General Trading License Cost in Dubai: Complete Fee Breakdown for 2026

Dubai is one of the world's busiest trading hubs, and a general trading license is the permit many founders choose when they want to trade in a wide range of products under one company. Before applying, you need a clear view of the General Trading License Cost, because the fee on the license itself is only one part of what you will pay in the first year. This guide breaks down every major cost so you can plan your budget with confidence.

At Takween Advisory , we help founders set up and license companies in Dubai every day, and the questions below come up in almost every first consultation.

What Is a General Trading License?

A general trading license allows a company to import, export, and trade in multiple product categories under a single license. On the mainland it is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In a free zone it is issued by the relevant free zone authority.

The appeal is flexibility. Instead of holding separate licenses for each product line, a trader can cover a broad set of goods. Certain restricted items, such as alcohol, jewellery, and vehicles, typically need their own approvals or specific licenses.

General Trading License Cost in Dubai: The Core Fees

Published estimates vary between advisory firms, and your final figure depends on your activities, legal structure, and premises. The ranges below reflect what mainland applicants commonly see in 2026.

Cost Component Typical Mainland Estimate (AED) DET base license fee 12,500 to 15,000 General trading activity fee (annual) 15,000 Trade name reservation 620 to 2,000 Initial approval About 1,000 Memorandum of Association and notarization 1,200 to 3,000 Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership 2,000 to 2,500

Taken together, government fees for a mainland general trading license often start at roughly AED 30,000 before premises and visas. Free zone options can be lower on paper, with some zones starting from around AED 12,000 to 13,000 for a license package, though the exact price depends on the zone and the number of activities you add.

Why the General Trading Activity Fee Matters

The most overlooked line in a mainland budget is the general trading activity fee. DET charges an annual fee of about AED 15,000 for the general trading classification, and it applies again at renewal. Many founders focus on the headline license fee and are surprised when this recurring charge appears.

Free zone general trading licenses usually do not carry this specific DET fee, which is one reason free zones can look cheaper at first glance. They come with their own conditions, including restrictions on trading directly with the local mainland market without a distributor or additional permission.

Mainland vs Free Zone: How the Costs Compare

Mainland setups generally cost more but give you direct access to the Dubai market, no cap on the number of visas tied to a free zone package, and the freedom to trade with government entities and local customers. Free zone setups can reduce your upfront spend and often offer simpler packages, but the right choice depends on who your customers are.

As a rough guide to the first year, including a small office and one investor visa, mainland general trading setups commonly land between AED 50,000 and AED 80,000, while free zone setups often fall between AED 25,000 and AED 55,000. These are planning ranges, not quotes, so confirm current figures before you commit.

Hidden Costs Beyond the License Fee

A realistic General Trading License Cost includes the items that sit around the license itself.

Office space and Ejari registration are required for most mainland licenses and can cost AED 14,000 or more for a modest office, with warehouses costing considerably more.

Visa costs are charged per visa, and an investor or employee visa often runs around AED 6,500 including medicals, Emirates ID, and processing.

Other costs to plan for include external approvals for regulated goods, corporate bank account opening, accounting and VAT registration support, and any fines for late renewals. Corporate tax at 9 percent applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000 for most businesses.

General Trading License Renewal Cost

Renewal is an annual obligation. On the mainland you should budget for the base license fee, the AED 15,000 general trading activity fee, Chamber membership, and your office lease renewal. Renewing late attracts penalties, so it is wise to diarize your renewal date at least a month in advance.

How to Lower Your General Trading License Cost

You cannot reduce official government fees, but you can avoid unnecessary spending. Choose only the activities you genuinely need, since each added activity can raise the cost. Compare mainland and free zone options against your real customer base rather than the lowest advertised price. Ask for a written, itemized quotation that includes the office, visas, and approvals so there are no surprises. Finally, work with a licensed advisory firm that can confirm current DET and free zone fee schedules before you pay anything.

Documents Usually Required

Applicants typically need passport copies for all shareholders and managers, a UAE residence visa copy where applicable, a proposed trade name and chosen activities, a tenancy contract or Ejari for the premises, and a signed Memorandum of Association for LLC structures. Requirements can vary by license type and authority, so always confirm the current checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai?

A: For a mainland license, government fees often start at around AED 30,000 once the base license fee and the AED 15,000 general trading activity fee are included. Your total first-year cost will be higher after office space, visas, and approvals.

Q: Is a general trading license more expensive than other trade licenses?

A: Yes, in most cases. The general trading activity fee and the broad scope of activities make it one of the costlier mainland license types compared with a standard professional license.

Q: Is the General Trading License Cost lower in a free zone?

A: It can be lower on paper because free zones do not usually charge the DET general trading activity fee. However, free zone licenses have trading limits in the local market, so the cheapest option is not always the best fit.

Q: Does the general trading license need to be renewed every year?

A: Yes. The license must be renewed annually, and the renewal includes the activity fee, Chamber membership, and a valid office lease where required.

Q: Can I trade any product with a general trading license?

A: Not every product. Restricted or regulated goods, such as alcohol, jewellery, and vehicles, usually need additional approvals or a specific license.

Q: Are the fees in this guide final?

A: No. Fees change and depend on your activities and structure, so treat these figures as planning estimates and confirm the latest amounts with DET, your chosen free zone, or a licensed advisor before paying.

Conclusion

The General Trading License Cost in Dubai goes well beyond a single license fee. For mainland companies, the recurring general trading activity fee, office requirements, visas, and approvals all shape your real budget, while free zones can reduce upfront costs in exchange for market access limits. The best choice comes from matching your structure to your customers and your growth plans.

If you want an accurate, itemized quotation based on your business activities, speak to the team at Takween Advisory. Our advisors can confirm current fees, recommend the right jurisdiction, and guide you through the full licensing process.