How to get general trading license in Dubai?

In the United Arab Emirates, ‘general trading’ refers to the import, export, and trade of a wide range of goods and products. It covers the trade of most kinds of physical goods, including things like furniture, electronics, clothes, toys, and many kinds of industrial and manufacturing equipment too. Although most kinds of physical products are covered by general trading, certain products are restricted and you will need a specific license to import or export them. This includes products such as cars, alcohol, medical products, or weaponry.

Difference between General Trading License and Trading License

Somewhat confusingly, a ‘general trading license’ is different from a ‘trading license’.

A trading license allows you to trade a single product category within an industry. If you want to trade in multiple products across different industries, then you’ll need a general trading license.

Steps to Start a General Trading Company in Dubai

If you choose to start your general trading company at Meydan Free Zone, we can walk you through our simple three step process to starting your business:

• Step 1: Submit your application with completed KYC

• Step 2: Get security and government approvals

• Step 3:  License issuance

If you have any questions about getting your general trading license, we can provide you with more details on request.

Documents Needed To Open a General Trading Company in Dubai

To open a general trading company in Dubai, you will need to compile several documents.

If you would like to form a company with individual shareholders, you will need to provide:

• Passport copy
• Passport size photo
• Residence visa copy
• Emirates ID copy

If you would like to form a trading company with corporate shareholders, you will need the following documents:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Certificate of incumbency or equivalent
• Memorandum of association
• Board resolution

Benefits of a General Trading Company in Dubai

Starting a general trading company in Dubai will leave you open to a host of benefits and opportunities, some of which are listed below.

01. Local and international trade

Traders who obtain a general trading license can import or manufacture all the goods listed in the license. The merchants then have the option of either distributing these goods in Dubai’s local market or exporting (manufactured goods) or re-exporting (imported goods) them to a profitable country.

02. Tax free

There are heavy taxes imposed on the import, manufacture, and sale of various products in most countries. The fact that it is almost tax-free in the UAE is one of the best incentives. The same is true for the trade of various goods under a general trade license Dubai. It is possible to manufacture these products at the lowest possible cost.

03. Large number of products

With the exception of a few restricted products or sensitive materials, almost all products are allowed in Dubai under a general trading license. Several products can be traded under one license, and in exchange for the initial high fees, you will receive ongoing benefits for several years to come from this license.

04. Simple process

General trading licenses in Dubai are both profitable and easy to acquire. You can get your trading license from DED after submitting required documents in just 1 week as opposed to several other long registration processes. As soon as that is done, you are free to start your business.

05. Easy sponsor to dependents

This trading license also offers investors the advantage of making it easier for their employees and dependents to apply for visas. By sponsoring their dependents, these traders are able to obtain UAE visas more easily.

General Trading License Cost

At Meydan Free Zone, we can provide general trading licenses from as little as AED 12,500 for businesses which do not need a visa allocation. If your company does need a visa allocation, the cost of a general trading license goes up to AED 14,350 with additional visas costing extra.

Why Choose Meydan Free Zone?

At Meydan Free Zone, we can support you with all aspects of business setup in Dubai when you are applying for your general trading license. Choosing Meydan Free Zone to start your general trading company brings you plenty of benefits. You will be physically located close to the airport and seaport, can avail of high specification offices that are open 24 hours per day 7 days per week, as well as experience quick and easy incorporation and numerous additional member benefits.

Our team at Meydan Free Zone can guide you through the entire process and ensure that all legal requirements are met seamlessly.

Get in touch today!