RAKEZ Appreciation Certificate
Recognised for Excellence in Partner Performance
General Trading License in UAE
Set up a general trading license in UAE with a structure that matches what you plan to buy, import, export, distribute and sell.
Bestax handles the company setup, licence application, authority coordination, customs registration planning, VAT review, Corporate Tax setup and accounting support, so your trading company is ready for operations, not just incorporated on paper.
Free consultation No obligation Reply within 30 Mins
- FTA Approved
Tax AgencyNo. 30008692 - Business Setup Partner
for Dubai Free Zones - 10+YEARSof Experience
You Can Count On - out of 5from 200+Google Reviews (opens in a new tab)out of 5from 75+Trustpilot Reviews (opens in a new tab)
Get a Free
Consultation
Send us the product categories you plan to trade and our business setup team will come back with the structure and the cost.
Recognition, Accreditations & Partnership
The approvals and registrations behind the work.
IFZA Gold Tier Partner Recognition
Gold Tier Recognition · Elite Loyalty Programme
Accounting Software Experience
Hands-on Experience Across Leading Accounting Platforms
ICAEW Approved Employer
Supporting Professional Training and Development
KIZAD
Business Setup Partner in Abu Dhabi*
Meydan Free Zone
Company Formation Partner in Dubai*
SHAMS — Sharjah Media City
Business Setup Partner in Sharjah*
Sharjah Publishing City
Free Zone Company Formation Partner*
Payoneer
Referral Partner for International Payments
General Trading Licence
What This Service Covers
A general trading licence is for businesses that want to trade across multiple approved product categories instead of building the company around one narrow product activity. Bestax first checks the products you intend to trade because regulated or restricted goods can require separate activities, licences or approvals from the relevant authority.
Who This Service Is For
Importers and exporters handling several product categories
Wholesale and distribution companies
Retail groups sourcing different types of goods
International trading businesses using Dubai as a regional base
Entrepreneurs who expect to add product lines as the business grows
Existing traders that need a wider licensed activity scope
Our Strength in Numbers
10+ Years — UAE industry experience
UAE industry experience
35+ Professionals
Professionals
1,000+ Companies successfully launched
Companies successfully launched
FTA-Approved Tax-agent support
Tax-agent support
What Bestax Handles
- Activity and product-scope review before application
- Dubai mainland versus free-zone comparison
- Trade-name and legal-structure coordination
- Licence application and authority submissions
- Office, flexi-desk, warehouse and visa planning where applicable
- Dubai Customs registration planning for import and export businesses
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration review
- Accounting setup so purchase, stock, sales and customs records reconcile correctly
If you are still deciding between a trading licence and another structure, our Business Setup Consultants in Dubai service can compare the wider options before we file the company.
Cost
General Trading License Cost in Dubai: Get a Complete Quote Before You Commit
The general trading license cost in Dubai cannot be reduced to one reliable public figure. Dubai DET and Invest in Dubai determine the mainland licensing process, while each free-zone authority publishes its own packages and conditions. The final amount changes with the legal form, selected activities, trade name, premises, visas, immigration requirements and any external approvals.
Bestax prepares the cost around your operating plan. We separate authority charges, workspace, visa-related costs and our professional fee, so you can compare like with like instead of choosing a low headline price that excludes important items.
Official authority
Dubai mainland commercial licensing is administered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism through Invest in Dubai. Free-zone licences are issued by the relevant free-zone authority.
General Trading Licence Cost in Dubai: Mainland or Free Zone?
The general trading licence cost in Dubai depends heavily on where the company is licensed. Mainland setup usually suits businesses that want a direct Dubai operating presence, while a free zone can suit international trade, warehousing, logistics or a business that fits a particular zone ecosystem.
| Decision Point | Dubai Mainland | Dubai Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Dubai DET / Invest in Dubai | Relevant free-zone authority |
| Best for | Direct Dubai operations, local wholesale, retail and distribution | International trade, logistics, re-export and zone-specific operations |
| Premises | Depends on activity and legal structure | Package, flexi-desk, office or warehouse depends on the zone |
| Mainland activity | Direct mainland operating model under the DET licence | A Dubai free-zone company needs the relevant DET licence or permit to operate outside the free zone in Dubai where the 2025 framework applies |
| Tax | UAE Corporate Tax and VAT rules apply | Free-zone status does not automatically mean 0% Corporate Tax or no VAT |
If mainland trading is the better fit, see our Dubai Mainland Business Setup service for the wider registration process.
If a free zone is more practical for your supply chain, compare it with our Dubai Free Zone Business Setup service.
Before we file
General Trade License Dubai Cost: What Bestax Checks Before Application
The general trade license Dubai cost can increase when important requirements are discovered after the application starts. Bestax reduces that risk by checking the operating model before choosing the licence route.
