Get General Trading Licence in Dubai UAE
Dubai is a magnet for business startups, attracting millions of investors annually across various industries. This dynamic city offers a vast market for a wide range of business sectors. To establish a company in Dubai, entrepreneurs need a general trading license, enabling them to conduct their business activities effectively. As a business owner or investor planning to set up a company in Dubai, then acquiring a general trading license is an absolute necessity. Let’s check out what it needs to get a complete understanding about general trading license in Dubai. Blackswan BSS will help in General Trading License application process. You will have questions on how to register general trading in Dubai.
What is a General Trading License?
In UAE, a general trade license is a legal permit that gives the authority to a business entity to conduct its business activities. For any business dealing with clothes, retail, furniture, cosmetics etc. activities like import, export, wholesale etc. will be needed. A general trading license in the UAE covers all these kinds of activities & also it allows the flexibility to conduct the business operations in Dubai and other Emirates. When a business is involved in dealing with alcoholic beverages, pharmaceutical products, or frozen goods, special permits are needed to conduct the activities. Let’s check out the advantages of holding a general trading license. Blackswan BSS can help you in step by step general trading license registration in Dubai.
Types of trade licenses available in Dubai?
- Commercial trade license
- Industrial business license
- Professional trade license
Documents Required for General Trading License in Dubai UAE
- License Application signed by the company managers or their legal legislatures
- Company name approval letter from DED
- Passport copy of the Partners / respective shareholders
- A Memorandum of Association
- Copy of fees payment receipt
- Copy of the business plan
Benefits of Obtaining a General Trading License
- Handle Local and international trade
- Low import duty
- Exposure to Local & international trading provision
- paid-up capital Not Required
- Employment visa can be applied easily
- Process of company incorporation is simple
- Trade Multiple Category of Products
- Easy sponsor of dependents
Black Swan business Setup service can help you obtaining General Trading License in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, – UAEÂ .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general trading license in Dubai?
It’s a Dubai DET permit letting your company trade multiple goods—import, export, wholesale, retail—under one commercial license across the UAE.
How much does a Dubai general trading license cost?
Typical investment starts around AED 12,000–30,000, varying by mainland or free zone, visa quota, office type, activities, and government fees.
Mainland vs free zone for a general trading license in Dubai?
With a mainland license, you can trade all over the UAE and have clients onshore. With a free zone license, you get 100% ownership, customs benefits, and low setup costs, but you need distributors to sell on the mainland.
How long does it take to get a general trading license in Dubai?
With all the paperwork in order, basic approvals can be done in 3 to 7 business days. This doesn’t include the time it takes to reserve a name, get a lease (Ejari), get visas, or open a bank account.
Documents required for a general trading license in Dubai?
Passport copies, photos, proposed trade name, activity list, initial approval, Memorandum for LLC, lease/Ejari, and, if applicable, NOC for sponsored residents.
Which activities are allowed under a Dubai general trading license?
Most consumer goods that aren’t regulated are fine. However, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, chemicals, and precious metals need extra approvals or special licenses from the right authorities.
Do I need a UAE local sponsor for a Dubai general trading license?
Mainland LLCs can be 100% foreign-owned for many activities; some strategic sectors still require a UAE national partner or service agent.
VAT and corporate tax for a Dubai general trading company?
Corporate tax is 9% on eligible profits; VAT is 5% on taxable supplies. Register when you cross mandatory thresholds or by business need.
Can I sell online and offline with a general trading license in Dubai?
Yes. E-commerce, wholesale, and retail are all part of the general trade license. Check that the platform’s conditions, delivery requirements, and KYC for the payment gateway are all met.
How do I renew a general trading license in Dubai?
Every year, you need to pay your fines, keep your lease or Ejari up to date, get your activity approvals renewed, update your UBO or KYC data, and pay your DET or free-zone renewal costs on time.
