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.
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.
There is no flat rate for a general trading license because various elements affect the pricing. Here are the key variables:
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.
Below is a detailed breakdown of common costs you should account for:
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 |
Office Type | Approximate Cost (AED/year) |
Flexi-Desk (Free Zone) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Physical Office (Mainland) | 20,000 – 50,000+ |
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 |
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.
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.
Proper planning can easily reduce the cost of general trading license in Dubai by 20–30%.
The license is only one piece of the puzzle. Here are some other critical expenses to keep in mind:
Even with a low upfront license cost, neglecting these can lead to higher long-term expenses.
Here’s a simplified overview of the application process:
Documents Required:
The full process typically takes 7–14 working days.
Also Read:
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.
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