How Much is the Cost of a General Trading License in Dubai?

It is a well-established reputation that Dubai enjoys as a global trading hub. The location, infrastructure, and tax-friendly policy of the emirate fit just right for the umpteenth entrepreneurs who choose to work here every year.

A great many come into the Dubai commercial scene through a general trading license– a permit that allows a company to trade in a variety of goods and is not assigned to a specific product category. 

But the most basic question an investor looks at before starting operations is: how much does a general trading license cost in Dubai?

Considering the pricing is one of the factors that determine the budget, it is concerned more with making an informed choice, guiding the investor toward their long-term business trajectory.

Dubai offers a lot of flexibility, with prices varying greatly on a number of parameters.

In this article, you will learn a glimpse into what is general trading license is in Dubai, the factors, and the cost for visa, office setup, and license fee.

What is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license in Dubai allows businesses to import, export, distribute, and store a selection of goods. Unlike a specialized license restricting you to particular categories- say food items or electronics- a general trading license can be offered to a variety of unrelated items, as long as they are legally accepted in the UAE.

With such a license, companies have the capabilities to trade both locally and internationally, and typical activities cover wholesale trade, retail, e-commerce, and re-export.

In a business world where flexibility means everything, one of such licenses is a favorite with import-export companies, ecommerce sellers, as well as international distributors.

On the mainland, this license is issued through the Department of Economic Development (DED). Free zones in Dubai also provide for obtaining this license respectively.

Depending on the place of application, the general trading license in Dubai and its structure, ownership requirements, and price vary accordingly.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a General Trading License

There is no flat rate for a general trading license because various elements affect the pricing. Here are the key variables:

• Mainland vs Free Zone: Mainland licenses typically include different government fees compared to Free Zones. Some Free Zones offer bundled packages, making them cost-efficient for startups.
  
• Business Activity Category: Some trading activities (like medical equipment or regulated goods) require additional approvals, which can increase overall costs.
  
• Office Space: In the mainland, a physical office is mandatory. Free Zones often allow flexi-desk or virtual office setups, reducing the upfront investment.
  
• Visa Quotas: Your visa requirements for partners, employees, and dependents will also affect the final cost. Every visa comes with its own processing and medical fees.
  
• Additional Fees: These include trade name approval, legal translations, notary charges, and more, often overlooked in initial budgeting.
  

Understanding these variables gives you a clearer picture of the cost of a general trading license in Dubai and helps avoid surprises down the road.

Cost of General Trading License in Dubai

Below is a detailed breakdown of common costs you should account for:

a) Government and License Fees

Item	Approximate Cost (AED)
Trade License (Mainland/DED)	12,000 – 15,000
Free Zone License (e.g., IFZA, DMCC)	9,000 – 25,000
Trade Name Reservation	620 – 1000
Initial Approval	150 – 400
Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting	1000 – 1,500
License Issuance Fee	1000 – 3,000

b) Office Rental Costs

Office Type	Approximate Cost (AED/year)
Flexi-Desk (Free Zone)	10,000 – 15,000
Physical Office (Mainland)	20,000 – 50,000+

c) Visa Costs

Visa Type	Approximate Cost (AED/year)
Investor Visa	3,500 – 6,000
Employee Visa	4,000 – 7,000
Medical & Emirates ID	1,200 – 1,800 per visa

d) Additional Costs

• Local service agent (if needed for mainland): AED 5,000 – 10,000/year
• Insurance, accounting, and other professional services: varies
• Renewal Fees (annual): ~AED 8,000 – 12,000
  

It’s important to factor in all of these when evaluating the cost of a general trading license in Dubai, especially if you plan to scale your business quickly.

Comparison of General Trading License Costs Across Popular Dubai Free Zones and Mainland

Dubai offers a variety of Free Zones, each with its own pricing and benefits. Here’s a quick comparison:

Jurisdiction	Starting License Cost (AED)	Key Highlights
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)	24,000+	High reputation, global trade hub
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)	15,000+	Strategic for logistics and shipping
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)	11,900+	Affordable and flexible packages
DED (Mainland)	12,000 – 15,000+	Full access to UAE market, local presence

Mainland licenses offer unrestricted trade within the UAE, while Free Zones come with tax benefits and full foreign ownership. However, the cost of general trading license in Dubai in a Free Zone can escalate based on your office and visa needs.

Tips to Reduce or Manage the Cost of Obtaining a General Trading License

• Use Flexi-Desk Options: Especially in Free Zones, this can cut down overhead costs drastically.
• Choose the Right Jurisdiction: Some Free Zones are designed for budget-conscious startups and offer all-inclusive packages.
• Leverage Business Setup Packages: Setup consultants often bundle services like visa processing, legal assistance, and office space.
• Renew Early: Early renewal often comes with discounts or prevents late penalties.

Proper planning can easily reduce the cost of general trading license in Dubai by 20–30%.

Additional Considerations Beyond License Cost

The license is only one piece of the puzzle. Here are some other critical expenses to keep in mind:

• Professional Services: Legal, accounting, and PRO services
• Insurance: Especially for product-based trading firms
• Compliance: Filing returns, maintaining bookkeeping, and staying audit-ready
  

Even with a low upfront license cost, neglecting these can lead to higher long-term expenses.

How to Apply for a General Trading License in Dubai

Here’s a simplified overview of the application process:

1. Choose a Jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone
2. Reserve a Trade Name
3. Apply for Initial Approval
4. Draft and Notarize MOA
5. Lease Office or Desk Space
6. Submit All Required Documents
7. Pay the License Fee
8. Receive the Trade License
9. Apply for Visas
   

Documents Required:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• Passport-size photographs
• NOC (if applicable)
• Lease agreement
• Business plan (some Free Zones may require it)

The full process typically takes 7–14 working days.

Also Read:

• How to Get a Gold Trading License in Dubai?
• How to Get a Forex Trading License in Dubai?
• How to Get Municipal Approval for a Trade License?
• How to Cancel a Trade License in Dubai?
• How to Get a Trade License in Dubai, UAE in 2025?
• How to Verify a Trade License in Dubai?
• How to Download Trade License in Dubai, UAE?
• IFZA General Trading License Cost 2025

Conclusion

Before entering into any new endeavor, one must grasp the idea of the general trading license cost in Dubai.

Being aware of the major as well as hidden expenditures can keep you from spending more and breaking the law.

Basically, the license will build the infrastructure under which your trading business will operate – is it being started from scratch in Dubai or introduced from outside?

Plan your budget accordingly and reach out for professional advice, but be sure to compare instead of choosing packages blindly among Free Zones and the mainland.