A general trading licence in Dubai lets one company buy and sell many unrelated product types under a single licence. Expect roughly AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 or more a year on the mainland, depending on office, visas and approvals. A separate general trading fee of about AED 15,000 is the cost most cheap quotes leave out. Free zone packages usually start lower, and the cheapest choice is often not a general trading licence at all.
This guide covers what the licence allows, what it costs, the cheapest routes, and how to tell whether you need it. Costs here are consultancy estimates as of November 2026, not an official Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) fee schedule, so get an itemised quote before you budget.
What a General Trading Licence Covers
A standard trading licence is tied to a product group, such as textiles or electronics. A general trading licence removes that limit, so the same company can import, export, store and sell unrelated goods. It suits businesses that do not yet know what will sell best, or that already deal across categories.
It does not cover everything. Goods regulated by another authority still need that authority's approval, even with a general trading licence. Commonly cited examples are food, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, precious metals and weapons, and alcohol needs its own licence. One estimate puts these external approvals at AED 1,000 to AED 20,000 or more on top of your setup cost.
General Trading Licence Cost in Dubai
| Cost item | Mainland (estimate) | Free zone (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | AED 12,500 to 15,000 base | AED 12,000 to 22,000 package, varies by zone |
| General trading activity fee | About AED 15,000, often left out of quotes | Usually built into the package; check |
| Office | Physical office with Ejari, about AED 20,000 to 80,000 a year | Flexi-desk often available |
| External approvals | AED 1,000 to 20,000+ if your goods need them | Same principle |
| Visas | Priced per person | Priced per person, sometimes bundled |
Note how the numbers fit together: the base fee plus the activity fee alone comes to about AED 27,500 to AED 30,000, and one published breakdown puts government fees near AED 29,685. So question any mainland general trading quote well below that, and ask whether the activity fee is included. For the wider picture, see how much it costs to set up a company in Dubai.
The Cheapest General Trading Licence: Three Routes
- A single-category trading licence. If you sell one product type, you do not need general trading. This is often the biggest saving available. See trading vs professional licences.
- A free zone in a northern emirate. Packages here are usually the lowest in the UAE, with some trading licences quoted from about AED 5,500. Compare published prices in our UAE Business Setup Cost Index and check that the package really includes general trading, not just one activity group.
- A Dubai free zone. It costs more than a northern emirate but gives you a Dubai address, which can matter to banks and suppliers. See our guides to DMCC, IFZA and Meydan.
The cheapest licence can still be the expensive choice. If your customers are in the UAE and the licence cannot reach them directly, you may pay a distributor margin on every sale, which can outrun any saving on fees.
Mainland or Free Zone for General Trading?
| Mainland | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Sell directly in the UAE | Yes | Generally through a local distributor, or a DET branch licence or permit where eligible |
| Office | Physical office with Ejari | Flexi-desk often possible |
| Best for | Selling to UAE shops, businesses and government | Re-export and international trading |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Usually lower |
Decide by where your customers are. If most sales are inside the UAE, a mainland company usually fits. If you buy in one country and sell to another, a free zone is usually enough. Read free zone vs mainland and our note on whether you need a physical office.
How to Get a General Trading Licence, Step by Step
- List your products. Write down exactly what you will sell, and flag anything that may need outside approval.
- Choose the jurisdiction, based on where your customers are and whether you need a Dubai address.
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approval.
- Prepare the legal documents, such as the memorandum of association, and arrange the office or flexi-desk.
- Get any external approvals your goods require.
- Pay the fees and collect the licence.
- Register for customs if you will import or export.
- Apply for visas and open a bank account.
What Trips Up New Trading Companies
- Bank account delays. Banks look hard at trading companies, particularly those dealing in many goods or with higher-risk countries. Have supplier names, sample invoices and a clear business plan ready. See UAE corporate bank account opening.
- VAT. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in a year. Imports also have VAT implications, so plan your cash flow.
- Corporate tax. A trading company needs to register, and 9% applies to taxable profit above AED 375,000. Free zone relief depends on meeting specific conditions, so do not assume 0%.
- Year-two costs. Ask for the renewal price in writing. Promotional packages often apply to the first year only.
Get an Itemised General Trading Quote
Send us your product list and where your customers are. We will tell you whether you need general trading or a cheaper single-category licence, then itemise the costs for year one and year two, including the activity fee, office and visas. Contact SMS Consulting or try our cost calculator.
Sources
Cost ranges come from published consultancy guides, including Avyanco, Bestaxca and DIAC, which differ from one another. They are not official fees. The licensing authority is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimates run from about AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 or more on the mainland, depending on office, visas and approvals. Base licence fees plus the general trading activity fee alone come to about AED 27,500 to AED 30,000, according to published consultancy breakdowns.
Northern emirate free zones usually have the lowest packages, with some trading licences quoted from about AED 5,500. Check that the package covers general trading rather than one activity group.
A standard trading licence is tied to a product group. A general trading licence lets one company deal in many unrelated goods, and usually costs more.
On the mainland, yes, you need a physical office with an Ejari lease. Free zones often accept a flexi-desk.
Generally through a local distributor. Dubai also allows eligible free zone companies to operate on the mainland through a DET branch licence or permit, so check whether your zone qualifies.
Commonly cited examples are food, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, precious metals and weapons. Alcohol needs its own licence. Check your exact products before you apply.
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in a year. Voluntary registration is available below that level.