Launch your trading business with a Dubai General Trading License. It gives you the freedom to trade various goods, access global markets, and explore new opportunities.
Want to expand your business and reach more customers? A Dubai General Trading License can open doors to unlimited opportunities. This license allows you to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of products—both within the UAE and internationally. Whether it’s electronics, textiles, or other goods, Dubai’s location and strong economy make it the perfect place to set up and grow.
Starting a General Trading business in Dubai might sound complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Make My Company takes care of the entire process for you. From handling paperwork to ensuring your business follows all local laws, we make it easy. With this license, you’ll be part of a thriving market, gain access to world-class infrastructure, and tap into Dubai’s powerful global trade networks.
We’ve helped countless businesses establish themselves in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and stress-free licensing experience. Our team does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters—growing your business and finding new opportunities.
A General Trading License in Dubai is one of the most flexible and profitable licenses for businesses looking to trade multiple products under one license. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or distributing goods, this license gives you the freedom to operate without restrictions on product categories. At Make My Company, we help businesses get their Dubai General Trading License quickly and hassle-free.
With a Dubai General Trading License, you can deal in multiple product categories without applying for separate licenses. This is perfect for businesses that want to import and export goods, including electronics, fashion, food, and more.
Setting up a general trading business in Dubai means you can own your company fully if you register in a free zone. Even on the mainland, recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, making Dubai a great place to start a business.
Dubai’s strategic location makes it a global trading hub. With world-class ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure, businesses with a General Trading License can easily ship products across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Plus, there are no customs duties for trade within free zones.
Dubai offers a business-friendly tax environment. Companies with a General Trading License enjoy 0% corporate tax (except for certain large businesses) and no personal income tax. This means more profits stay in your pocket.
Getting a General Trading License in Dubai is quick and easy. With the right documents, you can register your company within a few days. At Make My Company, we handle everything—from paperwork to approvals—so you can start your business without delays.
Dubai allows free movement of capital with no currency exchange restrictions. Investors can send profits back home without restrictions, making it one of the most investor-friendly cities in the world.
With a Dubai General Trading License, you can operate within the UAE and expand globally. Whether you choose a free zone or mainland setup, you’ll have access to a thriving market with millions of customers.
A general trading business in Dubai allows you to apply for multiple investor and employee visas. If you need to bring in staff, apply for residency visas, or hire skilled workers, this license provides the flexibility to do so.
Getting a General Trading License in Dubai is easy when you know the steps. At Make My Company, we take care of the paperwork and approvals, so you can focus on your business. If you’re planning to start a general trading business in Dubai, here’s what you need to do.
First, decide where you want to set up. A Dubai General Trading License in the mainland lets you trade freely within the UAE and internationally. A Free Zone General Trading License gives you tax benefits and full ownership, but you’ll need a local distributor to sell in the UAE. We’ll help you choose the best option.
Your business name needs to be unique and follow UAE naming rules—no offensive words or religious references. We handle the approval process to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Once your trade name is approved, we apply for your General Trading License. Mainland businesses go through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), while free zone businesses apply to their respective authority. This step also includes preparing legal documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and getting initial approvals.
You’ll need a physical office or warehouse. If you’re setting up in the mainland, a leased office space is required. Free zones offer flexible options, including virtual offices in some cases. We help you find the right space based on your needs and budget.
If you plan to trade items like medical supplies, food, or electronics, you might need extra approvals from authorities like the Dubai Municipality or the Ministry of Health. We handle these approvals to speed things up.
Once all approvals are done, you pay the government fees, and your Dubai General Trading License is issued. This allows you to legally import, export, and trade goods in the UAE.
After getting your license, you can apply for residency visas for yourself and your employees. A corporate bank account is also essential for transactions. We guide you through the visa process and banking setup, so you can start trading without delays.
Want to start your general trading business in Dubai? We’re here to make the process quick and hassle-free. Let’s get started!
Getting a General Trading License in Dubai is a great way to start a business that deals with importing, exporting, or selling multiple products. Whether you’re setting up in a Dubai Free Zone or the mainland, having the right documents will make the process smooth. At Make My Company, we help you get everything in order so you can focus on running your business.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Every shareholder must provide a clear copy of their passport. If you’re already in the UAE, you may also need a copy of your residence visa or entry stamp.
Before applying for a Dubai General Trading License, you need to reserve a trade name. The name should be unique and follow UAE naming rules. We handle the approval process so you don’t have to worry about it.
This approval confirms that the government has no objection to your business activity. It’s a required step before getting your full General Trading License in Dubai.
If you’re setting up a mainland company, you’ll need an MOA notarized by a UAE legal authority. This document outlines shareholder agreements and business structure. Free zone companies usually have a simplified MOA process.
For General Trading in Dubai, a physical office is required in the mainland. You’ll need a tenancy contract (Ejari) registered with the authorities. Free zones offer flexible office solutions, including virtual offices and flexi-desks.
This is the official form submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or the respective Free Zone Authority for free zone companies.
Once all documents are in place, the final step is to pay the trade license fees. The cost varies based on business location, visa quota, and office space. We ensure full transparency in pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
The cost of a Dubai General Trading License depends on a few things, like whether you set up in a free zone or on the mainland, the kind of office or warehouse space you need, and how many employee visas you apply for.
Generally, prices start at AED 15,000, but they can go higher if you need extra approvals or want to add more business activities. To get a clear idea of the exact cost for your setup, reach out to Make My Company for a customized estimate.
If you’re planning to start a general trading business in Dubai, you have two main options: setting up in a Free Zone or on the Mainland. Both come with their own advantages, and the right choice depends on your business needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Free Zone General Trading License | Mainland General Trading License |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Ownership |
100% foreign ownership |
100% ownership (no local sponsor needed for many activities) |
|
Market Access |
Can trade only within the Free Zone or internationally |
Can trade across Dubai, the UAE, and internationally |
|
Setup Cost |
Lower setup cost, no need for a physical office |
Slightly higher cost due to office rental and approvals |
|
Customs & Import Duties |
No customs duties for trade within the Free Zone |
Import duties apply when selling goods within the UAE |
|
Office Requirement |
Not mandatory (virtual offices allowed in many Free Zones) |
Mandatory physical office space |
|
Visa Eligibility |
Limited visas depending on office size |
More flexibility in visa allocations |
|
Government Approvals |
Streamlined process with Free Zone Authority |
Requires approvals from DED and other UAE authorities |
|
Best For |
Businesses focused on export, re-export, or e-commerce |
Businesses that want direct access to the UAE market |
At Make My Company, we help you find the right setup based on your business goals, industry, and budget. Whether you’re starting in a Dubai Free Zone or the Mainland, our team ensures a smooth and hassle-free business setup.
Starting a business sounds simple, but dealing with the paperwork can quickly become stressful. With Make My Company by your side, you can skip the hassle, avoid mistakes, and focus on what matters—growing your business.
A Dubai General Trading License gives you access to both local and international markets, making it a great choice for entrepreneurs. The right support makes the process easier, so you can launch your business with confidence in one of the world’s biggest trading hubs.
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