General Trading License Dubai Cost Per Year Explained

The general trading license Dubai cost per year typically falls between AED 12,500 and AED 30,000, and in some low-cost free zones it can start as low as AED 5,750 when bundled with a flexi-desk. That figure shifts depending on whether you're on the mainland or inside a free zone, the size of your physical office, and how many visas you need. This guide gives you a line-by-line breakdown of every fee — issuance, renewal, visa add-ons, and the smaller recurring costs that catch traders off guard — so you can budget confidently before you commit.

Key Takeaways

• A general trading license lets you import, export, re-export, distribute, and store goods across multiple unrelated product categories under one licence.
• Annual costs range from around AED 5,750 for a basic free zone package to AED 30,000+ for a mainland setup with a physical office and multiple visas.
• Renewal fees are usually 20–30% lower than first-year fees because you avoid initial approval and one-off registration charges.
• Investor and employee visas add AED 3,500–AED 7,000 per person every 1–3 years, depending on medical tests, Emirates ID, and stamping.
• Hidden costs like customs code registration, corporate tax compliance, PRO services, and office upgrades can add AED 5,000–AED 15,000 a year if not planned for.

What Is a General Trading License in Dubai and What Can You Do With It?

A general trading licence is a single business licence that lets you trade in multiple, unrelated product categories without having to list every item individually. Under one umbrella, you can import electronics, export textiles, re-export auto parts, and distribute household goods — all from the same legal entity. This is fundamentally different from a specialised trading licence, which restricts you to one category (say, building materials or foodstuffs) and forces you to add new activity codes whenever you expand your range.

With a general trading licence you can:

• Import goods into the UAE and sell them locally or regionally.
• Export from the UAE to any international market.
• Re-export — bring goods into the UAE and ship them out again without unpacking or altering them.
• Distribute wholesale to retailers, restaurants, or other businesses.
• Store goods in a warehouse or logistics facility (the licence typically covers storage as a linked activity).
• Trade online and supply dropshipping models, as long as the physical goods are handled legally.

Some product classes remain controlled and require additional approvals from entities such as the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Municipality, or Dubai Police. These include pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, live animals, and certain food items. Even with those extra permissions, a general trading licence is still the most flexible foundation because you can add approved restricted goods without changing your core licence.

Most multi-product traders choose a general trading licence over adding 10 or 15 individual commercial activities because it is cheaper to renew, simpler to manage, and avoids the risk of accidentally trading outside your registered scope — a mistake that can trigger fines or immediate suspension.

General Trading License Dubai Cost Per Year: The Full Breakdown

When you see a headline figure of AED 12,000 or AED 15,000 for the general trading license Dubai cost per year, that number often covers only the licence issuance fee. The true annual cost bundles several mandatory components that either recur every year or have a lasting impact on your cash flow. Let's unpack them.

Core Licence Components (Year One)

Whether you incorporate on the mainland through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — the government body that regulates mainland businesses in Dubai, which you can reach through the official Invest in Dubai portal — or in a free zone, you will pay these one-time or first-year fees:

• Trade name reservation: AED 600–AED 1,500. The fee varies based on the distinctiveness of the name and the jurisdiction.
• Initial approval / NOC: AED 1,000–AED 3,000. This confirms the government has no objection to your business activity.
• Activity fee (general trading): AED 2,000–AED 8,000 depending on the authority and how many subcategories are activated.
• Licence issuance fee: AED 5,000–AED 15,000 for the first year.

In addition, mainland businesses must secure a physical office and an Ejari (a tenancy contract registered with Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency). A flexi-desk or small office in a business centre can cost AED 8,000–AED 20,000 per year, while a standalone commercial office in a prime location can exceed AED 40,000. The Ejari registration adds another AED 500–AED 1,500.

Free zones often bundle a flexi-desk or shared office into the package price. A "flexi-desk" is a shared workstation that satisfies the office requirement at a fraction of the cost of a private office. A standard free zone general trading package might include:

• Registration fee: AED 2,500–AED 5,000 (one-time).
• Annual licence fee: AED 8,000–AED 15,000.
• Flexi-desk or shared facility fee: AED 3,000–AED 7,000 per year.

Some free zones offer heavily discounted first-year packages. For example, Al Ain Business Center's general trading package starts from AED 5,750, which includes the licence, a flexi-desk, and basic PRO support. ("PRO services" cover the government paperwork — visa applications, approvals, and renewals — handled on your behalf.) That is one of the lowest documented entry points for a compliant general trading setup.

