A licence activity permitting import, export, distribution, and wholesale of multiple product categories without listing each product individually.
General Trading
General Trading License Dubai
Secure a general trading licence in Dubai to import, export, distribute, and wholesale products across multiple categories — KPM Global Services guides jurisdiction choice, customs registration, and activity approvals.
- Import & Export
- Multi-Product Trading
- Customs Ready
Trading Licence
General Trading License Dubai
1Scope
2Licence
3Customs
4Trade
Broad product trading authority
Mainland and free zone trading options.
500+
UAE Clients Served
15+
Years UAE Experience
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Advisor Support
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Service Verticals
Overview
Dubai general trading licence explained
A general trading licence in Dubai permits your company to trade in a wide range of products — importing, exporting, distributing, and wholesaling goods across multiple categories without listing each product individually on the licence.
General trading is available on mainland DET licences and most UAE free zone packages, though fees are typically higher than service-only licences. Mainland trading allows direct UAE market distribution; free zone trading focuses on international import/export.
KPM Global Services helps you obtain the trading licence, register customs codes with UAE Federal Customs, and coordinate product-specific approvals for restricted goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Who This Is For
Businesses needing general trading licence
- Import/export traders handling diverse product lines
- Wholesale distributors supplying UAE retailers
- Trading companies sourcing from Asia and exporting to Africa
- Entrepreneurs launching multi-category trading businesses
- Free zone companies adding trading activities
- Existing service companies expanding into product trading
How We Help
General trading licence services
Jurisdiction advisory
Compare mainland and free zone general trading costs and market access.
Licence application
File general trading activity on DET or free zone licence.
Customs registration
Obtain importer code and register with UAE Federal Customs.
Warehouse coordination
Arrange bonded or commercial warehouse for trading operations.
Product compliance
Coordinate ESMA, Municipality, or MOHAP approvals for restricted goods.
Banking preparation
Compile trading-focused KYC for corporate account opening.
Process
Six steps to general trading licence
- 1
Trading scope
Define product categories, markets, and import/export direction.
- 2
Jurisdiction selection
Choose mainland DET or free zone for trading operations.
- 3
Licence approval
Obtain general trading activity pre-approval.
- 4
Premises & MOA
Secure warehouse or office and prepare incorporation documents.
- 5
Licence issuance
Receive trade licence with general trading activity.
- 6
Customs & operations
Register customs code and commence import/export operations.
Documents
General trading licence documents
- Shareholder passport copies and photographs
- Business plan describing trading scope and markets
- Ejari tenancy or warehouse lease agreement
- Memorandum of Association
- Bank reference letter
- Supplier or buyer agreements (recommended for banks)
- Product compliance certificates for restricted categories
- NOC from sponsor if UAE resident
Pricing
General trading licence cost factors
General trading carries premium fees compared to service-only licences.
- Mainland DET versus free zone trading package pricing
- Warehouse versus flexi-desk office requirements
- Visa allocation and establishment charges
- Customs registration and bond fees
- Product-specific approval costs for regulated goods
Trading licence premiums vary by authority. KPM Global Services quotes all-in first-year trading setup cost.
Timeline
General trading licence timeline
2–3 days
Scope defined
Trading model and jurisdiction confirmed.
3–5 days
Activity approval
General trading pre-approved by authority.
5–10 days
Licence issued
Trade licence with trading activity released.
1–2 weeks
Customs setup
Importer code registered; operations can commence.
Avoid Mistakes
General trading licence mistakes
- Obtaining general trading when only specific product trading is needed — overpaying
- Starting imports without customs code registration
- Ignoring product-specific approvals for food, pharma, or electronics
- Choosing free zone trading without understanding mainland distribution limits
- Underestimating warehouse costs for physical trading operations
- Mismatching trading licence narrative with bank KYC expectations
Why KPM
Why Choose KPM Global Services
UAE-focused advisory
Practical guidance on general trading licensing 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 — General Trading License Dubai
Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.
FAQ
General Trading License Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about general trading license dubai in the UAE.
Ready to get started with General Trading License Dubai?
Speak with KPM Global Services for practical UAE guidance — free consultation, no obligation.