General Trading Licence in Dubai & the UAE: What It Covers
A general trading licence is a commercial licence with a broad activity list, so one company can trade several product categories, for example importing, exporting, re-exporting and wholesale. It does not automatically cover regulated goods, customs registration, VAT or access to the mainland market. Those depend on the product you sell and on whether the licence comes from a mainland authority or a free zone.
What does a general trading licence cover?
“General trading” is how the market describes a commercial licence with a wide, multi-category activity list. The exact activity wording is set by the authority that issues it.
What it is typically used for
- Importing and exporting goods
- Re-exporting
- Wholesale and distribution
- Business-to-business supply across several product categories
What it does not cover on its own
- Restricted or regulated goods
- Customs clearance and import permits
- VAT and corporate tax registration
- Selling into the mainland from a free zone
Mainland or free zone for a trading company?
Direct UAE trading
- Issued by the local economic department, such as Dubai’s
- Fits selling to UAE customers, retailers and distributors
- A physical address is required; in Dubai the lease is registered with Ejari
International trade and re-export
- Issued by the free zone authority, with its own rules and fees
- Often suits re-export, logistics and trade outside the mainland
- Operations are usually limited to the zone unless a dual licence or a mainland route applies
How do you get a general trading licence?
The UAE Government lists these steps for a mainland company. Free zones follow their own version of the same process.
Check the documents required to set up a company in the UAE before you apply.
Which goods need extra approval?
A general trading licence does not remove the need for sector approvals. The UAE Government gives examples of regulated areas.
Regulator involved
- Telecommunications: TDRA
- Agriculture and veterinary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Publishing, printing and advertising: National Media Council
- Banks, exchange and insurance: Central Bank of the UAE
Goods that often need permits
- Food and cosmetics
- Medical products and chemicals
- Used or automotive goods
- Tobacco and alcohol, which are licensed separately
This list is not complete. Confirm the status of your products with the licensing authority before you list them as activities.
Do you need VAT and customs registration?
VAT is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports pass AED 375,000 a year, and voluntary above AED 187,500. Importers should also confirm customs registration with the relevant customs authority. UAE companies, free zone companies included, fall under the corporate tax rules, and a 0% rate applies only to qualifying income where the conditions are met.
Frequently asked questions
Is a general trading licence the same as a commercial licence?
Commercial is the licence type; “general trading” describes a commercial licence with a broad activity list. Official sources list commercial as one of the licence types, alongside industrial, professional and others.
Can I trade any product with a general trading licence?
No. Regulated goods need separate approvals, and the activities on your licence define what you may trade. Confirm your products with the licensing authority.
Can a free zone company sell in the UAE mainland?
Not directly under a standard free zone licence. Options include a distributor, a mainland branch or licence, or a dual licence where the free zone offers one, and goods may need customs handling.
Do I need a physical office for a trading company?
A business address is required for mainland licences, and in Dubai the lease is registered with Ejari. Free zones set their own premises options, so check the one you choose.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Registration is mandatory when your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year, and optional above AED 187,500.
How long is a trade licence valid?
Typically one year, then it must be renewed before it expires or activities are suspended.
Planning a trading company?
Tell us your products, your customers and where you want to operate. We will confirm which licence route and approvals apply and guide you through the application.
Sources. UAE Government: steps to start a business on the mainland and VAT; RAKEZ: trade licence explainer; Virtuzone: general trading licence overview. Checked October 2026. Requirements change, so confirm current details with the authority before applying.