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Mainland · licence type

General Trading Licence in the UAE — Cost, Activities & Rules (2026)

A general trading licence allows trade in a broad range of product categories under one licence — attractive for importers and distributors with varied catalogues. Scope, cost and rules differ by emirate and by whether you are mainland or free zone.

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ScopeBroad basket of product categories
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign for most activities
Best forDiversified importers and distributors

General Trading Licence cost (2026)

ItemCost
Dubai licence (government)≈ AED 11,500–13,500 plus approvals
Other emiratesQuote required
Office and visasExtra — see emirate pages

Dubai figures are government costs published as at July 2026. Where a row says “quote required” there is no reliable public price, so we do not publish a number.

Benefits

  • Trade many product categories under one licence
  • Simpler than adding activities one by one
  • Suited to importers with varied catalogues

Requirements and documents

  • Approved trade name
  • Initial approval and MoA
  • Tenancy contract
  • Approvals for restricted goods

Who is it best for?

  • Importers with varied catalogues
  • Distributors
  • Trading houses

What to watch out for

  • Your licence lists the exact activities you may perform — adding activities later costs extra
  • Government fees change — confirm the live figure for your activity before paying
  • Regulated activities need approval from other authorities

Step-by-step: how to set up

  1. Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
  2. Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit the name and activity for approval to the economic department.
  3. Lease premisesSign a tenancy contract for a physical office or shop — the office size affects your visa quota. Dubai requires Ejari registration.
  4. Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets out shareholders, capital and management; it is signed before a notary where required.
  5. Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities (health, education, food, finance, etc.).
  6. Pay fees and receive the trade licencePay the government fees to receive your licence and commercial registration.
  7. Establishment card, visas, bank account and taxGet the immigration card, residence visas and Emirates ID, open the bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT.

FAQs: General Trading Licence

What is a general trading licence?

A licence covering a broad range of product categories rather than one narrow activity. Some restricted goods are excluded and need separate approvals.

Is a general trading licence more expensive?

It usually costs more than a single-activity trading licence, and free zones such as JAFZA and DAFZA price it higher too. Compare scope against cost.

Can free zones issue general trading licences?

Some can, but free zone companies cannot freely trade onshore without extra arrangements. Mainland is the cleaner route for UAE customers.

What documents are needed for a mainland licence?

Typically passport copies for shareholders and managers, an approved trade name, a Memorandum of Association, a premises lease and approvals for regulated activities. Foreign corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents.

Do mainland companies pay corporate tax and VAT?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income, and 5% VAT with mandatory registration above AED 375,000 of taxable turnover. Small Business Relief may apply for eligible businesses — check current Federal Tax Authority guidance.

How long does a mainland licence last and how is it renewed?

Mainland trade licences are issued for one year and renewed annually with the licensing department, together with the office lease, establishment card and any external approvals. Renewal fees are broadly comparable to the first-year licence fee, and late renewal attracts fines.

How many visas can a mainland company have?

The visa quota depends mainly on the size of your registered office space, plus the activity and shareholder count. Larger premises support more visas, which is why the office lease is the key sizing decision.

Can a mainland company also operate from a free zone?

Yes — many groups keep a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international work or holding. Each is a separate licence with its own costs and compliance.

Can ZoneWise help me choose between mainland and free zone?

Yes — send us your activity, customer location and visa needs and we will recommend the most cost-effective route, with a written quote.

Get a written quote for General Trading Licence

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the licensing department before paying.

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