How to Get a Wholesale Commission Agency Trading License in Dubai
Topic Summary
Understand What the License Actually Covers
A Wholesale Commission Agency License (activity code 4610) lets you broker wholesale sales, represent overseas suppliers, and connect buyers and sellers on a fee or contract basis. Crucially, you never take title to the goods — if you plan to import and resell inventory, you need a separate direct trading license.
Know Your Earning Potential as a Commission Agent
Commission rates in Dubai's wholesale intermediary market typically run between 2% and 8% of transaction value. Exclusive representation deals, specialty products, and technically complex sales tend to command the higher end of that range.
Choose the Right Sub-Activity Code for Your Niche
The parent code 4610 covers the full scope of wholesale on a fee or contract basis, while sub-codes 4610.01 through 4610.99 carve out specific industry specialisations. Selecting the correct sub-code from the business activities directory ensures your license accurately reflects your sector.
Budget Realistically for Setup and Annual Costs
At Dubai South Business Hub, a license and office package starts from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,000 per year. Using a cost calculator for tailored pricing is recommended, as your chosen office and warehouse package will affect the final figure.
Follow a Clear Five-Step Licensing Process
The setup sequence runs from name verification and activity selection through to submitting passport copies, an MOA, and a lease agreement. Licenses are typically issued within 5 to 10 working days, after which you can process visas for staff.
Stay Compliant with AML and Contract Law Requirements
Commission agency operations must comply with UAE consumer protection and contract law as standard. Anti-money laundering reporting obligations may also apply, particularly for high-value cross-border transactions.
Leverage Dubai's Trading Hub Advantages
Dubai's neutral business environment, strong contract law, and dense concentration of regional buyers and sellers make it a natural base for commission agents. Free zone setup adds 100% foreign ownership, tax efficiency, and full profit repatriation rights on top of those structural advantages.
Commission-based wholesale activities are a foundational trading category in Dubai's ecosystem of intermediaries. Commission agents, trade brokers, and wholesale representatives operate as critical connectors between overseas suppliers and UAE buyers, between manufacturers and distributors, and between large buyers and end-users.
The model thrives in Dubai because of the city's neutral trading environment, strong contract law, and concentration of regional trading partners. Commission income typically runs at 2 to 8% of transaction value, with higher rates for exclusive representation, specialty products, or technically complex sales.
This parent activity (4610) covers the full scope of wholesale on a fee or contract basis. Sub-codes (4610.01 through 4610.99) carve out specific specialisations within the broader category.
4610 - Wholesale On A Fee Or Contract Basis
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed wholesale commission agency business on a fee or contract basis, including activities of commission agents, commercial brokers, trade representatives, and wholesale intermediaries operating across multiple sectors in the UAE and regional markets.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.
What Does the Wholesale Commission Agency License Cover?
Commission agency operations: brokering wholesale sales on a commission basis without taking title to goods.
Wholesale representation: representing overseas suppliers as their UAE-based wholesale agent.
Trade intermediation: connecting buyers and sellers across multiple sectors and geographies.
Contract-based wholesale: operating wholesale transactions under fee or contract arrangements rather than ownership.
Sector-specific brokerage: specialised commission work in technical, industrial, or commercial product lines.
Who Is This For?
Commission agents and trade brokers serving multiple sectors.
Overseas suppliers establishing UAE representation entities.
Specialised intermediaries for technical or industrial product sales.
Trade consultants combining advisory and brokerage services.
Activity Scope
This activity covers wholesale on a fee or contract basis. Direct trading where you own and sell inventory requires a separate trading license.
In short: if you operate wholesale on a commission or fee basis without taking title to goods, you are in. If you import and resell inventory, you need a direct trading license.
Licensing & Compliance
Standard free zone licensing applies. Commission agency operations must comply with UAE consumer protection and contract law. Anti-money laundering reporting may apply for high-value transactions, particularly in cross-border deals.
Cost & Investment
Setup costs at Dubai South Business Hub start from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,000 per year for license and office package. Use the cost calculator for tailored pricing.
Setup Steps
Verify name with company name check.
Select Wholesale Commission Agency (4610) from the business activities directory.
Choose office and warehouse package matching trading volume.
Submit passport copies, MOA, and lease.
Receive license within 5 to 10 working days.
Process visas for staff.
Why Dubai for Wholesale Commission Agency?
Dubai's position as a regional trading hub, strong contract law, neutral business environment, and concentration of regional buyers and sellers make it ideal for commission agency operations. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax efficiency, and full profit repatriation rights.
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