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About VirtueClarity at every stepGeneral trading licence in Dubai
General trading licence in Dubai
Turn a trading plan into a clear setup brief
Explain your products, markets and supply chain so your company requirements can be assessed
Virtue is an independent consultancy
Approvals, eligibility and final charges are confirmed by the relevant institution
Approvals, eligibility and final charges are confirmed by the relevant institution
Let us understand your plans
Share a few details and your questions. The Virtue team can discuss the next step and the scope you need.
Request a Call Back
Expert general trading license in Dubai with Virtue Corporate Services
Planning a general trading license in Dubai starts with the goods you intend to sell and how your business will operate. List your product categories, customer locations, import arrangements, storage needs and delivery plans.
Use that brief to compare mainland and free zone routes. Confirm the permitted activities, product-specific approvals, premises and complete first-year and renewal costs before choosing a package.
Virtue helps you review the proposed activity and jurisdiction, prepare the application documents and coordinate the agreed setup work.
Request a written proposal identifying authority charges, third-party costs, professional fees and exclusions. Licensing and other approvals remain with the relevant institutions.
3,000 successful company setups
130+ Countries clients served
Key stats – general trade license in Dubai
Dubai’s general trading sector continues to thrive, with strong support from government initiatives, tax-friendly policies, and world-class logistics infrastructure.
Companies
Over 45,000 general trading companies registered in the UAE
Trade goods
Handles millions of tons of traded goods annually
Business activity
Contributes 13% to Dubai's non-oil foreign trade
Vicinity
Global reach via Dubai’s ports and airports (Jebel Ali, DAFZA)
This license enables trading in diverse products such as electronics, clothing, furniture, FMCG, and more—without needing separate licenses for each category.
Benefits of a general trading license in Dubai
Ownership
100% foreign ownership in free zones and some mainland options
Trading flexibility
Trade in multiple goods under one license
Zone flexibility
Available in both mainland and free zone jurisdictions
Wide outreach access
Access to global markets via Dubai’s ports and logistics hubs
Import & export facility
Import/export rights with customs code registration
Banking facility
Eligible to open corporate bank accounts in the UAE
Team expansion facility
Option to hire staff and sponsor employee visas
Tax benefit
0% applies to Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person, subject to the applicable conditions.
Business type support
Scalable for e-commerce, retail, & wholesale business models
Mainland vs. Free Zone general trading license
| Document | Mainland License | Free zone License |
|---|---|---|
Ownership |
Up to 100% foreign ownership (depending on activity) |
100% foreign ownership |
Trade Scope |
Can trade across UAE and internationally |
Mainland operations may require additional licences or permits. Confirm the activity, sales model and customs requirements. |
Office Requirement |
Mandatory physical office space |
Flexi-desk or virtual office options available |
Visa Eligibility |
Allocation depends on premises, business activity and relevant authority requirements. |
Limited (based on package) |
Cost |
From AED 30,000+ |
From AED 11,500 to AED 25,000+ |
Note: Virtue helps you choose the best option based on your product range, market goals, and budget.
At Virtue Corporate Services, we help you choose the best option based on your product range, market goals, and budget.
Need help deciding between free zone and mainland licenses? We’ve got you covered!
Cost of obtaining a general trade license in Dubai
The cost of a general trading license in Dubai depends on your chosen jurisdiction, office requirements, and visa needs.
Estimated Costs
Free Zone general trading license
Starting from: AED 11,500
Mainland general trading license
Starting from: AED 30,000
Additional Costs:
Office rent (if applicable)
Custom code registration
Visa quota and establishment card
Medical and Emirates ID (for visa holders)
Tip: Setting up in a Dubai Free Zone like Meydan, IFZA, or SHAMS (Sharjah) can be cost-effective for startups focused on international trading.
Required documents for general trading license
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Passport Copies of Shareholder(s) |
Identity verification and compliance |
Visa copy or UAE entry stamp |
Residency or recent entry proof |
Passport-size photographs |
For license and immigration records |
Business name & activity list |
For license issuance and approval |
Office address/tenancy contract |
Mandatory for mainland licenses |
NOC (if UAE resident) |
Required from current sponsor/employer (if applicable) |
Note: Virtue Corporate Services handles documentation, approvals, and submissions, ensuring a hassle-free setup within a few working days.
Start your trading business with Virtue Corporate Services
From product registration to customs code issuance, we take care of every step in your general trading license in Dubai setup. Whether you’re expanding globally or entering new markets, our experts streamline the entire process so you can secure your trading license in UAE quickly and confidently.
Clarity before commitment
Know who you are working with.
Talk to the Virtue team about your requirements, agree the service scope and ask what is included before you proceed.
Agree the scope
Request a written breakdown of the work, fees, exclusions and your responsibilities.
Discuss your requirementsUnderstand decisions
Bank and authority approvals are determined by the relevant institution. Ask about the steps and dependencies.
Ask the teamFrequently asked questions
A general trading license allows businesses to trade in multiple, unrelated products under one license. With this license, you can import, export, store, distribute, and sell goods both locally and internationally. It’s ideal for companies dealing in fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, garments, and other diverse categories.
While both are types of commercial licenses, a general trading license covers a wide range of unrelated products (like electronics, food, clothing, etc.) under a single license. A standard commercial license, on the other hand, typically covers related product categories or specific activities.
Entrepreneurs, import-export businesses, wholesalers, and e-commerce companies that deal in multiple product lines benefit most from a general trading license. It’s also ideal for international businesses looking to distribute goods across the UAE and GCC region.
Yes. You can obtain 100% foreign ownership of a general trading company in most Dubai Free Zones, and for many activities under the Dubai mainland jurisdiction. Recent UAE reforms have removed the need for local sponsorship in most sectors.
The cost varies depending on the jurisdiction and visa needs:
- Free Zone license: Starting from AED 11,500
- Mainland license: Typically from AED 30,000
Additional fees apply for visas, office space, and customs registration. Virtue Corporate Services offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Yes, if you’re setting up in the Dubai mainland, you must have a physical office or warehouse. In free zones, flexi-desk or shared office options are available, making it more cost-effective for startups.
- Mainland license holders can freely trade within the UAE without restrictions.
- Free zone companies can sell in the UAE through authorized local distributors or agents or by obtaining dual licenses where applicable.
In most cases, a general trading license can be issued within 3 to 5 working days, depending on documentation, name approval, and government clearances. Our team at Virtue ensures fast-track processing.
Yes. If you’re planning to import or export goods, you will need to register with Dubai Customs and obtain a customs code. This applies to both free zone and mainland companies. We assist you with this as part of our service.
We offer:
- Full support for mainland and free zone setups
- Assistance with license application, activity selection, and office leasing
- Customs code registration
- Visa services and bank account setup
- Transparent pricing and no hidden costs
Our experience, local expertise, and client-first approach make us the trusted partner for your trading business in Dubai.