General Trading
General Trading in the UAE
A general trading licence in the UAE allows you to trade in a broad range of physical goods. It's one of the most versatile activity descriptions, but it comes with requirements around warehousing, customs, and banking that service-only businesses don't face. The right zone depends on your product category, volume, and whether you need port access or warehouse facilities.
Who this is for: Importers, exporters, physical goods traders, commodity dealers, wholesalers
Key caution: Always verify activity availability, pricing, and requirements with the specific free zone or authority before proceeding.
Overview
General trading covers import, export, and re-export of physical goods. It's one of the most commonly sought licences in the UAE, especially for businesses taking advantage of the country's strategic location for regional and global trade. However, a general trading licence is not just a label — it involves practical considerations around customs, warehousing, logistics, and banking documentation.
Who it's for
Best for
- •Import/export businesses
- •Physical goods traders
- •Commodity dealers
- •Wholesalers and distributors
- •Re-export businesses leveraging UAE's hub position
Be cautious if
- •You're trading regulated goods (food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals — additional approvals needed)
- •You don't have warehouse or storage plans
- •Your trading volumes are small and service-oriented (consider a lighter activity)
Typical activity descriptions
Activity names may vary by zone. Always confirm the exact wording with the licensing authority.
Free zone fit
DMCC
Excellent for commodities, gold, crypto trading. Strong ecosystem.
Starting from AED 35,484 · ~10 working days
JAFZA
Best for large-scale trading with warehousing. Port access.
Starting from AED 5,000 · 7–14 business days
RAKEZ
Good for SME traders. All-inclusive packages.
Starting from AED 6,000 · 3–7 business days
DAFZA
Good for aviation, pharma, and logistics-adjacent trading.
Starting from AED 18,000 · 5–10 business days
SAIF Zone
Practical for Sharjah-based trading operations.
Starting from AED 12,000 · 5–7 business days
Mainland relevance
Mainland trading licences are necessary for businesses that want unrestricted trading access across the UAE, including retail and local distribution. Free zone trading has geographic limitations. Mainland also provides direct customs clearance under your own import code.
Learn about mainland setupVisa & banking notes
Visas
Trading businesses often need more visas for warehouse and operations staff. Choose zones with higher visa quotas (JAFZA, DMCC with office, RAKEZ).
Banking & KYC
Trading businesses face thorough banking KYC. Banks want to understand your supply chain, supplier relationships, product categories, and transaction flows. Letters of credit and trade finance may require established banking relationships.
Key cost drivers
- →Licence fee (typically higher for trading)
- →Warehouse or storage space
- →Customs duties and clearance costs
- →Visa allocations for operations staff
- →Insurance and compliance
- →Renewal costs including facility leases
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions
Related activities
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not legal or tax advice. Fees, requirements, and authority policies can change. Always confirm the latest official requirements and get qualified advice for your specific situation.
Last checked: February 2026
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