To help you see the real number, here is a comparison of a mainland setup versus a budget-friendly free zone, showing both year one and renewal-year totals.

Cost Component	Mainland (Small Office)	Free Zone (Flexi-desk Package)
Trade name reservation	AED 1,000 (one-time)	AED 800 (one-time)
Initial approval	AED 1,500 (one-time)	AED 1,200 (one-time)
Activity fee (general trading)	AED 5,000 (annual)	included in package
Licence issuance (first year)	AED 12,000	AED 8,000–12,000 (first year)
Office / flexi-desk rent	AED 15,000	AED 3,500–5,000
Ejari registration	AED 800	n/a
Establishment card (first year)	AED 2,000	usually included
Total year one	AED 37,300–40,000+	AED 15,000–19,000
Annual renewal (year two onward)	AED 20,000–28,000	AED 10,000–14,000

Figures exclude visa costs. Renewal totals drop because initial approval, one-off registration fees, and government markups are not charged again.

For a deeper line-by-line view of a standard trade licence, see our guide on Trade License Dubai Cost: Fees Explained Clearly.

Mainland vs. Freezone: Which Is Cheaper for General Trading?

The cost difference between mainland and free zone is the single biggest variable in your annual budget. A mainland general trading licence can be double or triple the price of a basic free zone package, but that higher cost buys you unrestricted access to the UAE local market and no customs barriers when selling within the country. Note that 100% foreign ownership — once a free zone perk — is now available for most mainland trading activities too, so ownership is no longer the deciding factor it used to be.

Cost Comparison at a Glance

Cost Factor	Mainland	Free Zone
First-year licence + office	AED 30,000–50,000	AED 10,000–20,000
Annual renewal	AED 20,000–28,000	AED 10,000–14,000
Office requirement	Physical office mandatory (Ejari)	Flexi-desk or virtual option available
Import/export customs duty	5% standard; local sales duty-free	duty-free if goods do not enter UAE
100% ownership	Now allowed in most activities	Always available
Local sponsorship	Usually not required	Not required

Mainland businesses can trade directly with the UAE retail market, bid for government contracts, and operate anywhere without a local distributor. Free zone companies, unless they appoint a mainland distributor, cannot sell directly to the local market without going through a customs process and paying duty. However, if your model is purely import-export, re-export, or e-commerce fulfilment from a warehouse, a trade-oriented free zone like JAFZA, DMCC, or SHAMS often delivers the lowest annual cost.

When you factor in customs and duty, a mainland licence might save you money if a large share of your goods stays in the UAE. Every shipment a free zone company sells locally needs a customs declaration and a standard 5% duty (see the official rates published by Dubai Customs), plus third-party distributor fees. For high-volume local distribution, that recurring cost can absorb the savings of a cheaper licence.

For a detailed breakdown of free zone setup costs, read our guide on the Cost of Setting Up a Company in Dubai Free Zone 2025. If you are looking for the most affordable entry points, our roundup of the Cheapest Free Zone Company Setup in UAE: Smart Picks lists several options with general trading packages below AED 6,000.

What Does It Cost to Renew a General Trading License Each Year?

Annual renewal is where many traders underestimate the recurring obligation, especially on the mainland. The good news is that renewal fees are nearly always lower than the first-year price because you avoid one-time government charges.

Mainland Renewal Components

• DET licence renewal fee: Usually AED 12,000–AED 18,000 for a general trading licence, depending on the number of activities and the emirate's current fee schedule.
• Ejari renewal: Your office tenancy contract must be current. If your rent rises, your Ejari registration fee (around 2% of the annual rent) and the associated market fees (typically 5% of the rent) also increase. An office with an annual rent of AED 20,000 could add AED 1,400–AED 2,000 in market fees.
• Establishment card renewal: AED 2,000–AED 3,000 per year for the immigration file that enables visa processing.

So, if you locked in a small office at AED 15,000, your annual mainland renewal bill would land around AED 20,000–AED 25,000 — still significant but well below the year-one total.

Free Zone Renewal Packages

Free zones simplify renewal into a single package fee that covers the licence and the flexi-desk. Multi-year deals often bring the effective annual cost down further. A free zone might charge AED 13,000 for a one-year renewal but only AED 11,000 per year if you prepay for three years.

