The right business setup company is one that can explain your licence options in plain terms, quote every cost in writing, and handle the paperwork with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone authority. EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC is a Dubai-based company formation consultancy that supports mainland and free zone applications, including a general trading company setup in Dubai.
Choosing a consultant matters because the two biggest decisions, which activities go on your licence and which jurisdiction issues it, shape where you can sell, what you pay and what approvals you need later. A wrong choice is costly to reverse. This guide explains what a general trading business is, how to compare consultants, how mainland and free zone licences differ, and what documents, costs and steps to expect.
What Is a General Trading Business in Dubai?
A general trading business buys and sells goods across several product categories under one licence, rather than specialising in a single product line. A specialised trading licence, by contrast, usually covers one defined category, such as auto spare parts or foodstuffs.
Entrepreneurs choose the general trading model because it allows flexibility. Typical operations include:
- Wholesale distribution to retailers, contractors and other businesses.
- Import and export of eligible goods, including re-export through Dubai’s ports and airports.
- Trading across multiple approved categories, so one company can respond to changing demand.
Dubai also attracts international entrepreneurs because most mainland activities are now open to full foreign ownership. Since the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, the 51% local ownership rule no longer applies to most onshore companies, with exceptions for activities classed as having “strategic impact” (see the UAE Government Portal). Free zones have long allowed 100% foreign ownership.
One caution: “general trading” does not mean “any product.” The activities on your approved licence define what you may trade, and some goods carry product restrictions. Confirm both before you apply.
Who Should Consider a General Trading Licence?
A general trading licence suits:
- Indian entrepreneurs and other foreign investors expanding into the UAE.
- Importers, exporters, wholesalers and distributors handling mixed product ranges.
- Established companies opening a Dubai trading arm or regional hub.
- Founders testing several product lines before specialising.
If you will only ever trade in one regulated category, a specialised licence may be simpler.
Which Business Setup Company in Dubai Should You Choose?
Judge a consultant on evidence rather than slogans. Look for:
- Practical experience with trading licences, not only service or professional licences.
- Transparent pricing with government fees and service fees shown separately.
- Licensing knowledge, including awareness of activity restrictions and external approvals.
- Documentation support, including attestation guidance for overseas documents.
- Clear communication in a language you are comfortable with, with a named point of contact.
- After-sales assistance for renewals, visas, banking and tax registration.
Essential Services a Consultant Should Provide
A capable consultant should cover business formation guidance, mainland and free zone options, trade name reservation, licence application support, PRO and visa services, bank account assistance, and guidance on VAT and corporate tax registration. EZ Bizz’s business formation services page outlines how this support is structured.
Questions to Ask Before Appointing a Consultant
- Which licence and jurisdiction do you recommend for my product list, and why?
- Can you give me an itemised quotation separating government fees from your service fee?
- Which external approvals might my products need?
- What is not included in your price (visas, office, renewals, attestation)?
- Who will manage my file, and how will you update me?
- What support do you offer after the licence is issued?
How to Compare Quotations
Compare like with like: the same jurisdiction, the same number of activities, the same visa allocation and the same premises type. Be cautious of:
- Very low headline prices that omit mandatory fees.
- Vague line items such as “processing charges.”
- Guaranteed approvals or fixed timelines. Approvals are decided by the authority, not the consultant.
Mainland vs Free Zone General Trading Licence in Dubai
Mainland companies are licensed by Dubai DET. Free zone companies are licensed by the individual free zone authority, such as DMCC, IFZA or Dubai South. Each authority sets its own rules, packages and fees.