Which product categories you will actually trade
Whether any goods need additional regulatory approval
Whether you will import directly or buy from UAE suppliers
Whether you need Dubai Customs registration and a customs code
Whether you need a warehouse, shop, office or only an approved workspace
How many investor and employee visas you expect to need
Whether the business will operate only inside a free zone or also in mainland Dubai
Whether VAT registration is expected soon after launch
How the company will keep stock, purchase, sales and customs records for tax and accounting
For businesses that will import or re-export stock, the Bestax article on starting an import-export business in Dubai can support the operational planning while our team handles the company setup.
General Trading License Cost in UAE: Choose the Right Emirate, Not Just the Lowest Fee
The general trading license cost in UAE varies by emirate, mainland authority and free zone. A lower licence fee can be useful, but it should not force the company into a location that makes customs, warehousing, visas, banking, customer access or renewals harder.
Bestax compares the structure against the business model first.
If your suppliers, customers and logistics are centred in Dubai, a slightly lower licence elsewhere may not produce the lowest operating cost.
If your activity is regional or international, another UAE jurisdiction may be commercially sensible.
You can also compare the broader trading-company setup considerations in our Start a Trading Business in the UAE article.
First-year budget
Dubai General Trading License Fees: What Is Included and What Is Extra?
Dubai general trading license fees are only one part of the first-year budget. The authority invoice can sit alongside company registration, premises, immigration, visas, customs, product approvals and professional support. Bestax shows these separately before you proceed.
| Cost Area | When It May Apply |
|---|---|
| Licence and registration | Mainland DET or the selected free-zone authority |
| Trade name and legal documents | Based on the company form and authority requirements |
| Office, desk or warehouse | Depends on the jurisdiction, activity and visa plan |
| Immigration and visas | Investor, partner and employee requirements |
| External product approvals | When specific goods are regulated by another authority |
| Dubai Customs registration | When the business will use Dubai Customs import or export services |
| VAT and Corporate Tax setup | Based on FTA registration and compliance requirements |
| Accounting and stock records | Recommended from the first purchase, import and sale |
Bestax rule
No invented flat price
Invest in Dubai does not publish one universal public price for every general trading setup. Bestax confirms the activity and structure first, then gives you a cost based on the actual authority route.
What Can a General Trading Company Trade?
A general trading structure is intended for broad commercial trading, but it does not remove product-level regulation. Dubai classifies buying, selling, import and export under commercial licensing, and some activities or goods need additional approval from another government body.
Before filing, Bestax asks for your planned product list. If one category requires a specialist approval or a separate activity, we identify it before the licence is issued so you do not discover the restriction when stock is already moving.
Dubai mainland
Mainland General Trading Company Setup with Bestax
For a Dubai mainland company, Bestax coordinates the setup through Dubai DET and Invest in Dubai. Dubai states that more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities can allow 100% foreign ownership, although restricted strategic activities remain subject to separate rules. We check the selected activities rather than assuming the ownership position.
- Confirm the trading activities and ownership eligibility
- Reserve the trade name
- Coordinate initial approval and legal form
- Prepare required shareholder and company documents
- Coordinate premises and licence issuance requirements
- Plan immigration and visas
- Support customs registration where the company imports or exports
- Connect VAT, Corporate Tax and bookkeeping after the licence is issued
Dubai free zone
Free-Zone General Trading Setup with Bestax
A Dubai free-zone general trading company is licensed by the relevant free-zone authority. Bestax compares the zones based on products, logistics, warehouse needs, visa allocation, customer location and the company's expected mainland activity rather than choosing a zone only because a package looks cheaper.
Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025
A free-zone establishment can operate outside its free zone and within Dubai when it obtains the necessary licence or permit from DET. The correct route still depends on the activity and the form of mainland operation.
If airport access and logistics are important, our DAFZA Business Setup page explains another Dubai free-zone option that supports trading businesses.
Import and export
Dubai Customs Registration for Import and Export
A trade licence and a customs registration are different steps. Dubai Customs states that businesses using its customs services must register the business. Its client-registration service issues the company registration and customs code after the required application and documents are completed.
Bestax helps you plan this step with the licence setup so the company is not incorporated without a clear route for its first import or export. The goods still need the correct customs classification and any product-specific approvals.
Official authority
Dubai Customs handles client registration, customs codes and declarations for goods moving through Dubai customs channels.
Tax setup
VAT and Corporate Tax for General Trading Companies
Trading companies can build turnover quickly, so tax setup should not be left until after the first busy quarter.
