General Trading License in Dubai & UAE
The general trading license in Dubai gives entrepreneurs the flexibility to deal in multiple products under one license. At Primepulse, we help you secure your license quickly and professionally. Our consultants guide you from paperwork to approvals, making the process simple while you focus on building your business.
What is a General Trading License?
A general trading license in Dubai is a business license that allows you to trade in many different products under one approval. Unlike a license that covers only one activity, this license gives you the chance to import, export, sell, and distribute different goods with a single registration.
With this license, you can:
- Run both retail and wholesale businesses in Dubai and across the UAE
- Trade in different product lines such as food, clothes, and electronics
- Import goods from abroad and sell them in local markets
This license is popular because it saves time and makes starting a business much easier. At Primepulse, we guide you through every step so you can start trading quickly and legally.
Activities Covered Under a General Trading License
A general trading license in Dubai gives you the chance to deal in many different products under one license. This makes it a good choice for people who want to run more than one type of business without applying for multiple licenses. Some of the common activities include:
By covering such a wide range of products, the Dubai general trading license gives business owners more freedom to grow and explore new opportunities.
General Trading License in UAE vs Sharjah
The general trading license in Dubai and Sharjah both allow wide-ranging activities, but there are key differences in rules, costs, and processes. Understanding these can help you choose the best option for your business.
At Primepulse, we guide you through both options and help you choose the right jurisdiction based on your budget, target audience, and long-term business goals.
Why Work With Primepulse for Your General Trading License
At Primepulse, we provide complete support for getting and managing your general trading license in Dubai. Here’s how we help:
Jurisdiction
Guidance
We explain the differences between mainland, free zone, and offshore options and help you choose the best setup for your business goals.
Activity
Selection
Our team assists in selecting the right activities for your license, so you can cover all the products and services you want to trade legally.
Document
Preparation
We handle paperwork such as passport copies, tenancy contracts, and application forms, checking for accuracy to avoid delays or rejections.
Application
Submission
Primepulse submits your license application directly to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.
Renewal &
Updates
We manage annual renewals and also help update your license if you want to add or remove activities later.
Ongoing Business
Support
Beyond licensing, we support your wider business journey with advice on compliance, market expansion, and related services in Dubai.
The cost of a general trading license in Dubai depends on several factors, including the jurisdiction you choose, the number of activities you include, and any extra approvals required for specific products. In most cases, mainland licenses are priced differently compared to free zone options.
You should also account for government fees, office rent, and renewal charges. Having a clear budget before starting helps avoid delays and surprises during the process. At Primepulse, we provide an upfront breakdown of all costs so you know exactly what to expect when applying for your license.
Steps to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
Choose Your Business Activity and Name
Start by selecting the business activities you want to cover under your license. A general trading license allows multiple products, so list them carefully. Then pick a trade name that follows Dubai’s rules and apply for initial approval with the authorities.
Prepare and Submit Documents
Once you have initial approval, gather the required documents such as passport copies of owners, Memorandum of Association (MoA), and tenancy details if applicable. Submitting accurate documents at this stage avoids delays.
Final Approval and Payment
After getting all approvals, choose a suitable office or workspace and secure an Ejari-attested tenancy contract. Pay the license fees to the Department of Economic Development (DED), and once processed, your general trading license will be issued.
Benefits of a General Trading License in Dubai
Trade Multiple
Products
This license allows you to handle many types of goods under one approval, saving you from applying for separate licenses.
Local and International
Reach
With a general trading license, you can sell in Dubai, across the UAE, and expand to global markets through import and export.
Build Business
Credibility
Being officially licensed improves trust with banks, suppliers, and clients, giving your business stronger recognition.
Easy Growth
Options
You can add new products or activities to your license, making it simple to grow your business in the future.
Access to Banking
Services
The license allows you to open corporate bank accounts and apply for loans or financial services.
Investor-Friendly
Setup
Dubai’s strong trade infrastructure makes this license attractive for foreign investors who want a safe and profitable business base.
Documents Required for a General Trading License
Applying for a general trading license in Dubai requires a few important documents. Preparing them in advance helps avoid delays and makes the process smoother. The main documents include:
At Primepulse, we guide you through preparing and filing documents, giving your business the best chance of quick approval.
Renewal of a General Trading License
A general trading license must be renewed every year to keep your business legally active. Missing renewal deadlines can lead to penalties, suspension of activities, or issues with contracts and banking. Renewal is not just a formality; it is the key to maintaining credibility with suppliers, clients, and government authorities. The renewal process usually involves:
- Updating tenancy contract (Ejari) and other documents
- Submitting the renewal request to the DED or free zone authority
- Paying the renewal fees on time
At Primepulse, we handle every step of the renewal process, from document checks to final approval, so your company continues to run without interruptions.
Start Trading With Confidence in Dubai
A general trading license in Dubai gives you the freedom to deal in many products and reach both local and global markets. It is the foundation for building trust with clients, banks, and partners. At Primepulse, we guide you through approvals, documents, and renewals so your company stays active and ready to grow from day one.
FAQs
A general trading license allows you to handle many different products under one approval, making it more flexible for most businesses. A specific trade license, on the other hand, limits you to a single activity or product line.
The process starts with choosing your business activities and reserving a trade name. After that, you prepare documents like passport copies, MoA, and tenancy details, then submit the application to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). With correct paperwork, approval usually comes quickly.
The cost depends on several factors, including the jurisdiction you choose, the number of activities, and the size of your office. Government fees and extra approvals may also apply. Because of these differences, businesses should plan their budgets in advance.
Yes, foreign investors can apply for a general trading license in Dubai. It’s a popular option because Dubai offers full ownership in many cases and has strong logistics for trade. Some activities may require extra clearance, depending on the sector.
Yes, a tenancy contract (Ejari) is required as proof of your business location. The office can be small or shared, but the contract must be valid at the time of applying. Without it, the Department of Economic Development will not approve the license.
If all documents are ready and no special approvals are needed, the license can often be issued within a few working days. However, businesses in regulated sectors may take longer, as extra checks and approvals from authorities are required before final approval.