| Feature | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone | Considerations |
| Licensing authority | Dubai DET | The individual free zone authority | Rules and fees differ by authority. |
| Market access | Can generally trade within the UAE market | Typically focused on the zone and international trade | A free zone licence does not automatically allow unrestricted mainland trading. |
| Ownership | Most activities open to 100% foreign ownership; “strategic impact” activities restricted | Typically 100% foreign ownership | Confirm for your specific activity. |
| Premises | Usually requires a tenancy contract registered through Ejari | Often flexi-desk, office or warehouse within the zone | Check the minimum premises the authority requires for trading. |
| Import/export | Customs registration required | Customs arrangements depend on the zone | Re-export from a free zone warehouse may suit some models. |
| Visas | Linked to licence and premises | Usually linked to package and premises | Verify the visa quota before paying. |
| Cost components | Licence, activity, office, approvals | Package, facility, visas, approvals | Request an itemised comparison. |
| Best suited to | Businesses selling to UAE customers | International trade, re-export, zone-based logistics | Some structures allow dual licences or authorised distributors. |
Choosing between them. Mainland is often appropriate if your customers are in the UAE and you need to supply retailers, businesses or government-linked buyers directly. A free zone often suits businesses focused on exports, re-exports or operating from a zone warehouse. Free zone companies should not assume unrestricted mainland operating rights. If you plan to sell into the local market, check what permits, dual-licence options or authorised distributor arrangements apply.
For more detail, see EZ Bizz’s guides to mainland company setup and free zone company setup, and the commercial licence in Dubai overview.
What Business Activities Are Permitted Under a General Trading Licence?
Permitted activities depend on the licence description approved by the relevant authority. Mainland activities are selected from the DET activity list, accessible through the Invest in Dubai portal, while free zones publish their own lists.
Examples of categories that traders commonly seek include:
- Consumer and household goods.
- Clothing and textiles.
- Furniture and home accessories.
- Eligible electronics and accessories.
- Office supplies and commercial products.
- Eligible wholesale and import-export activities.
These are examples only. They are not a guarantee that every category is covered by every general trading licence.
Regulated products. Some goods need extra permission, such as import approvals, product registration, safety or conformity requirements, or a specialised licence. Food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and certain electronics or telecom equipment are typical examples. Check product-level rules with the relevant authority through the UAE Ministry of Economy and the UAE Government Portal.
Prepare a product list first. Before applying, list every product you intend to trade, with its category, country of origin and whether it is sold to businesses or consumers. This lets your consultant check each item against the activity list and flag approvals early, which avoids licence amendments later.
What Documents Are Required for General Trading Company Setup in Dubai?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, legal structure, shareholders and activities. Always confirm the final list with DET or the relevant free zone. A typical checklist includes:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the appointed manager.
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copies, if the applicant is a resident.
- Proposed trade names (usually several options).
- Completed application forms and shareholder information.
- Initial approval documents issued by the authority.
- Memorandum of Association or other constitutional documents.
- For corporate shareholders: incorporation documents, board resolutions and authorised signatory details, often requiring attestation.
- Office or warehouse lease documents, where required.
- Business plan, financial information and external approvals, where the activity requires them.
Documents issued overseas, which is common for Indian and other foreign investors, usually need attestation before use in the UAE. Ask your consultant to confirm the attestation chain in advance.
How Much Does General Trading Company Setup in Dubai Cost?
Total cost depends on jurisdiction, the number and type of activities, premises, visa needs and approvals. Because government fees and authority packages change, this guide does not quote fixed figures. Request an itemised quotation from EZ Bizz that shows each line.
| Expense category | What it covers | What to verify |
| Licence and registration fees | Issuing the trade licence and company registration | Current fee schedule from DET or the free zone |
| Trade name | Name reservation and approval | Whether it is included in the package |
| Premises | Office, flexi-desk, warehouse or workspace | Minimum requirement for your activity and visa quota |
| Immigration and visas | Establishment card, investor and employee visas, Emirates ID, medicals | Visa quota and per-visa cost |
| Establishment services | Typing, PRO and application handling | What the service fee includes and excludes |
| Additional activities and approvals | Extra activities, product permits, external approvals | Fees per activity and approval timelines |
| Accounting and compliance | Bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax filings | Whether services are included or billed separately |
| Tax and customs | VAT, corporate tax, customs registration where applicable | Registration thresholds and deadlines |
Initial vs recurring costs. Initial costs include licence issuance, name reservation, premises deposit, visas and consultant fees. Recurring costs include annual licence renewal, premises rent, visa renewals, accounting, and tax compliance.