Late renewal penalties are steep everywhere. On the mainland, you get a one-month grace period before fines start at AED 200 per month and can lead to licence suspension. Free zones impose similar penalties and may lock your e-services portal, preventing any visa or customs transactions.

How to keep renewal costs in check:

• Negotiate a longer office lease with a rent-free period to lower the Ejari-linked fees.
• Prepay multiple years in a free zone to lock in a discount.
• Keep your activity list clean — remove unused product categories before renewal.
• Use a business centre like Al Ain Business Center that includes PRO and establishment card renewal in a bundled maintenance package.

Visa Costs and Add-Ons You Need to Budget For

A trading licence alone doesn't allow you to live or work in the UAE. You need visas, and each visa brings its own set of government fees that repeat every 1–3 years. All residence visas are processed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the relevant emirate's immigration department.

Investor (Partner) Visa

If you are the owner, you will apply for an investor visa. The typical cost bundle for one investor visa, valid for two or three years, looks like this:

• Entry permit: AED 1,000–AED 1,500.
• Status change (if inside UAE): AED 500–AED 700.
• Medical fitness test: AED 300–AED 500.
• Emirates ID application: AED 400–AED 500.
• Visa stamping on passport: AED 400–AED 700.
• Visa issuance fee (depending on free zone or immigration): AED 1,500–AED 3,000.
• Total per investor visa: AED 3,500–AED 7,000.

For a detailed breakdown, check our UAE Investor Visa Cost: What You'll Really Pay article.

Employee Visas

Every employee you sponsor adds another visa cost plus a labour contract registration fee. The total per employee visa runs similar to the investor visa — AED 4,000–AED 7,000 — but you must also budget a labour card fee (AED 500–AED 1,500) and a bank guarantee deposit (usually AED 3,000, refundable). The number of employee visas you can sponsor is tied to your office size. On the mainland, you typically get one visa per 100–150 sq. ft. A flexi-desk in a free zone usually comes with 1–3 visas included; adding more requires you to upgrade to a physical office or pay an additional visa allocation fee.

Establishment Card and Immigration Fees

The establishment card is the official immigration file linked to your company — think of it as your business's registration with the immigration authorities that unlocks all visa processing. It must be renewed annually (mainland) or every 1–3 years (free zone). The cost ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 4,000, and you cannot process any visas without a valid card. Some business centres bundle the establishment card in their setup package.

Family and Dependent Visas

If you plan to sponsor your spouse and children, budget around AED 3,500–AED 5,000 per dependent, including medical, Emirates ID, and stamping. This is a recurring cost every two or three years.

Golden Visa Possibility

Traders who operate at a larger scale may qualify for a 5- or 10-year Golden Visa, which removes the need for frequent visa renewals and offers long-term stability. Be careful with the numbers here: the qualifying threshold depends entirely on which Golden Visa track you apply under. Property investors generally need real estate worth at least AED 2 million, while entrepreneurs are assessed on the value and viability of their project, and investors may qualify through a licensed investment or a substantial capital contribution. Because these thresholds are set per category and can change, confirm the current criteria on the official government Golden Visa page before you rely on a figure.

For specifics on eligibility, see our guide on Dubai Golden Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens (the principles apply to all nationalities) and the step-by-step How to Apply for Golden Visa in Dubai: A Simple Guide. We also break down the Golden Visa Dubai Cost: Full Fee Breakdown for 2025.

Hidden and Recurring Costs Traders Often Overlook

Beyond the obvious licence and visa fees, traders routinely hit a second layer of expenses that inflates their annual spend by AED 5,000–AED 15,000 or more. Here are the ones to map into your budget from day one.

Customs Code Registration and Shipment Clearance

To import or export, you must register for a customs code with Dubai Customs (usually free or a small fee). However, each shipment attracts clearance charges — AED 200–AED 500 per declaration if you use a customs broker, plus inspection fees. Frequent traders can sign up for an e-clearance portal and reduce brokerage costs, but high-volume operations should budget at least AED 5,000–AED 10,000 per year for customs processing.

Bank Account Setup and Minimum Balance

Corporate bank accounts in the UAE are not free. Many banks require a minimum monthly balance of AED 25,000–AED 50,000 to waive a monthly maintenance fee of AED 200–AED 500. If you hold several currencies or need trade finance facilities, the costs rise. Opening the account itself is usually free, but you will pay for transaction fees, SWIFT charges, and cheque books.

