general trading coverage and specific regulatory basis for defined product categories without requiring a separate licensed entity. 

Q7. Is VAT applicable to import and export trading? 

Exports are generally zero-rated, while goods entering UAE domestic circulation are subject to VAT and customs rules. Free zone re-exports are generally outside the scope of UAE domestic VAT. The exact treatment depends on how your trading model is structured. Seek specific VAT advice for your trading model. 

Q8. Can I sell products online as a trading company? 

Yes. Adding E-Commerce (4790.00) to your trading license gives your business the regulatory basis to sell products online through your own e-commerce platform and UAE marketplace listings including Amazon.ae and Noon. Many UAE trading businesses operate both wholesale and online retail channels from the same Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone entity, maximising the commercial reach of their import operations. 

Q9. How long does a trading and import export license take? 

For standard trading activities, eligible applications are typically processed within one business day, provided all documentation is complete. All general trading, wholesale, and import export codes carry no pre-approval requirements at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. The fully digital application requires only a passport copy.  

Q10. How do I start a trading business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Start by defining your trading activities and confirming your company name. Once that is in place, you can proceed with the application using just a passport copy, and the process is usually completed quickly for eligible setups. Beyond Hub handles post-licensing: visas, banking, and VAT registration.