General Trading License in Dubai (DET Mainland)
A general trading license in Dubai lets one mainland company import, export and sell a wide range of unrelated goods. We check your product list against DET's rules and set up the licence, office, customs code and visas.
Description
A general trading license in Dubai is a mainland licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) whose general trading activity lets one company buy, sell, import and export many unrelated kinds of goods. A standard mainland commercial license lists specific activities, such as trading in electronics or in garments; general trading avoids having to add a new activity each time you take on a different product line. It suits import-export houses, wholesalers and traders who don't yet know which product lines will work.
**Activities under a general trading license in Dubai.** It covers non-restricted goods: for example electronics, garments and textiles, furniture, household goods, building materials, spare parts and similar products. It does not remove the need for approvals. Goods controlled by another authority need their own approval, and often their own activity, whatever licence you hold: food and beverages, medicines and medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals, telecom equipment, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, precious metals and vehicles are typical examples. We check your product list against DET's activity guide before you apply, so you know what the licence covers and what still needs an approval.
**Ownership and legal form.** Since June 2021, most commercial activities in Dubai can be 100% foreign-owned, with no UAE national partner, under the federal Commercial Companies Law. Most general trading companies are set up as an LLC; a sole establishment is also possible for an individual. We confirm the current ownership status of your exact activity on DET's list during setup.
**Office and visas.** A general trading company needs a physical office in Dubai registered in Ejari. Flexi-desk arrangements are often not accepted for this activity, so check before you sign; our office rental service can find a suitable space. The number of visas you can sponsor is normally linked to the size of the office. Owners usually take an investor visa, and staff come in on an employment visa.
**Importing and exporting.** Once the licence is issued, register a Dubai Customs client code through the Dubai Trade portal so you can clear shipments in your company's name. The code is tied to the licence and is renewed with it. Most trading companies also reach the mandatory threshold for VAT registration quickly, so plan for it early.
**Mainland or free zone?** A mainland licence suits you if you sell to customers and businesses inside the UAE. If most of your trade is re-export or warehousing at Jebel Ali, a general trading licence in JAFZA can work better, and DMCC suits commodity and office-based traders. If you only ever trade one product group, a commercial licence with that activity is usually simpler.
**What affects the general trading license cost in Dubai.** The legal form, the office size and its rent, Dubai Chamber membership, the number of visas, the customs code and any product approvals. General trading is usually more expensive in government fees than a single commercial activity, which is worth weighing if you deal in one product group only. Share your product list with us on WhatsApp or live chat for a written quote.
What's Included
- Product list review against DET's general trading activity and restricted goods
- Advice on mainland vs free zone and general vs commercial trading
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and notarisation (LLC)
- Office search coordination and Ejari registration
- Licence issuance and Dubai Chamber membership
- Dubai Customs client code registration
- Establishment card
- Investor and employment visa steps
- Corporate bank account and VAT registration support
Requirements / Prerequisites
- At least one shareholder (individual or company)
- A product list, so restricted goods can be identified early
- A trade name that follows DET naming rules
- A physical office in Dubai registered in Ejari
- Approvals from the relevant authority for any restricted goods
- Shareholder passports valid for at least six months
Required Documents
- Passport copy of each shareholder and the manager
- Emirates ID and residence visa copy (UAE residents)
- Passport-size photographs
- Three trade name options
- List of products you plan to trade
- Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- No-objection letter from your employer, if your visa sponsor requires one
- Corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution, legalised and attested for use in the UAE
Our Process
- Review your product list and confirm general trading is the right activity
- Reserve the trade name and get DET initial approval
- Find the office and register the lease in Ejari
- Draft and notarise the MOA (LLC)
- Pay fees and receive the licence; join the Dubai Chamber
- Register the Dubai Customs client code
- Apply for the establishment card
- Process investor and staff visas
- Open the corporate bank account and register for VAT when required
- Obtain product approvals for any restricted goods before trading them
Pricing
Contact us on WhatsApp for a tailored quote for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are allowed under a general trading license in Dubai?
Trading, importing and exporting a wide range of non-restricted goods under one activity, such as electronics, textiles, furniture, household goods, building materials and spare parts. Goods controlled by other authorities (food, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, precious metals, vehicles and similar) need their own approval and often their own activity.
What is the difference between a general trading and a commercial license?
A commercial licence lists specific trading activities, usually within one product group. General trading lets you trade many unrelated non-restricted goods under one activity. General trading carries higher government fees, so it pays off when you deal in several unrelated product lines.
How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai?
It depends on the legal form, the office size and rent, Dubai Chamber membership, the number of visas, the customs code and any product approvals. Send us your product list and we'll prepare a written quote.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a general trading company in Dubai?
In most cases, yes. Since June 2021, most commercial activities in Dubai allow full foreign ownership without a UAE national partner. We confirm your activity's status on DET's current list.
Do I need a physical office?
Yes. A mainland general trading company needs a Dubai office registered in Ejari, and the office size usually affects how many visas you can sponsor. Flexi-desks are often not accepted for this activity.
Do I need a customs code to import and export?
Yes. Register a Dubai Customs client code through the Dubai Trade portal after the licence is issued. It is tied to your licence and renewed with it.
Can I sell anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai general trading license?
You can sell to customers and businesses across the UAE from your Dubai base. Opening a branch, shop or warehouse in another emirate needs a licence from that emirate.
Can I trade food under a general trading license?
Food needs Dubai Municipality food safety approval and usually a specific foodstuff trading activity. Tell us what you plan to sell and we'll set up the right combination.