A general trading licence is priced to your activity, with free zone packages at the lower end and mainland higher because of the office requirement. Warehousing and visa count are the main variables beyond that.
Licensing
General Trading License in Dubai
Trade multiple unrelated product lines under a single licence.
Fixed price quoted up front
Mainland and every free zone
Licence, visas, banking, one team
Most licences in days, not weeks
A general trading license is the broadest trading permission in Dubai. Instead of restricting you to one product family, it lets you import, export, store, distribute and sell a wide range of unrelated goods under a single licence, which is why it suits traders who intend to move across categories as opportunities appear.
The alternative, a standard commercial trading licence, limits you to a defined and related group of products. If you know exactly what you will sell and it sits inside one category, that is cheaper. If you want to add product lines without returning to the authority each time, general trading pays for itself quickly.
The basics
What is a general trading licence?
A general trading licence permits the buying and selling of goods across multiple, unrelated categories. One company can trade electronics, textiles, building materials and foodstuffs on the same licence, without holding a separate activity for each line.
Some categories remain outside its scope and need their own approvals regardless of the licence: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food requiring municipality clearance, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and certain chemicals. These are not blocked, they simply require the relevant regulator to sign off in addition to the trade licence.
Why it works
What are the benefits of a general trading license?
Multiple product lines
Trade unrelated categories under one licence without applying for a new activity every time you expand.
Import and export
Comes with a customs code, so you can clear goods into and out of the UAE through Dubai's ports and airports.
Re-export from a hub
Dubai sits between Asia, Europe and Africa, which makes it efficient to import, hold and re-export inventory.
Fewer restrictions
Pivoting to a new product line does not require a licence amendment, which saves both time and repeated fees.
Warehouse and logistics access
Pair the licence with warehousing in a free zone or mainland facility depending on where your customers are.
Visa eligibility
The licence supports residence visas for owners and staff, with the quota depending on jurisdiction and facility.
Compare
General trading: mainland or free zone
| Factor | Mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Selling to UAE customers | Direct | Through a distributor |
| Ownership | Up to 100% | 100% |
| Customs code | Yes | Yes |
| Office | Leased office with Ejari | Flexi desk or warehouse |
| Typical entry cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Local distribution | Import and re-export |
Scope
What you can trade
A general trading licence typically covers the import, export, distribution and retail of categories such as these.
- Electronics and consumer devices
- Textiles, garments and accessories
- Building materials and hardware
- Furniture and home furnishings
- Automotive spare parts
- Packaged foodstuff, subject to municipality approval
- Cosmetics and personal care, subject to approval
- Machinery, tools and industrial equipment
Cost
How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai?
A general trading licence costs more than a single category trading licence because the permission is broader. Free zone general trading packages start lower, while mainland costs more because of the office requirement, but gives you direct access to the local market. Warehousing, if you need it, is usually the largest line after rent.
What makes up the cost
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- General trading licence fee, higher than a standard trading licence
- Office, flexi desk or warehouse cost
- Customs code registration
- Establishment card and visas per person
- Our professional fee, quoted as a fixed amount up front
Paperwork
What documents are required?
- Passport copies for every shareholder and the manager
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Three proposed trade names in order of preference
- A list of the product categories you intend to trade
- Emirates ID and visa copy if you are already a UAE resident
- No objection certificate from your current sponsor where applicable
- Tenancy contract and Ejari, or free zone facility agreement
- Corporate documents, attested, where a company is the shareholder
The process
How do you get a general trading license?
01
Choose jurisdiction
We decide mainland or free zone based on whether your buyers are inside the UAE or overseas, since that drives the entire structure.
02
Reserve the trade name
We clear a name that passes the naming rules and reserve it with the relevant authority.
03
Register the activity
We register general trading and confirm whether any of your intended goods need an additional regulator approval.
04
Initial approval
The authority confirms it has no objection to the business proceeding.
05
Premises and documents
We arrange the office, flexi desk or warehouse, register the tenancy where required and submit the full document set.
06
Licence issued
Your general trading licence is issued and the company is registered with immigration and labour.
07
Customs code and visas
We register your customs code so you can clear shipments, then process establishment card, visas and bank account.
Why Layerz
One team, fixed pricing, no surprises
We advise on the structure that fits your activity and customers rather than the package that is easiest to sell. You get a fixed quote with government fees itemised separately, a dedicated advisor from first call to licence, and the same team afterwards for visas, banking, accounting and renewals.
Get a free consultation Faq
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on cost, ownership, documents and timelines.
Ask us anything Ask us anything-
1. How much does a general trading licence cost in Dubai?
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2. What is the difference between a trading and a general trading licence?
A trading licence limits you to a defined group of related products. A general trading licence lets you trade multiple unrelated categories on one licence, so you can add product lines without amending the licence. -
3. Can I import and export with a general trading licence?
Yes. We register a customs code alongside the licence, which allows you to clear goods through UAE customs for both import and export. -
4. Do I need a warehouse for a general trading licence?
Not necessarily. If you drop ship, re-export or hold stock with a third party logistics provider you may not need your own warehouse. If you hold inventory, we arrange warehousing that matches your volume. -
5. Are any goods excluded from a general trading licence?
Controlled categories such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, alcohol, tobacco, weapons and certain chemicals need approval from their own regulator in addition to the trade licence. We confirm this against your product list.
Sources
Enquire about your general trading license
Tell us what you are planning and we will reply with the right structure and a fixed quote.