How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone

How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone

How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone

How to Get a Trading License in Dubai Free Zone

Dubai is the world’s fourth-largest re-export hub, handling over USD 300 billion in non-oil trade annually and connecting supply chains from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its geographic position, combined with world-class port and airport infrastructure at Dubai South, makes it the most strategically positioned location in the world for trading businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 461 trading activities covering every major product category with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port from your registered address.

Dubai is the world’s fourth-largest re-export hub, handling over USD 300 billion in non-oil trade annually and connecting supply chains from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its geographic position, combined with world-class port and airport infrastructure at Dubai South, makes it the most strategically positioned location in the world for trading businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 461 trading activities covering every major product category with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port from your registered address.

What Does a Trading License in Dubai Cover?

What Does a Trading License in Dubai Cover?

What Does a Trading License in Dubai Cover?

A trading license authorises your company to import, export, and wholesale physical goods. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, 461 trading activities cover food and beverages, garments, electronics, machinery, building materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gold and precious metals, luxury goods, and e-commerce. General Trading (4690.97) allows you to trade multiple product categories under a single activity code, making it the most commercially flexible trading option available.

A trading license authorises your company to import, export, and wholesale physical goods. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, 461 trading activities cover food and beverages, garments, electronics, machinery, building materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gold and precious metals, luxury goods, and e-commerce. General Trading (4690.97) allows you to trade multiple product categories under a single activity code, making it the most commercially flexible trading option available.

Documents Required

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Passport copy for all shareholders

Documents Required

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Passport copy for all shareholders

Eligibility

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Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership

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No prior UAE

residency required

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No minimum capital deposit

Eligibility

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Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership

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No prior UAE

residency required

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No minimum capital deposit

Office Requirements

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Flexi-desk included in base package

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Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

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No physical office required to register

Office Requirements

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Flexi-desk included in base package

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Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

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No physical office required to register

Third-Party Approvals

Third-Party Approvals

Most general trading activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Food products require MOCCAE registration. Pharmaceuticals require MOHAP product approval. Gold and precious metals require CBUAE DNFBP registration and AML compliance programme. Restricted goods require relevant authority approval. Confirm product-specific requirements before importing.

Most general trading activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Food products require MOCCAE registration. Pharmaceuticals require MOHAP product approval. Gold and precious metals require CBUAE DNFBP registration and AML compliance programme. Restricted goods require relevant authority approval. Confirm product-specific requirements before importing.

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    01

    General Trading

    4690.97

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    02

    Ready-Made Garments Trading

    4771.95

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    03

    Wholesale of Consumer Electronics

    4649.03

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    04

    Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals

    4662.04

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    05

    Foodstuff & Beverages Trading

    4721.98

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    Construction Materials Trading

    4752.57

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    Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods

    4649.08

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    08

    E-Commerce

    4790

  • Paste SVG

    01

    General Trading

    4690.97

  • Paste SVG

    02

    Ready-Made Garments Trading

    4771.95

  • Paste SVG

    03

    Wholesale of Consumer Electronics

    4649.03

  • Paste SVG

    04

    Wholesale of Gold and Precious Metals

    4662.04

  • Paste SVG

    05

    Foodstuff & Beverages Trading

    4721.98

  • Paste SVG

    06

    Construction Materials Trading

    4752.57

  • Paste SVG

    07

    Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods

    4649.08

  • Paste SVG

    08

    E-Commerce

    4790

FAQ

Trading License Dubai

Trading License Dubai

What is the difference between a general trading license and a specific trading license?

What is the difference between a general trading license and a specific trading license?

Can a free zone trading company sell to UAE mainland retailers?

Can a free zone trading company sell to UAE mainland retailers?

Do I need a warehouse to get a trading license in Dubai?

Do I need a warehouse to get a trading license in Dubai?

What makes Dubai South the best location for a trading company in the UAE?

What makes Dubai South the best location for a trading company in the UAE?

Can a free zone trading company export to any country from Dubai?

Can a free zone trading company export to any country from Dubai?

How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai in 2026?

How much does a general trading license cost in Dubai in 2026?

Is there personal income tax on trading profits in the UAE?

Is there personal income tax on trading profits in the UAE?

What are the AML requirements for gold and precious metals trading in Dubai?

What are the AML requirements for gold and precious metals trading in Dubai?

Can I combine multiple product categories under one trading license?

Can I combine multiple product categories under one trading license?

What is the UAE corporate tax position for trading free zone companies?

What is the UAE corporate tax position for trading free zone companies?