What it really costs to set up a general trading company in Dubai in 2026 — free-zone vs mainland general-trading licence, the customs code, warehouse needs, and realistic all-in ranges anchored to verified data.
A general trading licence is one of the broadest business licences in Dubai — it lets you buy and sell a wide range of goods under a single licence. The cost depends mostly on one decision: a free-zone company (100% ownership, built for import and re-export) or a mainland company (to sell and distribute anywhere in the UAE). This guide separates the routes with 2026 ranges anchored to verified data.
How much does it cost to start a general trading company in Dubai?
Quick answer: A free-zone general-trading licence starts from around AED 15,000, with a realistic first-year all-in of AED 22,000–52,000 depending on the zone and number of visas. A mainland general-trading company — which can sell directly across the UAE — typically runs a first-year all-in of AED 25,000–52,000. Either route needs a Dubai Customs code to import or export, and warehouse space if you hold stock. All figures are 2026 ranges — government fees vary by activity, zone, and visa count, so confirm with the authority or ZETUP.
| Route | Indicative cost (AED, 2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free-zone general trading | from ~15,000 licence; ~22,000–52,000 all-in | 100% ownership, import and re-export, international trade |
| Mainland general trading | ~25,000–52,000 first-year all-in | Selling and distributing UAE-wide, staff visas |
For the full per-zone/mainland cost picture, see the Dubai Business Setup Cost Index 2026 and ZETUP's transparent pricing.
What a general trading licence covers
A general trading licence lets you trade in most categories of physical goods under one licence, rather than registering each product line separately. It is a premium commercial licence, so the government fee sits at the higher end of the commercial-licence range; certain goods (food, pharmaceuticals, and other regulated categories) still need their own activity approvals on top.
The customs code and duty
Any company that imports or exports physical goods needs a customs client code from Dubai Customs, linked to its trade licence. Standard customs duty is commonly 5% of the goods' CIF value, with exemptions and lower rates for certain categories and for free-zone re-exports. A certificate of origin from Dubai Chamber often accompanies exports.
Do you need a warehouse?
If you hold and dispatch stock, you need storage. A flexi-desk satisfies the licence's registered-address requirement for a lean start, but physical inventory means renting warehouse or storage space — a real cost to budget beyond the licence. Free zones near the ports (like Jebel Ali) are popular for stock-heavy trading because of logistics access.
Free zone vs mainland for trading
A free-zone general-trading company gives 100% ownership and is built for import and re-export, but it cannot sell directly to mainland UAE customers without a distributor, a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, or a separate mainland branch. A mainland general-trading company can sell and deliver anywhere in the UAE. Compare the trade-offs in free zone vs mainland, then start from company formation in Dubai.
Why ZETUP PRO?
We work with Scandinavian transparency — published pricing, no hidden fees. We help you choose the right jurisdiction for how you actually trade, then handle the licence, the customs-code registration, and the visas end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a general trading licence cost in Dubai? A: A free-zone general-trading licence starts from around AED 15,000, with a realistic first-year all-in of AED 22,000–52,000. A mainland general-trading company typically runs a first-year all-in of AED 25,000–52,000, depending on office and visas.
Q: What is the difference between a general trading and a commercial licence? A: A general trading licence is a broad commercial licence that covers trading in most categories of goods under one licence, rather than listing each product line. It is a premium licence, so the government fee is at the higher end.
Q: Do I need a customs code for a trading company? A: Yes — to import or export physical goods you need a Dubai Customs client code linked to your trade licence, and you pay applicable customs duty (commonly 5% of CIF value).
Q: Can a free-zone trading company sell to customers in mainland Dubai? A: Not directly — a free-zone company sells to the mainland through a distributor, a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, or a separate mainland branch. A mainland licence is needed to sell UAE-wide.
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Need Professional Help?
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