How much does general trading licence cost in Dubai?

Typically AED 15,000–35,000 first year including government fees, higher than service licences due to trading activity premium.

Mainland or free zone for trading?

Mainland suits UAE distribution and retail supply. Free zones suit international import/export with customs facilities.

Do I need a warehouse for trading?

Physical trading often requires warehouse space. Consultancy-style trading from free zone flexi-desk is possible for certain models.

How do I register for UAE customs?

Apply for importer/exporter code through UAE Federal Customs after licence issuance. We handle registration.

Can general trading licence sell any product?

Most products are covered, but restricted categories — food, pharma, weapons — need additional regulator approvals.

Is general trading different from commercial licence?

General trading is a specific activity within commercial licences authorising broad product trading scope.

Do trading companies need VAT registration?

Yes, if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. Trading businesses typically register due to import VAT obligations.

How long does trading licence setup take?

Typically 1–3 weeks depending on jurisdiction and warehouse arrangements.

Does KPM Global Services handle customs registration?

Yes. We coordinate customs code registration alongside licence setup.

General Trading License Dubai | Import & Export | KPM Global

Overview

Dubai general trading licence explained

A general trading licence in Dubai permits your company to trade in a wide range of products — importing, exporting, distributing, and wholesaling goods across multiple categories without listing each product individually on the licence.

General trading is available on mainland DET licences and most UAE free zone packages, though fees are typically higher than service-only licences. Mainland trading allows direct UAE market distribution; free zone trading focuses on international import/export.

KPM Global Services helps you obtain the trading licence, register customs codes with UAE Federal Customs, and coordinate product-specific approvals for restricted goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Who This Is For

Businesses needing general trading licence

Import/export traders handling diverse product lines
Wholesale distributors supplying UAE retailers
Trading companies sourcing from Asia and exporting to Africa
Entrepreneurs launching multi-category trading businesses
Free zone companies adding trading activities
Existing service companies expanding into product trading

How We Help

General trading licence services

Jurisdiction advisory

Compare mainland and free zone general trading costs and market access.

Licence application

File general trading activity on DET or free zone licence.

Customs registration

Obtain importer code and register with UAE Federal Customs.

Warehouse coordination

Arrange bonded or commercial warehouse for trading operations.

Product compliance

Coordinate ESMA, Municipality, or MOHAP approvals for restricted goods.

Banking preparation

Compile trading-focused KYC for corporate account opening.

Process

Six steps to general trading licence

1
Trading scope
Define product categories, markets, and import/export direction.
2
Jurisdiction selection
Choose mainland DET or free zone for trading operations.
3
Licence approval
Obtain general trading activity pre-approval.
4
Premises & MOA
Secure warehouse or office and prepare incorporation documents.
5
Licence issuance
Receive trade licence with general trading activity.
6
Customs & operations
Register customs code and commence import/export operations.

Documents

General trading licence documents

Shareholder passport copies and photographs
Business plan describing trading scope and markets
Ejari tenancy or warehouse lease agreement
Memorandum of Association
Bank reference letter
Supplier or buyer agreements (recommended for banks)
Product compliance certificates for restricted categories
NOC from sponsor if UAE resident

Pricing

General trading licence cost factors

General trading carries premium fees compared to service-only licences.

Mainland DET versus free zone trading package pricing
Warehouse versus flexi-desk office requirements
Visa allocation and establishment charges
Customs registration and bond fees
Product-specific approval costs for regulated goods

Trading licence premiums vary by authority. KPM Global Services quotes all-in first-year trading setup cost.

Timeline

General trading licence timeline

2–3 days

Scope defined

Trading model and jurisdiction confirmed.

3–5 days

Activity approval

General trading pre-approved by authority.

5–10 days

Licence issued

Trade licence with trading activity released.

1–2 weeks

Customs setup

Importer code registered; operations can commence.

Avoid Mistakes

General trading licence mistakes

Obtaining general trading when only specific product trading is needed — overpaying
Starting imports without customs code registration
Ignoring product-specific approvals for food, pharma, or electronics
Choosing free zone trading without understanding mainland distribution limits
Underestimating warehouse costs for physical trading operations
Mismatching trading licence narrative with bank KYC expectations

Why KPM

Why Choose KPM Global Services

UAE-focused advisory

Practical guidance on general trading licensing in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.

Clear documentation

Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.

Connected services

Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.

No generic templates

Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.

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FAQ

General Trading License Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers about general trading license dubai in the UAE.

A licence activity permitting import, export, distribution, and wholesale of multiple product categories without listing each product individually.

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General Trading License Dubai