AED 375,000
Mandatory VAT registration
The Federal Tax Authority requires VAT registration for a UAE-resident business when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed that amount in the next 30 days.
AED 187,500
Voluntary VAT registration
Voluntary registration may be available above AED 187,500 under the FTA rules.
Corporate Tax
UAE companies are also within the Corporate Tax framework. Free-zone companies are not automatically taxed at 0%. The tax position depends on the company, its income and whether all conditions for any free-zone treatment are met.
Bestax can connect the setup directly with our VAT Registration Services in Dubai when your business meets or expects to meet the threshold.
We can also handle the company's Corporate Tax Registration after incorporation so the licence and tax records are aligned.
Documents We Check Before Submission
The exact checklist changes by authority, legal form, shareholder type and product activity. Bestax confirms the list before filing. Common items can include:
- Passport copies for shareholders and managers
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copies where applicable
- Proposed trade names
- Details of the products and trading activities
- Company formation documents for corporate shareholders
- Articles or memorandum documents required for the selected legal form
- Premises or facility documents where required
- Additional approvals for regulated activities or goods
Commercial review
We confirm products, customer markets, suppliers, import routes, warehouse needs and visas.
Jurisdiction comparison
We compare Dubai mainland with suitable free-zone routes based on operations and total cost.
Activity check
We confirm the trading activities and identify any product approvals before filing.
Company registration
We coordinate the trade name, legal form, application and formation documents.
Licence issuance
We manage authority follow-up and the required steps until the commercial licence is issued.
Customs and immigration
We help plan customs registration, establishment records and visas where applicable.
Tax setup
We review VAT and Corporate Tax registration requirements.
Accounting handover
We can set up bookkeeping for purchases, stock, imports, sales, VAT and management reporting.
Why General Trading Businesses Choose Bestax
One team for company setup, accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax
10+ years of UAE industry experience
35+ professionals across business setup, accounting and tax
1000+ companies successfully launched
FTA-approved tax-agent capability for tax matters
Cost review before application, not after the authority process has started
Support after licence issuance for customs planning, bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax
What Clients Say About Bestax
We believe our work speaks for itself. Our clients say it louder.
Had my first corporate tax filing done through Bestax. They offered a tax planning session that was extremely helpful, especially because I was unsure what expenses could be deducted legally. They kinda guided me through the whole process because, as a healthcare professional, I had no clue how things work around here.
I'm very pleased with the support provided by Athira and her team in completing my Transfer Pricing report and filing the Corporate Tax returns for my company. They are highly responsive, and the quality of their work and reports is truly excellent.
The team was knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. They took the time to listen to my needs and provide tailored solutions that fit my unique situation. They exceeded my expectations in every way.
Extremely professional, responsive, thorough and meticulous for more than a year. They settled previously unresolved accounts and made my interactions with the FTA as seamless as possible.
From initial concept to grand opening, Karim guided us through every complex step of launching our new venture — the entire process felt manageable and even enjoyable. Truly a game-changer.
All my clients who register for Corporate Tax and subscribed to their accounting services are more than happy. A very friendly team of professionals supporting their clients at the highest level.
Read these and more on Bestax on Google (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
Book your Free Consultation
If your question is not here, ask it directly.
It is a commercial licence used for trading across multiple approved product categories. The exact scope depends on the activities selected and any product-specific approvals. Bestax checks the intended products before filing.
There is no one official Dubai-wide price that fits every company. The amount changes with the mainland or free-zone route, activities, legal form, premises, visas and approvals. Bestax provides a structure-specific cost before you commit.
Mainland often suits businesses focused on direct Dubai operations. A free zone can suit international trade, logistics, warehousing and re-export. The better option depends on where stock moves and where customers are located.
Dubai states that more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities can allow 100% foreign ownership, while some restricted activities remain subject to separate rules. Bestax checks the ownership eligibility for the selected activities.
A Dubai free-zone establishment can operate outside its free zone in Dubai if it obtains the necessary DET licence or permit under the applicable 2025 framework. The correct route depends on the activity and how the mainland operation will work.
If the business will use Dubai Customs services for imports or exports, Dubai Customs requires business registration. The customs process is separate from the commercial licence.
No. Some products and activities need separate regulatory approvals or specialist licences. Bestax reviews your product list before the company application is submitted.
For a UAE-resident business, VAT registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed that amount in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration may be available above AED 187,500.
No. Free-zone status alone does not create a blanket 0% Corporate Tax result. The company must be assessed under the UAE Corporate Tax rules and meet the relevant conditions for any preferential free-zone treatment.
Send the product categories, expected customer markets, supplier countries, whether you will import directly, required visas, preferred emirate and whether you need a warehouse or office. We will use that information to compare the suitable structure and cost.