Key takeaways
- A general trading license covers trading across many product groups; a standard trading license covers only the goods named on it.
- DET sets the general trading license fees and shows the full amount on the payment voucher, which you pay within 30 days.
- Restricted goods, such as food, medicines, alcohol and wireless devices, need approval from their controlling authority whatever your license says.
- Dubai Customs registers a business for AED 100 plus a AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee, and lists one working day.
- A free zone company sells on the mainland through a licensed distributor, a mainland branch or company, or Dubai's mainland operating permit.
What a general trading license covers
A standard trading license lets you import, export, store and distribute the specific products listed on it. A general trading license applies the same trading activities across many unrelated industries, all under one license.
| Point | Standard trading license | General trading license |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Import, export, storage and distribution of the products named on it | The same trading activities across multiple industries |
| JAFZA's rule | Up to seven activities in one group, or up to twelve from two groups | Unlimited activities from three or more groups |
JAFZA says it follows the business activity list published by Dubai's economic department, so its grouping is a useful guide. On the mainland, DET sets the general trading license fees and shows the full amount on the payment voucher before you pay. We don't fix the figures in this guide because fees change; our dubai trade license cost guide lists the fees DET publishes.
Goods that need approval on top of the license
A general trading license doesn't let you trade everything. Restricted goods can be imported or exported only with prior approval from their controlling authority, and some activities need another authority's approval before the license is issued.
| Goods | Controlling authority |
|---|---|
| Live animals, plants, fertilisers and pesticides | Ministry of Climate Change and Environment |
| Medicines and medical equipment | Ministry of Health and Prevention |
| Food, cosmetics and hygiene products | Dubai Municipality (per Dubai Customs); u.ae also names MoIAT for cosmetics and personal care |
| Weapons, ammunition, explosives and fireworks | Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces or Ministry of Interior |
| Wireless and broadcasting devices | Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) |
| Alcoholic drinks | Dubai Police |
| Uncut diamonds | UAE Kimberley Process Office |
JAFZA gives a practical example: food and agriculture goods may need extra approvals and certifications from the relevant UAE authorities. Map your product list against these authorities before you sign a lease or order stock.
Mainland or free zone for general trading
| Route | Licensed by | Premises |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai mainland | DET, through Invest in Dubai | A physical address; the lease is registered with Ejari |
| JAFZA | Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority | A lease agreement in place at setup |
| Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) | DAFZ | Office, warehouse or industrial space and cold storage |
| Dubai CommerCity | Dubai CommerCity | Offices, plus dedicated or third-party warehousing and a fulfilment centre |
A mainland company sells directly to UAE customers. A free zone company reaches them through a licensed mainland distributor or a mainland branch or company. Since October 2025, Dubai has also offered a mainland operating permit to free zone companies holding a Dubai Unified License: it's applied for on Invest in Dubai, costs AED 5,000 for six months at the time of writing, and its first phase covers non-regulated activities, including trading.
Foreign investors can own 100% of most mainland companies, though u.ae lists exceptions such as commercial agencies. In JAFZA, both the single-shareholder FZE and the multi-shareholder FZCO allow every license type. Compare the routes in mainland vs free zone vs offshore, or see jafza, dubai airport free zone and dubai commercity.
How to set up a mainland general trading company
- 1. Choose your activities and legal form. The activity decides the license type, and the legal form must match it.
- 2. Register the trade name, with the legal-form suffix such as LLC. See trade name rules.
- 3. Get initial approval. It confirms the government has no objection to the company, but doesn't let you trade yet.
- 4. Sign the MOA. An LLC needs a memorandum of association; see moa drafting.
- 5. Secure premises. Every business needs a physical address, and in Dubai the lease is registered with Ejari.
- 6. Collect outside approvals from any authority that controls your goods.
- 7. Pay and collect the license within 30 days of receiving the payment voucher.
Starting smaller, with one product line? A standard trading license may be enough, and our small business guide covers lean routes. Global Sky PRO prepares and submits your application and follows up; DET decides. See mainland company formation.
After the license: customs code, stock and VAT
- Dubai Customs business code. Register online through Mirsal on Dubai Trade with copies of the trade license and the authorised person's passport and Emirates ID. Dubai Customs lists AED 100 plus a AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee, and one working day.
- Keep the code live. It's valid only as long as your license, so renew the license first, then the code.
- Store stock properly. Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 lists a permit for a store or warehouse, and its Schedule 2 (item 19) sets a AED 1,000 fine for storing goods inside offices and shops.
- VAT. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 over 12 months, or will within the next 30 days.
We can prepare the Dubai Customs and vat registration applications alongside your license; Dubai Customs and the FTA make their own decisions.
Sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 (DED fees and fines)
- u.ae: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- Dubai Customs: Prohibited and restricted goods
- Dubai Customs: Request business registration
- JAFZA: Business license
- DAFZ: Business setup process
- Dubai Media Office: Free zone mainland operating permit
Official sources checked on 9 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.