Accounting, VAT, and Corporate Tax Compliance

The UAE mandates that all companies maintain proper financial records. If your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, you must register for VAT and file returns with the Federal Tax Authority. Even if you are below the threshold, registering for VAT voluntarily can be advantageous for reclaiming input VAT. Annual accounting and tax filing costs range from AED 3,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the volume of transactions. Corporate tax (9% on profits above AED 375,000) is now a reality, and you must maintain compliant financial statements. Budget for a qualified accountant or a compliance package.

PRO (Public Relations Officer) Services

Every government form — visa application, establishment card renewal, customs registration, Ejari — requires interaction with government portals and typing centres. If you don't handle these yourself, a PRO service costs AED 3,000–AED 8,000 per year depending on the number of visas and transactions. Many business centres include a basic PRO allocation; if yours doesn't, line up a retainer.

Insurance, Attestation, and Translation

A general trading company often needs third-party liability insurance to work with distributors and landlords. A basic policy costs AED 1,500–AED 3,000 yearly. Document attestation for business certificates, contracts, and agency agreements can add AED 500–AED 1,500. If your operations involve Arabic-language interfaces, official translation fees are an ongoing expense.

Office Upgrades for Visa Allocation

If your initial flexi-desk gives you only two visas but you need five, you must either pay a per-visa surcharge (often AED 1,000–AED 2,000 per additional visa) or upgrade to a larger office. That upgrade doubles your rent and spikes your Ejari fees, so plan your headcount growth alongside your space.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your General Trading License

The exact sequence varies slightly by jurisdiction, but the process follows a consistent pattern that normally takes 3–10 working days once all documents are in order.

1. Choose your jurisdiction. Decide between mainland and free zone based on where you will sell. If more than 50% of your revenue comes from UAE domestic sales, mainland is usually the right call. For pure import-export, a free zone may reduce your annual cost substantially. Our team at Al Ain Business Center can help you evaluate the options in a free call.

2. Reserve a trade name. Pick a name that reflects your trading activity and doesn't infringe on existing trademarks. You'll pay a small reservation fee, and the name must comply with UAE naming guidelines (no offensive or religious terms, and if using a personal name, the person must be a partner).

3. Select the general trading activity. On the DET portal or free zone form, choose "general trading" from the activity list. You can add supplementary activities like "storage" or "e-commerce" for a small extra fee.

4. Submit initial approval and shareholder documents. Provide passport copies, a business plan (some free zones require it), and a no-objection certificate if you are currently employed. The initial approval confirms that the government has no objection to your business setup.

5. Secure office space and Ejari (mainland only). Sign a tenancy contract with a business centre or a direct landlord. The Ejari registration is mandatory before the licence can be issued. Many service centres, including Al Ain Business Center, offer offices with immediate Ejari as part of the setup.

6. Pay the fees and receive your licence. Once the fees are settled, your licence is issued electronically. You can now legally trade. For mainland licences, you may receive a printed version from the DET; free zones provide a digital certificate.

7. Apply for the establishment card and visas. Immediately after licensing, open an immigration file and apply for your establishment card. Then process investor and employee visas. The establishment card is the gateway to visa processing, so do not delay this step.

This timeline assumes you have all documents ready. Working with a consultancy that pre-checks your paperwork, like Al Ain Business Center, can avoid back-and-forth delays and get you operational in under a week. For a wider perspective on startup costs including licensing, read our article on How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Dubai?

Common Mistakes That Inflate Your Yearly Cost

Even experienced business owners fall into traps that push their annual spend thousands over budget. Knowing these mistakes upfront helps you avoid them.

• Overpaying middlemen for services you can bundle. Some agents charge a markup on every single government transaction. A single all-inclusive package from a licensed business centre that covers name reservation, initial approval, licence, Ejari, and PRO support often costs less than piecing the same services together from multiple vendors.
• Choosing a large office before you need the visa quota. A bigger space means higher rent, higher Ejari fees, and higher market fees every year. Match your office size to your visa needs in year one, and upgrade only when you have the revenue to absorb the jump.
• Ignoring customs registration until the first shipment is stuck. Without a customs code, your goods won't clear. A delay can cost demurrage fees and lost sales. Register your customs code immediately after licensing.
• Picking the wrong free zone for your target market. If you want to sell in the UAE, picking a free zone that doesn't allow easy local distribution forces you into an expensive third-party distributor arrangement. That ongoing cost far outweighs the initial licence saving.
• Forgetting corporate tax and VAT compliance. Even if your profits are below the threshold, failing to register for VAT when required can trigger backdated fines. Budget for an accountant from day one; it's far cheaper than cleaning up later.
• Missing renewal deadlines. A late renewal on the mainland can rack up fines of AED 200 per month and eventually suspend your licence, which freezes your bank account and blocks visas. Set reminders and keep your tenancy contract current.

