General Trading company formation in the UAE
Scope, capital and premises rules differ by authority and are more demanding than a single-activity licence in some zones.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical licence type | General trading licence (broad product basket) |
| Approvals to check | Restricted goods are excluded and need separate approvals |
| Mainland option | Mainland commercial licence with multiple trade activities |
Free zones commonly considered
These zones are associated with this activity in their published focus. Confirm the activity is on the zone’s current permitted list before applying.
Mainland option
Mainland commercial licence with multiple trade activities. See mainland company formation and the licence types guide.
What to budget
Total cost combines the licence, premises, visas, approvals and professional fees. Estimate government fees for a zone with the calculator.
| Zone | Published entry cost |
|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | From AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visa |
| DMCC | Official packages from AED 29,185; licence typically AED 20,000–50,000 a year (DMCC, Apr 2026) |
General Trading company formation: FAQs
Do I need a licence to start a general trading business in the UAE?
Yes — a business activity needs a trade licence from a free zone authority or an emirate’s economic department. The typical licence is: general trading licence (broad product basket). Regulated elements may need additional approvals: restricted goods are excluded and need separate approvals.
Which free zone is best for general trading?
There is no single best zone. Zones commonly considered include DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZ, Ajman Free Zone. Confirm the permitted-activity list, then compare full first-year cost and your customer location.
Can a free zone general trading company sell in mainland UAE?
Not freely. A distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where offered, or a mainland licence is normally needed for direct onshore trading.
How much does general trading company formation cost?
Costs depend on the zone or emirate, premises, visas and approvals. Among zones commonly considered, published government entry points start at about AED 5,565 (Ajman Free Zone), reviewed July 2026; use the cost calculator for an estimate and request a written quote.
Related
Get a written quote for General Trading
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.