A general trading license is the most flexible trading license in Dubai — it allows you to trade in virtually any legal goods without being restricted to specific product categories. It's the go-to choice for import/export businesses, distributors, and multi-product traders.
What Can You Trade?
A general trading license covers import, export, and re-export of most goods. This includes: electronics, clothing, food products, building materials, machinery, consumer goods, and more. Excluded items: alcohol (needs special license), pharmaceuticals (needs MOH approval), weapons, and some controlled substances. You don't need to specify individual products.
General vs Specific Trading License
General trading: trade any legal goods, higher license fee, maximum flexibility. Specific trading: limited to named product categories (e.g., 'electronics trading'), lower fee, less flexibility. For most businesses, the general trading license is worth the extra cost because you can pivot between products without amending your license.
Best Free Zones for General Trading
DMCC: from AED 15,000, 23,000+ companies, commodities hub. JAFZA: from AED 15,000, port access, warehousing. Dubai South: from AED 9,000, logistics focus. RAKEZ: from AED 7,500, cheapest general trading. IFZA: from AED 8,500 for trading license. DAFZA: from AED 12,000, airport proximity.
Requirements & Process
Documents: passport, proof of address, bank reference, business plan (some zones). Process: name reservation, application, payment, license issuance. Timeline: 2-5 days in most free zones. Additional: customs code registration for import/export. Some goods need product registrations (ESMA for electronics, municipality for food).
Relevant Free Zones
UAQ FTZ
umm al-quwain
Setup: 2-3 business days
Ajman Media City
ajman
Setup: 2-3 business days
IFZA
dubai
Setup: 1-2 business days
Shams
sharjah
Setup: 1-2 business days
SPC
sharjah
Setup: 3-5 business days
AFZA
ajman
Setup: 2-3 business days
FMFZ
fujairah
Setup: 3-5 business days
AFZ
ajman
Setup: 2-3 business days
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai?
Free zone: AED 7,500 (RAKEZ) to AED 25,000+ (JAFZA). DMCC: approximately AED 15,000-20,000. Mainland: AED 15,000-25,000 through DET. Add visa costs (AED 3,000-6,000 per person) and office/flexi-desk fees.
Can I import food with a general trading license?
Yes, but food products need additional approvals: Dubai Municipality food import permit, product registration, and FIRS (Food Import and Re-export System) registration. Shelf-stable foods are simpler; fresh/frozen foods have stricter requirements.
Do I need a warehouse for a general trading license?
No. Many traders operate without a warehouse, using third-party logistics (3PL) providers or direct shipment arrangements. Free zones like DMCC and IFZA let you trade without physical storage. JAFZA and RAKEZ offer integrated warehousing if needed.
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