General Trading License in Dubai | Why Jebel Ali Free Zone is Ideal

Acquire a general trading license in Dubai at Jebel Ali Free Zone to enjoy tax benefits, complete ownership, and maximum accessibility to world logistics. Know the license types, setup costs, and how Arnifi helps in streamlining your JAFZ trading license process.

1. Introduction

A general trading license in Dubai is among the most flexible and in-demand business licenses for entrepreneurs and investors. Such an option is vital for companies that aim to import goods from outside sources, export their own products, distribute them, and trade in a broad range of goods without restrictions imposed as part of the requirements for an individual activity license. The list includes import-export of products within a wide range, from consumer electronics and garments to food products and industrial supplies.

Choosing the right free zone can greatly impact the eventual success of the business. While the mainland has its benefits, the free zones of Dubai, and particularly Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ), will provide a gold level of advantages for global trade companies.

This guide discusses why a trading license from Jebel Ali Free Zone will be the most intelligent choice for any company looking for reliable and scalable trading setups in Dubai.

2. What is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license in Dubai is issued for businesses involved in purchasing, selling, importing, and exporting a multitude of different types of goods. A general trading license includes a wider range of unrelated products under one license, in contrast to activity-specific licenses, like electronics or textiles.

This license will be available on both the mainland and in free zones. The licenses become different in terms of the regulatory bodies, ownership structures, and operational scopes:

• The mainland license for carrying out activities allows operations all over the UAE, clearly inclusive of the local market
• Free zone licenses like that of JAFZ international trading, but with significant tax and ownership benefits

Common activities allowed under a general trading license include:

• Import/export of consumer goods
• Wholesale and retail trading
• E-commerce and online sales
• Storage and distribution

This license is the best for investors who would like to have flexibility in product categories and easy scalability.

3. Why is the Jebel Ali Free Zone a Top Choice?

Getting a general trading license from Jebel Ali Free Zone is equivalent to getting compliance approval, since it will connect you to one of the world’s largest logistics webs.

Here are the advantages of JAFZ for general trading:

a. Strategic Location & Logistics Infrastructure

JAFZ is adjacent to the largest seaport in the Middle East, Jebel Ali Port, and in proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport. This unique proximity smoothens the whole canvas of global shipping, making it ideal for import-export industries.

b. 100% Foreign Ownership

With JAFZ, total foreign ownership is allowed so that international investors can establish and take full control of their general trading company in Dubai without needing a local sponsor.

c. Tax Exemptions & Business Incentives

Businesses enjoy:

• 0% personal and corporate tax
• No import/export duties within the free zone
• No currency restrictions

These benefits reduce operational costs significantly. These advantages add enormously to the substantial cuts in costs of running such businesses.

d. World-Class Facilities

Pre-built warehouses, ready-to-move-in offices, and customizable logistics hubs equipped with the most modern of technologies are all at JAFZA. It is a haven for thousands of trading and logistics companies, sometimes even multi-billion dollar giants, and thousands of SMEs.

For instance, a small electronics trader will massively scale up using infrastructure such as that of JAFZ and enter African and Asian markets easily and at very little cost.

A JAFZ license will always ease the logistics, lowering customs barriers and, above all, improving the credibility of global suppliers and buyers.

4. Types of General Trading Licenses in Dubai

There are two major options available during the general trading license application process in Dubai:

a. Mainland General Trading License

• Granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
• Allows direct trading in the local market of the UAE
• Requires a UAE national as the service agent (dependent on the activity)

b. Free Zone General Trading License

• Various free zones grant such a license, with JAFZ being a top preference
• Good for the business, which has an import-export business, re-export, and international trading
• 100% ownership and tax-free operations

The JAFZ general trading license is particularly well-suited for:

• SMEs looking to scale operations globally
• Traders importing and storing in the UAE for re-export
• E-commerce sellers distributing through global channels
• Distributors with more than one product type

It will be easy to upgrade the trade license at JAFZ to leasing warehouses and quota visas as your company continues to expand.

5. Cost Breakdown of a General Trading License in JAFZ

Understanding the cost of a Jebel Ali Free Zone general trading license helps with financial planning. While exact fees vary based on business size and facilities, here’s a breakdown:

Particulars	Amount (AED)
1 Year Trade License MOA	5,000*
Certificate of Formation	5,000
Share Percentage Certificate	2,000
Immigration Card (1 Year)	2,000
Registration Fees (One-time)	5,000
Annual Lease (6 Sq.m, workstation only)	39,000
10% Security Deposit (Refundable – one time)	3,900
Insurance (Annual)	100
Name Plate (One-time)	500
Arnifi Processing Fee	5,000
Total Price	60,500

*AED 500 for each additional activity. Maximum 7 can be chosen.

Terms & Conditions

• Stage 1: License issuance – 5–7 business days
• Stage 2: Immigration Card – 3–4 business days
• Stage 3: Visa Process – 9–10 business days

Additional Charges

• If the applicant is inside the country: AED 780
• Transfer of sponsorship required: AED 920
• An offer letter is required: AED 100
• Applicant age above 60: AED 5,000
• Job title as Partner or Investor: AED 250
• Health insurance is mandatory for the visa process. The cost will depend on age, gender, and existing health conditions.

6. Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a License in JAFZ

The fundamental steps for the setup of a general trading company in Jebel Ali Free Zone are as follows:

Pre-Approval & Name Reservation

Submit your proposed trade name and choose “General Trading” as an activity type.

Submit License Application

Apply with the structure of the company and the details of shareholders through the JAFZ portal.

Documentation

Provide:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• Business plan
• Application form
• NOC (if applicable)
• Proof of address/lease agreement

Lease Agreement

Lease an office, warehouse, or flexi-desk depending on your operational needs.

Pay License Fees

Make payment for the license, registration, and lease.

Receive Your License

Collect your Jebel Ali Free Zone general trading license within 5-10 working days.

Visa Processing (if needed)

Apply for an establishment card and investor/employee visas.

Arnifi eases the entire JAFZ licensing process with end-to-end support, saving time and ensuring compliance.

7. FAQs

Q1: Can I get a general trading license as a foreigner in Dubai?

Yes, JAFZ provides 100% foreign ownership for the general trading company, and no local partner or sponsor is required.

Q2: How long does it take to get a JAFZ license?

If all documents are in place, the entire setup can be done within a span of 5 to 10 working days.

Q3: Can I operate outside Dubai with a JAFZ license?

The JAFZ license allows for international trading; however, any business operation within the UAE would need to be handled by a distributor or local agent.

Q4: What’s the cost difference between JAFZ and mainland licenses?

Dubai general trading license fees are usually cheaper in JAFZ as a result of the advantages of tax exemption and lower cost of setup. Mainland licenses, on the other hand, may include additional costs for local sponsorship and VAT compliance.

8. Conclusion

A general trading license in Dubai means the beginning of a process that can lead to scalable, multi-product trading. Among competing jurisdictions, the Jebel Ali Free Zone trading license is given prominence due to its international connectivity, investor-friendly regulations, and strong logistics ecosystem.

Whether you are launching your very first startup or establishing your own trading house, JAFZ provides a hassle-free escape route to boost your import-export activities globally.

With full guidance offered from documentation and licensing to workspace lease and visa processing, contact Arnifi to get your JAFZ general trading license right away.