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. Every licence needs a registered address — in a free zone a flexi-desk usually covers it, while on the mainland it means an Ejari-registered lease (DET's Instant Licence comes with a virtual site for its first year) — 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.
Related guides
All guidesCost to Open a Medical Center or Clinic in Dubai (2026): Every Government Layer, Sourced
What a Dubai clinic actually pays the government — the DHA facility licence by category, the DET trade licence, Ejari and MOHRE work permits, each cited to its own authority, and an honest account of the layers no authority publishes.
Best PRO Services Companies in Dubai (2026): A Transparent Comparison
An honest, criteria-based comparison of the top PRO services companies in Dubai in 2026 — pricing transparency, services, scale, and Emiratisation support. See which providers publish real prices and which quote only on request.
Cost to Open a Café or Coffee Shop in Dubai (2026): Licence, Approvals & Real Numbers
What it really costs to open a café or coffee shop in Dubai in 2026 — DET trade licence, Dubai Municipality food permit, Civil Defence NOC, food-handler cards, and the realistic total investment.
Cost to Open a Cloud Kitchen in Dubai (2026): Licence, Approvals & Real Numbers
What it really costs to open a cloud kitchen (delivery-only / dark kitchen) in Dubai in 2026 — DET trade licence, Dubai Municipality food permit, the shared-kitchen option, and the realistic total investment.
Setting up? Get the all-in quote
Tell us your activity, your premises and how many visas you need. We'll send one itemised quote: every government fee from the authority's own schedule, passed through at cost with receipts, and our fee on its own line. Once you're trading, the PRO retainer starts at AED 729 a month for up to 5 employees, and your coordinator handles every transaction.