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Explore About General Trading License Activities in the UAE
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With the cosmopolitan and vibrant environment of the UAE, home to more than 200 nationalities, the country has attracted many foreign entrepreneurs and investors from around the globe. The UAE has become a global hub for financial services, logistics, hospitality, and trading, while steadily growing in other sectors such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Thanks to its modern facilities and excellent infrastructure, the UAE is also an ideal location for association conferences, corporate meetings, business events, and exhibitions.
When it comes to commerce, general trading license activities offer wide flexibility. Many businesspersons are interested in trading a variety of goods and commodities either within the UAE or internationally. From electronics and textiles to food products and luxury items, these operations—and many other business activities—require a general trading license in the UAE. This license is essential for those looking to explore multi-product trading with minimal restrictions, making it a popular choice for entrepreneurs aiming to build scalable and diversified trading businesses.
What are General Trading License Activities?
A General Trade License allows conducting activities of exporting, re-exporting, and importing products in the UAE such as:
Food Products
Clothes & Accessories
Furnitures
Electronics & Tech Supplies
Stationery & School Supplies
If a businessman is doing different products/goods trading, it is suggested to go for a general trading license in UAE to enjoy all these facilities in one license. Thus, it will not be mandatory to opt for separate licenses for each of these businesses. Trading of Alcohol, Medicine, Cars, Chemicals, etc., is not considered as general trading license activities and cannot be done through a General Trading License in UAE, which requires special approvals from Concerned government authorities or municipalities. However, these types of activities can be approved by DED under a commercial trade license.
Costs of a General Trade License in the UAE
As per the Department of Economic Development (DED) Dubai, the holder of a General Trading License can do the business of importing, trading, and re-exporting any of the allowed goods and other related general trading license activities. The activities that need special approvals and arrangements can be formed under a sole establishment or an LLC or a Single Owner (LLC-SO).
This type of license can be associated with a legal holding structure within the UAE and other licensing authorities. With this license, a businessperson can also use and rent storage and do warehousing.
Ecommerce & Digital Activities
- Run a Business Locally or Internationally
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Lease Agreement
- Multiple Shareholders
- Multiple Activities
- Free Dubai Based PO Box
- Discount on Multi Year License
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Eligibility
- Up to 6 Visa Upgrade Eligibility
Standard Activity Package Free Zone
- Run a Business Locally or Internationally
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Lease Agreement
- Multiple Shareholders
- Multiple Activities
- Free Dubai Based PO Box
- Discount on Multi Year License
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Eligibility
- Up to 6 Visa Upgrade Eligibility
ANY Activity Package Mainland
- Run a Business Locally or Internationally
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Direct to Consumer Trading (Shop/Direct Selling)
- Eligibility to Rent a Full Office in Dubai
- Less Restrictions Compared to Free Zone
- Free Dubai Based PO Box
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Eligibility
- Up to Any Number of Visas Upgrade
Obtaining a General Trade License in UAE
Obtaining a general trade license is a straightforward procedure and can be done through the following steps:
Planning and Initial Approval
Begin with selecting a UAE-compliant trade name and outlining your business activities (up to 10 distinct activities per license). Submit your preliminary application, and if necessary, secure external endorsements relevant to your business type.
Documentation and Structure
Prepare foundational documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA). Determine the most fitting legal structure for your enterprise, ensuring both compliance and alignment with your business vision.
Finalizing Location and Licensing
Choose a strategic business location and authenticate your tenancy through Ejari. Submit the required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for the final license. Conclude the process by paying the specified license fees.
Benefits of a General Trade License in the UAE
There are plenty of advantages to getting a General Trade license in the UAE, such as:
Limited Minimum Capital Requirement
It is not mandatory to show a bank guarantee nor is it compulsory to deposit the share capital in the bank. Also, 100% of capital repatriation is allowed for UAE companies.
Facile Establishment Process
The process of setting up a company in the UAE is a straightforward process. The whole procedure can be concluded in 3-4 working days if all the documents are in place and prepared.
Excellent Infrastructural facilities
Availability of office spaces with flexible rent or lease plans with the best infrastructural facilities provide an ideal place and environment for businessmen to conduct their business in the most optimal way possible.
Zero Tax Regime
Which includes no corporate or personal tax – In UAE, there is no corporate tax or personal tax for doing any business. A businessperson who is holding a license in UAE does not pay
Unlimited Availability of Employment Visas
Companies do not have any restrictions on applying for an employment visa from the Ministry of Labor. The employment visa eligibility is based on the size of the office and the selection of license activity. As a rule of thumb, a bigger office will allow entrepreneurs to apply for more visas. The investor visa or employment visa holder can also sponsor a spouse, parents, children, and maids.
How Can Choose UAE Help
At Choose UAE, we provide a fast and efficient business setup for foreign investors and startups wanting to put up their business in a free zone. Our team of experts are dedicated in providing an optimal customer service experience, with a wide range of business support services to help you run your business– from Corporate Bank Account opening assistance, PRO services, Digital Marketing services, and many more.
As official partners of UAE Government Authorities, we have the lowest prices in the market with no license processing fees and no hidden charges. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
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