General Trading License Cost in Dubai | Mainland, Free Zone & LLC Explained

General trading license cost in Dubai is the first thing you need to understand before starting a business, like what the costs are & which setup to choose, like mainland or free zone, that fits your plan best. In this article, you’ll find clear numbers, breakdowns & answers to common questions so you can budget smart and avoid any sort of hidden fees. Arnifi shows you how to avoid any confusion and choose the setup that actually works best for your business.

1. Introduction

If you’re planning to set up a trading company in the UAE, you should understand the general trading license cost in Dubai. Also, you might risk paying unnecessary fees or choosing the wrong structure for your business if you don’t have clarity. The right license, whether for mainland or free zone , decides how much flexibility you’ll have & where you can trade, as well as the ultimate setup cost.

The thing is, the general trading license cost in Dubai varies depending on location, number of visas, office requirements & type of company. In this article, we’ll break down the numbers & explain what’s included & show how Arnifi helps businesses remove hidden expenses.

2. What is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license allows you to import, export, distribute & trade multiple product categories under one license. From wholesale goods and retail products to large-scale import/export operations, this license covers a wide range of activities.

Why entrepreneurs choose it:

• Flexibility to deal with multiple goods
  This license gives the flexibility, like instead of applying for separate permits for different products, a single general trading license lets you handle various goods like retail, wholesale, import or export & without any unnecessary paperwork or delays.
• Easy expansion to global markets
  This license isn’t just limited to the UAE; it opens doors to re-export and international trading. So businesses can quickly scale around the world while keeping costs and requirements structured.
• Strong demand in Dubai
  Dubai is a global shipping hub with excellent connectivity. Constant business opportunities are being created for international buyers, suppliers & logistics infrastructure, which makes this highly profitable and practical.

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3. Types of General Trading Licenses in Dubai

Mainland General Trading License

• Trade freely across the UAE and internationally
  This license gives you full access to the local UAE market & it also allows international operations, which makes it ideal for businesses dealing with various global clients.

• 100% foreign ownership allowed
  Recently, the UAE government has made changes in the law according to which foreign investors can now fully own mainland companies without having a local sponsor, giving entrepreneurs freedom and control over their operations.

• Requires an office space in Dubai
  A physical office is mandatory for a mainland license & it builds credibility with suppliers and customers and also fulfils the legal needs.

Free Zone General Trading License

• Tax exemptions and full profit allotment-
  Free zones offer corporate tax benefits and allow you to keep most of the profit &, making them attractive for businesses looking for cost efficiency and financial flexibility.

• Faster, simpler setup process-
  Getting started in a free zone is quicker & it requires very little paperwork and approvals compared to mainland setups & this helps entrepreneurs launch operations without any issues.

• Limited direct UAE market access without using a local distributor-
  Free zone companies can’t trade directly within the UAE mainland unless they appoint a local distributor; now, this might add extra costs, or it can reduce profit margins.

LLC (Limited Liability Company) General Trading License

• Separate identity, liability protection & structured governance-
  By forming an LLC, a company becomes a separate legal entity for protecting the personal assets of owners & keeping operations structured under clear management rules.

• Flexible ownership models-
  LLCs allow foreign investors to control up to 100% ownership, which basically depends on the activity & the license offers flexibility to design a business model that matches its future goals.

• Often preferred for investors targeting specific niches-
  LLCs are a popular choice for investors focused on industries that require local market presence, credibility & more traditional corporate structure in Dubai.

4. General Trading License Cost in Dubai

The cost depends on the type of license and setup. The following are average estimated ranges:

License Type	Estimated Cost (AED)	Key Notes
Free Zone General Trading License	Starting from 12,000 AED	It varies by free zone (IFZA, DMCC, SPC, RAKEZ). It has a flexi-desk option available.
Mainland General Trading License	Starting from 20,000 AED	This package includes 1 Year Trade License, MOA, Virtual Office, and Lease agreement, Certificate of Formation, Share Percentage certificate, Basic bank account opening assistance, General Trading Activity Surcharge, and Immigration Card, Investor Visa (Including Medical and EID) Initial Approval, Trade Name reservation, Tasheel Fees
LLC General Trading License	Starts from 15,000 and ranges up to 50,000 AED	Costs scale with jurisdiction, visas & office space; it also includes the trade name and registration.

