Mainland or free zone for garments business?

Mainland for UAE wholesale and retail. Free zones for re-export and international trading with warehouse facilities.

Do I need an import code for garments?

Yes for importing apparel and textiles. Customs import code registration is mandatory for goods clearance.

Can I sell garments online with this licence?

Yes. E-commerce sales are permitted subject to correct activity and marketplace compliance requirements.

How much does a garments trading licence cost?

Free zone packages from AED 12,000–20,000. Mainland setup typically AED 20,000–35,000+ with office and visas.

Is a warehouse mandatory?

Not always at setup, but inventory trading practically requires storage. Some free zones bundle warehouse options.

Does garments trading require external approvals?

Standard garments trading typically does not. Branded luxury or restricted textiles may need additional documentation.

Is VAT registration required?

Mandatory when taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Voluntary registration available below threshold.

Can I add retail shop activity later?

Yes via licence amendment adding retail activity, potentially requiring Dubai Municipality approval.

Does KPM Global Services help with supplier contracts?

We advise on agency agreement documentation banks and customs expect during KYC and clearance.

Garments Trading

Garments Trading License Dubai

Launch a garments and textile trading business in Dubai — KPM Global Services configures DET or free zone licence activities for apparel import, wholesale, and retail distribution with import code registration and customs compliance.

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Textile Trading
Import Code Setup
Mainland & Free Zone

Garments Licence

Guided Process

1Activity

2Licence

3Import

4Trade

Fashion & apparel focus

Trading activity with import/export options.

500+

UAE Clients Served

15+

Years UAE Experience

24/7

Advisor Support

Service Verticals

Overview

Garments trading licence in Dubai explained

A garments trading license in Dubai authorises import, export, wholesale, and distribution of clothing, textiles, fabrics, and fashion accessories — registered under DET commercial activities or free zone trading licence categories depending on market access needs.

Garments traders typically require customs import code registration for goods clearance through Jebel Ali and other UAE ports. Mainland licences enable direct UAE retail and wholesale; free zone licences suit re-export and international trading models with warehouse facilities.

KPM Global Services advises on activity selection — garments trading versus general trading — configures licence packages, and coordinates import code, VAT registration, and banking for fashion and textile businesses.

Who This Is For

Garments trading licence clients

Fashion importers sourcing apparel from Asia and Europe for UAE market
Textile wholesalers supplying retailers across Dubai and Northern Emirates
E-commerce clothing brands needing licensed entity for marketplace selling
Fabric traders importing raw textiles for regional manufacturing supply
Luxury fashion distributors establishing UAE distribution hub
Existing general traders narrowing activity to garments specialisation

How We Help

Garments trading setup support

Activity selection

Choose garments trading versus general trading based on product scope and fees.

Jurisdiction advice

Compare mainland market access with free zone re-export and warehouse options.

Licence application

Submit DET or free zone registration with correct textile trading activity.

Import code registration

Obtain customs import/export code for garment shipment clearance.

Warehouse planning

Advise on storage requirements for inventory-heavy textile operations.

Tax & banking setup

Process

Garments trading licence setup steps

1
Business model review
Define import, wholesale, retail, or re-export scope for activity mapping.
2
Jurisdiction selection
Choose mainland DET or free zone based on client geography and costs.
3
Name & approval
Reserve trade name and obtain initial activity approval.
4
Licence issuance
Complete registration and receive garments trading trade licence.
5
Import code
Register customs code for textile and apparel import clearance.
6
Operational launch
Activate visas, warehouse, VAT registration, and supplier onboarding.

Documents

Garments trading licence documents

Shareholder passport copies and photographs
Proposed trade name options for fashion or textile business
Business plan describing sourcing countries and sales channels
Ejari tenancy or free zone facility agreement
Warehouse lease if separate from registered office address
Supplier or brand agency agreements for represented labels
NOC from sponsor if shareholder holds UAE employment visa
Parent company documents for branch or subsidiary setup

Pricing

Garments trading licence cost factors

Costs depend on jurisdiction, warehouse needs, and visa allocation.

DET mainland or free zone licence government and package fees
Garments trading versus general trading activity fee differential
Warehouse or flexi-desk facility costs for inventory storage
Customs import code registration and deposit requirements
Visa quota, establishment card, and PRO processing charges

Warehouse rent significantly affects total setup cost. KPM Global Services provides jurisdiction comparison quotes.

Timeline

Garments trading licence timeline

1–2 days

Planning

Activity and jurisdiction confirmed.

3–7 days

Licence

Free zone or DET trade licence issued.

1–2 weeks

Import code

Customs registration completed for goods clearance.

2–3 weeks

Operations

Visas, warehouse, and banking activated.

Avoid Mistakes

Garments trading licence mistakes

Choosing general trading when garments-specific activity reduces banking clarity
Importing goods before customs import code is active
Underestimating warehouse costs for inventory-heavy apparel business
Free zone licence selected without confirming mainland retail distribution needs
Missing VAT registration when UAE turnover exceeds mandatory threshold
No brand authorization documentation causing customs clearance delays

Why KPM

Why Choose KPM Global Services

UAE-focused advisory

Practical guidance on garments trading licence in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.

Clear documentation

Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.

Connected services

Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.

No generic templates

Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.

Free Consultation

Request a Quote — Garments Trading License Dubai

Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.

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