How to Choose the Right Setup: A Recommendation Framework

Use this simple decision path to match your business goals to the most cost-effective licence type.

1. If you sell directly to UAE retailers, restaurants, or end-users → choose a mainland general trading licence. The higher annual fee is offset by the absence of customs duties on local sales and the ability to issue invoices directly.

2. If you focus on international import-export and re-export → choose a trade-oriented free zone like JAFZA, DMCC, or an affordable option from our Cheapest Free Zone Company Setup in UAE: Smart Picks list. You benefit from duty-free re-exports, lower office costs, and fast logistics corridors.

3. If your budget is tight and you only need 1–3 visas → start with a low-cost free zone package around AED 5,750–AED 8,000 that includes a flexi-desk and basic PRO. You can upgrade later.

4. If scaling a team is your priority → factor visa quota into your office choice. On the mainland, an office of 200 sq. ft. typically allows 1–2 visas; you'll need more space or a visa allocation service as you grow. Some business centres let you add visas without moving offices, so verify that flexibility.

5. Match your package to your product categories and turnover. Higher-value goods with faster inventory rotation generate VAT obligations and larger customs duty payments. A consultancy that understands trading can model your total cost of compliance, not just the licence sticker price.

Working with a setup partner like Al Ain Business Center means you get one transparent quote that covers registration, office, Ejari, PRO, and visa processing, so you aren't surprised by hidden fees six months in.

Plan Your Budget, Then Start Trading

Knowing the general trading license Dubai cost per year lets you enter the market with your eyes open. The figure is not a mystery when you break it into its real components — licence issuance, office, renewal, visas, and compliance — and compare mainland and free zone options against your sales model. The traders who succeed in Dubai are the ones who control costs from day one and leave room to scale.

Book a free consultation with our experts at Al Ain Business Center. We'll map out your exact costs, match you to the right jurisdiction, and handle every government filing so you can focus on your first shipment, not on paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a general trading license cost per year in Dubai?

Annual costs range from around AED 5,750 for a basic free zone package to AED 30,000+ for a mainland setup with a physical office and multiple visas. The exact figure depends on your jurisdiction, office size, and visa count. Free zone packages typically cost the least.

Is a general trading license cheaper in the mainland or a freezone?

A free zone general trading license is usually cheaper, with first-year costs of AED 10,000–20,000 versus AED 30,000–50,000 on the mainland. However, mainland licences give unrestricted access to the UAE local market and avoid customs duty on local sales, which can offset the higher price for high-volume local distribution.

How many product categories can I trade under a general trading license?

A general trading license lets you trade in multiple, unrelated product categories under one umbrella without listing every item individually. You can import electronics, export textiles, re-export auto parts, and distribute household goods all from the same legal entity. Some controlled goods like pharmaceuticals and tobacco require additional approvals.

Do I need an office to get a general trading license in Dubai?

Yes, but the requirement varies by jurisdiction. Mainland businesses must secure a physical office with a registered Ejari tenancy contract, costing AED 8,000–20,000+ per year. Free zones often bundle a low-cost flexi-desk or shared workstation into the package to satisfy the office requirement.

How many visas can I get with a general trading license?

Visa allowances depend on your office size and jurisdiction. Each investor or employee visa adds AED 3,500–7,000 per person every 1–3 years, covering medical tests, Emirates ID, and stamping. A larger office generally supports more visas.

What is the cheapest way to renew a general trading license in Dubai?

The cheapest option is a free zone package renewal, which bundles the licence and flexi-desk into a single fee. Prepaying for multi-year deals lowers the effective annual cost further—for example, AED 11,000 per year on a three-year plan versus AED 13,000 for a single year. Renewal fees are also 20–30% lower than first-year fees since one-off charges are avoided.