A general trading licence lets you import, export, distribute and re-export a wide range of unrelated goods under one company. Here's where to base it, what it costs, the customs and visa essentials, and how we set it up.
General trading is the flexible choice when you deal in varied goods — but the right base depends on whether you sell abroad or into the UAE.
An illustrative free-zone starting point for a general trading licence. Your total depends on:
We match the licence to your goods and markets, then send a full written quote — licence, visas, customs and office — before you commit.
The details that decide how a general trading company runs.
What a general trading licence gives you, and what to weigh.
| Free Zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100%* |
| Sell inside the UAE | Via distributor / dual licence | Directly, anywhere |
| Import / export | Excellent (customs + logistics) | Yes |
| Setup from | AED 12,900 | AED 15,000 |
| Best for | International trade, re-export | UAE-market distribution |
In short: if you import, export or re-export, a free zone gives you 100% ownership, customs benefits and logistics. If you need to sell directly to UAE customers or government, go mainland. Many traders run both via a dual-licence structure — we'll map the cheapest compliant route.
What traders ask before setting up a general trading company. Anything else — AgentBiz answers instantly.
Ask AgentBizIt's a licence that lets one company trade a wide range of unrelated goods — import, export, distribute and re-export — without a separate licence for each product line. It's the flexible choice for traders dealing in varied products.
A free-zone general trading licence typically starts from around AED 12,900, with mainland from about AED 15,000. Your total depends on the emirate, visa count, warehousing and customs — we send a full written quote first.
Not directly. A free-zone company trades internationally and can sell into the UAE market through a local distributor or a dual licence. If selling locally is your main goal, a mainland licence is usually the better base.
Yes, for physical goods. We register your importer / exporter customs code as part of the setup so you can clear shipments through UAE customs.
A specific trading licence covers one category (e.g. electronics or foodstuff) and can be cheaper; a general trading licence covers many unrelated categories under one licence. We'll advise which fits your product range and budget.
Usually one to two weeks once your documents and any product approvals are ready, including the licence, visa, customs code and bank introduction.
Ask AgentBiz which licence and base fit your goods, or talk to a human advisor. Real requirements, honest guidance, no obligation.