Tax obligations. Under the UAE corporate tax regime, taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0% and income above that at 9%, and all taxable persons, including free zone companies, must register. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may receive a 0% rate on qualifying income only. VAT registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 in annual taxable supplies and optional above AED 187,500. Confirm current rules with the Federal Tax Authority. EZ Bizz also offers corporate tax and VAT services.
What Is the Process for Registering a General Trading Company in Dubai?
- Define your products and business model. Decide what you will trade, to whom, and from where.
- Select and verify permitted activities. Match each product to an approved activity.
- Choose jurisdiction and legal structure. Mainland LLC, free zone company or another structure, based on your customers and budget.
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval.
- Prepare and submit documents. Include attested documents where needed.
- Arrange premises and external approvals where required.
- Complete registration and pay fees.
- Receive the licence and begin post-licensing registrations.
After licensing, depending on your model, you may need to arrange:
- Customs registration, if you import or export goods.
- Immigration arrangements, including establishment card and visas.
- VAT registration, if you meet the threshold or choose to register voluntarily.
- Corporate tax registration, which applies to taxable persons.
- A corporate bank account, with EZ Bizz’s bank account assistance available for this step.
Timelines and requirements vary by authority and activity. Regulated products add time, so factor external approvals into your launch plan.
Why Consider EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC?
EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC is a UAE business setup and corporate services provider based in Dubai. Its services include:
- Business formation guidance.
- Mainland and free zone setup assistance.
- Trade licence application support.
- PRO and visa-related services.
- Bank account assistance.
- VAT and corporate tax registration guidance.
- Help understanding documentation and post-licensing requirements.
A consultation is most useful before you commit to a route. In one conversation, a consultant can review your product list, target customers, budget and operating needs, then explain which structure fits and what a realistic cost breakdown looks like. You can start from the EZ Bizz homepage or browse more guides on the EZ Bizz blog.
Illustrative example (not a client case study): A trader importing home accessories from India to sell to Dubai retailers would typically compare a mainland licence, which supports direct local sales, against a free zone licence plus a distributor arrangement. The right answer depends on volumes, premises costs and the product list, which is why a consultation should come before any payment.
Ready to discuss your trading plans? Contact EZ Bizz for a consultation and an itemised quotation, via the contact page or WhatsApp on +971 52 610 6577.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Trading Company Setup in Dubai
Can a foreigner own a general trading company in Dubai?
Yes. Since the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can fully own most mainland companies, except activities with “strategic impact,” and free zones typically allow 100% foreign ownership. Eligibility depends on your specific activities, so confirm with DET or the free zone.
Is a mainland or free zone general trading licence better?
Neither is better in every case. Mainland generally suits businesses selling to UAE customers. Free zones often suit export, re-export and zone-based logistics. Your customer base, product list, premises needs and budget should decide.
Can I import and export goods with a general trading licence?
Usually yes, for goods covered by your approved activities, but you will typically need customs registration. Regulated products may need additional permits. Check your activity description and product list before ordering stock.
How much does a general trading licence cost in Dubai?
It varies by jurisdiction, activities, premises and visas, and fees change over time. Ask for an itemised quotation that separates government fees, premises, visas and service fees so you can compare offers fairly.
Do I need an office or warehouse for a general trading company?
Often yes, though requirements differ. Mainland licences commonly require a registered tenancy contract, while free zones may offer flexi-desks, offices or warehouses. Your activity and visa needs also affect the requirement, so verify with the authority.
How long does general trading company registration take?
Timelines vary by authority, completeness of documents, and whether external approvals are required. Free zone applications are often quicker, but no timeline is guaranteed. Ask your consultant for an estimate tied to your activities.
Can a general trading company trade multiple product categories?
That is the main appeal, but only categories listed on your approved licence are permitted. Some products require extra approvals or a specialised licence even if the rest of your range is covered.
Conclusion
A successful general trading company setup in Dubai comes down to four decisions made in the right order: the activities you will trade, the jurisdiction that suits your customers, the licensing structure, and a budget that includes recurring costs. Verify each regulatory point with DET, your chosen free zone or the relevant federal authority, and insist on transparent, itemised guidance.
If you are planning a trading business, contact EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC to discuss your intended activities and get guidance on suitable setup options.