General Trading License in Dubai

The demand for a general trading license in Dubai has seen significant growth, driven by the city’s status as a global trade hub. The dynamic trading landscape of Dubai offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses looking to import, export, and trade a broad spectrum of products. At Oncount, we specialize in delivering comprehensive licensing solutions tailored to businesses in the commercial sector operating in business in Dubai. Our experience with the requirements of the Department of Economic Development (now Dubai Economy and Tourism), compliance standards, and streamlined application processes ensures our clients can establish their trading company efficiently and lawfully.

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What is a General Trading License?

A general trade license is one of the most sought after license types in the UAE, authorizing a business to engage in the import, export, and trading of a wide array of goods and products. Unlike a specific license that limits operations to one product category, the general trading license allows entrepreneurs to trade multiple products under one license.

Legal Framework: The license is issued under the framework of the Federal Commercial Companies Law and regulated by the relevant economic authority. In Dubai, the trade license is issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
Business Activities Covered: The general trading license covers a wide range of business activities. It permits the trade of multiple goods, such as electronics, textiles, equipment, and consumer goods, excluding items that require special approvals (e.g., pharmaceuticals, weapons, alcohol). Most commercial activities fall under the purview of general trading.
Jurisdictional Requirements: For companies wishing to engage in local trading in the UAE, obtaining a license in the mainland of Dubai is essential. This structure, often an LLC (Limited Liability Company), permits unrestricted trade transactions within the UAE and with international markets. A foreign investor in the UAE can achieve 100% ownership under this setup.
Compliance Obligations: Businesses holding a license in UAE must adhere to all federal and local regulations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) compliance. Proper bookkeeping and adherence to VAT on all trade transactions within the UAE and overall are mandatory.

Types of General Trading Licenses in Dubai

While the general trading license allows for a broad scope of activities, it is important to understand the distinctions based on jurisdiction and regulated goods.

Dubai Mainland General Trading License

This is the most common type of license for a trading business. Issued by the DET, it allows a company to trade directly within the local UAE market and internationally. It provides the flexibility to rent an office anywhere in the uae. The process for setting up a general trading company on the uae mainland is a seamless one.

Free Zone General Trading License

A free zone general trading license restricts direct trade within the UAE mainland market but offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership and exemption from customs duties. To trade locally, free zone companies must partner with a mainland distributor.

Specialized Trading Licenses

For goods that are regulated or fall under a specific professional category (e.g., medical equipment, chemicals), a specific license category is required. These demand additional approvals from relevant ministries and authorities beyond what is included in the license for general goods.

Benefits of Starting a General Trading Business in the Dubai

Obtaining this license category offers substantial strategic and operational advantages.

Strategic Market Position

Global Access: Dubai’s strategic location provides unparalleled access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Key Trade Routes: Proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport facilitates efficient logistics.
Business Hub: Dubai is a business-friendly environment supported by the government of Dubai.

Regulatory Benefits

Tax Optimization: The UAE’s corporate tax regime remains one of the most competitive globally.
Simplified Compliance: Streamlined procedures for obtaining a general trading license make the setup process efficient. Dubai offers an instant license option for faster setup.
Government Support: Numerous initiatives support SMEs and international investors.

Operational Advantages

Modern Infrastructure: World-class logistics, banking, and communication infrastructure.
Wide Range of Business Activities: The license allows entrepreneurs to engage in a wide range of trading activities without needing multiple licenses.
Professional Ecosystem: Access to a deep pool of professional service providers.

Financial Incentives

Favorable Costs: Competitive business setup and operational costs.
Banking Access: Ease of opening a corporate bank account in uae.
Investment Potential: A stable and growing economy that attracts foreign investment.

Steps to Get a General Trading License in Dubai, UAE

The process to obtain a general trading license is structured and clear. Oncount ensures a seamless execution of each step:

Initial Consultation & Activity Selection

We help define your business activities under the general trading license and select the appropriate legal structure (e.g., LLC).

