Overview
A general trading licence allows trade in a broad range of product categories under one licence — attractive for importers and distributors with varied catalogues. Scope, cost and rules differ by emirate and by whether you are mainland or free zone.
General Trading Licence cost (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dubai licence (government) | ≈ AED 11,500–13,500 plus approvals |
| Other emirates | Quote required |
| Office and visas | Extra — see emirate pages |
Dubai figures are government costs published as at July 2026. Where a row says “quote required” there is no reliable public price, so we do not publish a number.
Benefits
- Trade many product categories under one licence
- Simpler than adding activities one by one
- Suited to importers with varied catalogues
Requirements and documents
- Approved trade name
- Initial approval and MoA
- Tenancy contract
- Approvals for restricted goods
Who is it best for?
- Importers with varied catalogues
- Distributors
- Trading houses
What to weigh up
- Your licence lists the exact activities you may perform — adding activities later costs extra
- Government fees change — confirm the live figure for your activity before paying
- Regulated activities need approval from other authorities
Step-by-step: how to set up
- Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit the name and activity to the economic department.
- Lease premisesSign a tenancy contract for a physical office or shop; office size affects visa quota. Dubai requires Ejari registration.
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets shareholders, capital and management; notarisation applies where required.
- Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities (health, education, food, finance and others).
- Pay fees and receive the trade licenceGovernment fees are paid to the licensing department.
- Establishment card, visas, bank account and taxArrange the immigration card, residence visas and Emirates ID; open the bank account; register for corporate tax and VAT where required.
Mainland or free zone?
Mainland suits businesses selling to UAE customers or bidding for government work; a free zone can be simpler and cheaper for international or online businesses. Use the decision framework and browse all free zones.
FAQs: General Trading Licence
What is a general trading licence?
A licence covering a broad range of product categories rather than one narrow activity. Some restricted goods are excluded and need separate approvals.
Is a general trading licence more expensive?
It usually costs more than a single-activity trading licence, and free zones such as JAFZA and DAFZA price it higher too. Compare scope against cost.
Can free zones issue general trading licences?
Some can, but free zone companies cannot freely trade onshore without extra arrangements. Mainland is the cleaner route for UAE customers.
What documents are needed for a mainland licence?
Typically passport copies for shareholders and managers, an approved trade name, a Memorandum of Association, a premises lease and approvals for regulated activities. Foreign corporate shareholders provide attested incorporation documents. Confirm the current checklist with the licensing department.
Do mainland companies pay corporate tax and VAT?
UAE corporate tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it; VAT is 5% with mandatory registration above AED 375,000 of taxable supplies. Small Business Relief may apply to eligible businesses for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. Check current Federal Tax Authority guidance.
How is a mainland licence renewed?
Mainland trade licences are issued for a period (commonly one year) and renewed with the licensing department together with the office lease, establishment card and any external approvals. Renewal fees are broadly comparable to the first-year licence fee; late renewal attracts fines.
How many visas can a mainland company have?
The visa quota depends mainly on the size of your registered office, plus activity and shareholder count. The office lease is the key sizing decision.
Can a mainland company also operate from a free zone?
Yes — many groups keep a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international work or holding. Each is a separate licence with its own costs and compliance.
Get a written quote for General Trading Licence
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.