The general trading license cost in Dubai is not just one size fits all & final price depends on the free zone chosen, the number of visas & office setup.

5. What’s Included in the Cost?

When you pay for a general trading license in Dubai, the cost usually includes several standard requirements, which are as follows-

• Initial approval from DED or free zone authority-
  This is the first step where the government authority checks and approves your business activity before you move forward with the license process.

• Trade name reservation-
  You’ll need to officially reserve your company name so no other business can use it & this step is mandatory and a part of the overall package.

• License issuance fees-
  These are the core charges that cover the creation and registration of your general trading license & it allows  you to legally trade in Dubai.

• Immigration card and establishment card-
  These documents allow your company to hire employees, apply for visas & legally sponsor staff; these are essential for operating easily in the UAE.

• Office space requirement-
  On the mainland, renting a physical office space is compulsory, while in free zones, you have more flexibility & these options range from flexi-desks to private offices, which depend on business needs.

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6. Additional Factors That Affect the Cost

• Number of visas requested
  Every visa you apply for adds to the overall cost; the more employees or partners you plan to sponsor, the higher your license expenses become.

• Flexi-desk vs full office requirement
  Opting for a flexi-desk in a free zone is the cheaper route, while renting a full private office space on the mainland significantly increases total costs.

• Extra activities added to the license
  If your business plans to cover multiple activities under the same license, each additional activity comes with extra fees, raising the final setup and licensing cost.
• Bank account opening support
  Some free zones and service providers add charges for assisting with corporate bank account setup. Though optional, this can impact your upfront costs during company formation.

7. Benefits of a General Trading License in Dubai

Getting a general trading license in Dubai comes with several advantages that make it one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs and investors

• Run multiple businesses with one license-
  Instead of applying for separate approvals, a general trading license lets you handle many types of products under one license, which saves both time and money.

• Access to UAE & global markets-
  Dubai’s strong location & logistics network make it easy to trade locally and expand internationally; it also helps businesses in reaching customers worldwide.

• Investor-friendly rules attract foreign companies-
  With 100% foreign ownership in many cases, tax incentives & simple trading rules, the UAE has created an attractive environment for international investors looking to grow.

• Long-term credibility for business operations-
  Holding a general trading license makes your company legitimate by reassuring clients, suppliers & banks that you are a serious, established player in the UAE market.

8. How Arnifi Helps?

Arnifi makes the process straightforward by giving you real numbers upfront and guiding you toward the setup that fits your budget and long-term plans.

• Mainland vs free zone vs LLC license options
  We explain the pros and cons of each setup in simple language & we also compare costs & market access so you can make the right choice confidently.

• Step-by-step handling of paperwork & approvals
  Arnifi manages every stage of the process, from initial approvals to license issuance, so you don’t waste time running around government offices or chasing documents.

• Finding the balance between cost and long-term flexibility
  We don’t just suggest the cheapest option, but we match your business needs with a setup that saves money today while keeping you open for growth tomorrow.

9. FAQs

Q1. What is the cheapest free zone for a general trading license in Dubai?
Some of the most affordable are IFZA, RAKEZ & SPC, starting around AED 10,000.

Q2. Can I get a general trading license without an office?
Yes, in many free zones you can use a Flexi-desk, but mainland licenses require office space.

Q3. How many visas are included in the cost?
It starts from 0, but it can go up according to company requirements.

Q4. Is VAT registration mandatory for a general trading company?
If your revenue exceeds AED 375,000 annually, VAT registration is required.

10. Conclusion

The general trading license cost in Dubai depends on whether you choose a mainland, free zone, or LLC setup. But additional factors like visas and office space can shift the numbers based on the business/company requirements.

If you want clarity and cost-effective packages, reach out to Arnifi. We handle the complexity so you can focus on building your business. Along with trading licenses, we also support you with visas, accounting, bookkeeping, and other essential business services to keep your company running without hassle.