Trade Name Reservation

We check for the availability of your proposed trade name and submit the application for its reservation with the DET.

Initial Approval Application

We prepare and submit the application to obtain the Initial Approval certificate from the DET, a prerequisite for proceeding.

Drafting Legal Documents

Our legal team drafts the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and other required corporate documents.

Office Space Arrangement

We assist in securing a registered office address, a mandatory requirement for a mainland license. A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) is needed.

Final Submission & Fee Payment

All documents are submitted to the DET for final approval. We manage the payment of all government fees.

License Issuance

Once approved, the final trade license is issued, and your company is officially registered. You can then obtain your general trading license.

Post-Licensing Support

We assist with visa processing, opening a corporate bank account, and VAT registration.

Cost for General Trading License in Dubai

The general trading license cost in Dubai comprises several components. While an exact figure depends on specific business requirements, here is a general breakdown of the trading license cost in Dubai.

Government Fees

Authority Charges: Includes fees for Initial Approval, Trade Name Reservation, and final license issuance.
Registration Expenses: Costs associated with market fees (based on office rent), Chamber of Commerce registration, and other administrative charges.

Professional Service Fees

Oncount Service Package: Our fee covers end-to-end management of the licensing process, including consultation, document preparation, application submission, and coordination with authorities.

Additional Costs

Office Space: Annual rent for a physical or virtual office.
Visa Processing: Costs for investor and employee visas.
VAT Registration: Professional fees for registering with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Corporate Bank Account: Some banks may require an initial deposit.

Note: Costs vary based on the number of partners, office location, and specific general trading license activities. Contact Oncount for a detailed, no-obligation quotation.

Comprehensive General Trading Licensing Solutions

Oncount provides end-to-end general trading licensing support, ensuring full compliance with UAE federal laws and local regulations. Our process is designed for operational efficiency, transparency, and customized service delivery, helping you acquire a general trading license without complications. We ensure that all trade license allows for your intended activities legally.

Key Regulatory Framework:

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies
Cabinet decisions related to foreign ownership and economic substance regulations.
Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) licensing guidelines.

Our Tailored Support:

Full compliance with regulatory standards for all UAE companies.
Streamlined application processes to reduce turnaround times.
Ongoing regulatory updates to keep your company in the UAE compliant.

Legal General Trading Requirements in Dubai: Why Proper Licensing is Essential

Obtaining your general trading license is a legal prerequisite for operating a trading business in the UAE. Proper licensing is not merely a formality; it is fundamental to legal protection, market credibility, and sustainable growth.

Legal Operational Requirements: Operating without a valid business license is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Business Protection Benefits: A valid license establishes your company’s legal status, protects against fines, and builds trust with customers, suppliers, and banks.
Growth and Expansion Support: A properly structured license is the foundation for scaling operations, accessing financing, and attracting investment.

Applicable Laws & Regulations

Compliance is governed by a multi-layered legal framework. We ensure your business adheres to all relevant statutes.

Federal Legislation:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (Commercial Companies Law)
- Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 (VAT Law)
- Regulations on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)
Dubai-Specific Regulations:
- Guidelines and circulars issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
- Regulations related to the specific selection of license activity.

Risk & Penalty Mitigation

Failure to comply with regulations poses significant risks. Our services are designed to protect your business.

Non-Compliance Penalties: Include substantial fines, business closure, and legal liability for managers and owners.
Oncount Protection Services: We offer comprehensive compliance monitoring, automated renewal tracking, and proactive updates on regulatory changes to ensure your company remains in good standing with the UAE and other licensing authorities.

Industry-Specific General Trading Licensing Services

Sector-Specific Expertise

Whether you are in FMCG, electronics, textiles, or building materials, we understand the specific import/export requirements, customs codes, and additional approvals that may be necessary. We ensure your general trading license activities align perfectly with your business model.

Client Integration & Digital Solutions

We utilize modern platforms to streamline communication and document management. Our clients receive secure, 24/7 access to their application status and corporate documents, ensuring full transparency throughout the process to get a general trading license.

