General Trading License Dubai: Complete Guide 2026

What is a General Trading License?

A general trading license is an official commercial license issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) that permits businesses to trade in a wide range of commodities and goods without categorical restrictions. Unlike specialized trading licenses that limit businesses to specific product categories, general trading licenses offer maximum business flexibility for trading companies, wholesalers, importers, and exporters.

Scope of General Trading License

Permitted Activities

• Wholesale trading of diverse goods and commodities
• Import and export of permitted products
• Distribution and supply chain operations
• Trading across multiple product categories
• Commercial agency and representation
• Procurement services for businesses
• Regional and international trade

Prohibited Activities

• Manufacturing or production operations
• Professional services (legal, medical, engineering)
• Regulated products (alcohol, weapons) without specific permits
• Financial services and banking
• Insurance operations
• Restricted or controlled substances

General Trading vs. Specialized Trading Licenses

General Trading License

• Multiple product categories permitted
• Flexible business model and scope
• Expand product line easily
• Slightly higher annual fees (AED 1,000-2,500)
• Ideal for growing trading companies

Specialized/Limited Trading License

• Restricted to specific product categories
• Lower annual fees (AED 500-1,500)
• Requires amendment to change products
• Suitable for focused business models
• Faster approval process

General Trading License Requirements

Business Structure

• LLC structure (most common)
• Minimum 51% UAE national ownership
• Registered capital (typically AED 50,000-1,000,000)
• Minimum 2 members (one UAE national)
• Valid MOA and AOA documents

Owner/Partner Requirements

• Valid national ID (UAE nationals) or passport/visa (foreign nationals)
• Proof of residence
• Attested documents (for foreign partners)
• No previous commercial fraud convictions
• Clear financial and commercial history

Office and Location

• Commercial office space in mainland Dubai
• Physical address required (not virtual office)
• Lease agreement or ownership proof
• Proper utilities and amenities
• Municipality compliance

Warehouse Requirements (if applicable)

• Adequate storage space for trading operations
• Proper racking and storage systems
• Climate control (if required for products)
• Safety and security infrastructure
• Proper waste management

Documentation Requirements

• Passports and visas (copies)
• Proof of address
• MOA and AOA documents
• Bank deposit certificate (initial capital)
• Office lease agreement
• Authorization letters (if not personally submitting)

General Trading License Application Process

Step 1: Business Planning and Preparation

Define your trading business model, product categories, target markets, and operational plan. Research market demand and competitors. Ensure adequate capital for operations. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Step 2: Select Trade Name

Choose a unique trade name and apply to DED for reservation. Name should reflect your trading business identity. Name must comply with UAE naming conventions. Processing: 1-3 days. Cost: AED 200-500.

Step 3: Prepare LLC Documents

Prepare Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association defining business structure, ownership, and governance. Ensure 51% UAE national ownership. Include detailed trading activities description. Time: 2-3 days.

Step 4: Gather Documentation

Collect all required documents including partner IDs, visas, address proofs, and office lease. For foreign partners, get documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Time: 5-10 days.

Step 5: Deposit Initial Capital

Deposit the registered capital amount in a bank account. Bank issues capital certificate required for license application. Capital amount varies based on business scope. Typical minimum: AED 50,000.

Step 6: Submit License Application

Submit complete application to DED through online portal or office. Include all documents, MOA, AOA, and capital certificate. Online submission preferred for faster processing.

Step 7: Application Review and Approval

DED reviews application and issues general trading license upon approval. Processing time: 5-10 business days. License is valid for one year from issuance date.

Step 8: Complete Final Registrations

Register with Dubai Municipality, connect utilities (DEWA), register employees with Ministry of Labor, and establish bank account for business operations. Time: 3-5 days.

General Trading License Costs in Dubai 2026

Expense Item	Cost (AED)
Trade Name Reservation	200-500
General Trading License Fee	1,000-2,500
Document Attestation	300-800
PRO Services & Registration	500-1,500
Legal Consultation & MOA	1,000-2,500
Office Lease/Setup	2,000-10,000
Warehouse (if needed)	3,000-15,000
Bank Account Setup	500-2,000
Municipality & DEWA Registration	300-800
Total Setup Cost (excluding capital)	8,800-36,200

Import/Export Considerations

Customs Registration

Trading companies engaged in import/export must register with UAE Customs. Get Emirate ID for customs clearance. Register with port authority at Jebel Ali Port or other entry points.

Product Restrictions

Certain products have import/export restrictions (alcohol, weapons, pharmaceuticals, hazardous materials). Verify product legality before import/export. Obtain special permits for restricted items.

Documentation for Trade

• Commercial invoices from suppliers
• Packing lists and product specifications
• Certificates of origin
• Insurance certificates
• Bills of lading (for shipping)
• Customs declarations

Advantages of General Trading License

• Unrestricted product category flexibility
• Expand business scope without license amendment
• Legitimate import/export operations
• Professional business credibility
• Access to commercial contracts and partnerships
• Ability to distribute and wholesale freely
• Direct market access to UAE customers
• Simplified business model evolution

Compliance Obligations

• Annual license renewal (January)
• Proper accounting and record-keeping
• Tax registration and compliance
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Customs documentation and compliance
• Product quality and safety standards
• Import/export regulations adherence

Timeline for General Trading License Approval

The complete process typically takes 20-30 days from application to license issuance. Trade name reservation takes 1-3 days, document preparation takes 3-5 days, document attestation takes 5-10 days, and license application and approval takes 5-10 days. Expedited processing is available for additional fees.

Conclusion

A general trading license provides maximum flexibility for businesses engaged in buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods. With unrestricted product categories and simplified operational requirements, it’s ideal for growing trading companies. The straightforward application process and professional business image make general trading licenses one of the most popular commercial licenses in Dubai. Contact ecompanysetup.com for complete support with your general trading business setup.