A general trading license is a commercial license that allows a business to buy, sell, import, export, and distribute multiple unrelated products under a single license. Instead of obtaining separate licenses for each product category, you can trade in a wide range of goods through one business license, including electronics, textiles, garments, food products, building materials, furniture, household goods, and other consumer products.
This license is ideal for import and export companies, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and e-commerce businesses that want the flexibility to expand their product range without applying for a new license every time they add a new category.
However, some regulated products require additional approvals from the relevant UAE authorities, even if you hold a general trading license. These typically include vehicles, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, medical products, and weapons. We explain these approval requirements later in this guide.
Benefits of a General Trading License
A general trading license is one of the most popular license types for companies trading in multiple products across local and international markets. The benefits of having a general trading license in Dubai includes:
- Trade multiple, unrelated product categories under one license
- 100% foreign ownership in UAE free zones, including SRTIP
- Zero personal income tax and no import/export duties on qualifying free zone activity
- Access to global and regional markets through Dubai and Sharjah’s ports and airports
- Ability to scale into new product lines without a new license
- Fast, largely digital setup process
Can a Sharjah Free Zone License Let You Trade in Dubai?
Yes. A Sharjah free zone general trading license, including one issued by SRTIP, allows your company to trade with customers across the UAE, including Dubai. You can sign contracts, issue invoices, import and export goods, and conduct business with clients located in Dubai while your company remains registered in Sharjah.
If you plan to open a physical retail store or office in Dubai, you may need additional approvals or a mainland presence, depending on your business activity. However, for most B2B trading, wholesale, distribution, and e-commerce operations, a Sharjah free zone company can serve customers throughout the UAE.
How to Get a General Trading License in Dubai
- Choose your business activities: Select the trading activities you want to include under your license. SRTIP offers more than 1,500 approved business activities, allowing you to combine multiple product categories under a single general trading license.
- Reserve a trade name: Choose a unique company name that complies with UAE naming guidelines. SRTIP will check its availability and obtain the necessary approval.
- Get initial approval: The free zone authority reviews your application, business activities, and trade name before issuing the initial approval to proceed with company registration.
- Choose a legal structure: Choose the legal structure that best suits your business. Most investors register either a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a sole establishment based on their ownership and visa requirements.
- Submit documents and apply: Provide the necessary documents, including passport copies, the application form, and, where applicable, a business plan and Memorandum of Association (MoA).
- Pay the License Fees: After your application is approved, pay the required registration and licensing fees. Your general trading license, share certificate, and incorporation documents are then issued.
- Apply for visas and a bank account (optional):
Documents Required for a General Trading License in Dubai
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs
- Proposed trade name options
- Business plan (for certain structures/activities)
- Memorandum of Association
- Proof of address
- Financial statements of shareholders, where applicable
- Import-export code from customs, if your activity requires it
General Trading License Cost in Dubai
Mainland | Other Free Zones | SRTIP Accelerator | |
Foreign ownership | May require local involvement for some activities | Up to 100% | 100%, full repatriation |
Starting cost | From ~AED 25,000+ | Varies widely, often AED 12,500+ | From AED 5,500 |
Setup time | Days to weeks | Varies by zone | As fast as 5–7 working days |
Office requirement | Mandatory physical office | Often mandatory | Flexi-desk option, upgrade later |
Activities per license | Limited by DED approval | Limited in some zones | Up to 5 activities per license |
Dubai market access | Direct | Indirect (UAE-wide) | Indirect (UAE-wide), with a Dubai office |
SRTIP figures are starting prices; final cost depends on visa allocation, office type, and activity approvals. Use the cost calculator for a tailored estimate.
Restricted and Regulated Goods
A general trading license allows you to trade a wide range of products, but it does not automatically cover all goods. Some regulated products require additional approvals from the relevant UAE authorities or a separate specialized license before you can import, sell, or distribute them.
These products typically include motor vehicles, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, weapons, and other regulated goods.
If you plan to trade in any of these categories, it’s best to discuss your business activities during the application process. The SRTIP team can advise you on the specific approvals or licenses required, helping you avoid delays in setting up your business.
Why Choose SRTIP Accelerator
- Lower starting cost. Licenses from AED 5,500, versus AED 12,500+ at many comparable free zones.
- Fast turnaround. Most general trading licenses are issued within 5–7 working days.
- Dubai presence. A dedicated office on Sheikh Zayed Road for in-person support.
- Broad activity list. Over 1,500 business activities, with up to 5 combined under one license.
- End-to-end support. Bank account opening assistance, trademark registration, and visa services under one roof.
FAQ
It lets you import, export, distribute, and sell a wide range of goods across multiple, unrelated product categories under a single license.
Yes. UAE free zone licenses, including SRTIP's, permit trading across the whole UAE, and SRTIP maintains a Dubai office to support you locally.
With SRTIP, most applications are processed in 5–7 working days. Free zones offering instant licensing can issue within an hour; mainland licenses typically take 2–4 weeks.