About Oncount: Leading General Trading Licensing Firm in UAE

Oncount is the UAE’s premier licensing and business setup specialist, with deep expertise in general trading licensing and regulatory compliance. Our alignment with DET requirements and international best practices makes us the ideal partner for establishing your company in Dubai.

8+ Years of UAE Experience, 320+ Successful Clients

Comprehensive Service Delivery: Multilingual support (English, Arabic, Russian) and experience across dubai mainland, free zones, and offshore jurisdictions. We facilitate all necessary steps for company formation in uae mainland.
Proven Track Record: We have a 100% license approval success rate for fully compliant applications and have reduced average processing times by 40% for our clients. The benefits of general trading are maximized with our efficient setup.

Professional Excellence: Certified General Trading Specialists in Dubai

Expert Team and Strategic Support: Our dedicated licensing specialists and account managers provide strategic advice on everything from the initial selection of license activity to complex holding structure within the uae.
Comprehensive Service Integration: We manage the entire lifecycle, from licensing and visa processing to opening a bank account in uae and registering for VAT. The investor can obtain the general license with our complete support.

Why Choose Oncount for General Trading Licensing in Dubai

Choosing Oncount means partnering with a firm that prioritizes compliance, quality, and structured service delivery. We ensure your journey to obtain the general trading license is efficient and secure. We believe that when an entrepreneur decides to go for a general trading business, the process should be straightforward.

Quality Assurance and Control

Rigorous Quality Standards: A dual-review process for all applications ensures accuracy and compliance with the latest regulations from Dubai Economy is the ideal authority.
Continuous Improvement: We constantly refine our processes based on authority updates and client feedback to provide the best service for general trading companies.

Technical Excellence and Accuracy

Advanced Technology Integration: We use certified software (Zoho, Xero) and integrated workflows to manage licensing and compliance efficiently. All business done through a general trading license is properly documented.
Professional Tools and Systems: We use authority-approved platforms for all submissions, ensuring speed and accuracy when getting a trading license from DED enables market entry.

Multilingual, Real-Time Client Support

Comprehensive Communication: We offer support in four languages and provide regular, proactive updates on your application status.
Dedicated Client Success: Each client is assigned a dedicated account manager, ensuring a single point of contact and personalized guidance. We help you trade multiple products and navigate the business environment in the UAE and indulge actively in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Trading Licensing in Dubai

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What is the main advantage of a general trading license over a specific one?

A general trading license allows you to import, export, and trade a wide variety of goods under a single license, offering greater flexibility and saving the cost and effort of obtaining multiple specific licenses. This is ideal for businesses with diverse product portfolios.

Can I have 100% ownership with a general trading license in Dubai?

Yes. Following recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, a foreign investor can now have 100% ownership of a mainland LLC for most general trading activities.

Is a physical office mandatory to obtain a general trading license?

Yes, for a Dubai mainland business license, a registered physical office address with a valid Ejari (tenancy contract) is a mandatory requirement. This is essential for companies involved in the local trading market.

What goods are not covered by a general trading license?

Goods that require special approvals from government ministries are not covered. These include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, alcoholic beverages, military equipment, and certain chemicals. A separate, specific license is needed for these.

How long does it take to obtain a general trading license in Dubai?

With all documents in order, the process can be completed in as little as 1-2 weeks. The Dubai economy offers an instant license option that can issue a license in one day, with other formalities completed later.

Can a general trading company operate from a free zone?

Yes, you can set up a general trading company in a free zone. However, to trade directly in the UAE mainland market, you would need to appoint a local distributor. The license allows trade outside of uae and within the free zone.

Do I need to register for VAT with a general trading license?

Yes, if your company’s annual turnover from taxable supplies exceeds the mandatory registration threshold of AED 375,000, you must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). We can manage this process for you.

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info@oncount.com

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Sheikh Zayed Road — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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