General Trading License Cost Dubai: A Complete Guide with Ejari (2026)Dubai remains o

Dubai remains one of the world's most attractive places to run an import, export, or distribution business. Its location, tax-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure make it a natural hub for traders. But before you sell your first shipment, you need a general trading license, and you need to understand what it will actually cost.

This guide breaks down the General Trading License Cost Dubai entrepreneurs can expect, including the often-misunderstood Ejari requirement, so you can budget with confidence.

Note: Fees below are approximate and change with government updates, your chosen activities, and your office type. Always confirm current figures before committing.

What Is a General Trading License in Dubai?

A general trading license allows a company to trade in multiple, unrelated product categories under one license. Instead of being limited to a single commodity, you can import, export, re-export, and distribute a range of goods, such as electronics, apparel, food items, and building materials, depending on the activities approved.

In Dubai, these licenses are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies, or by free zone authorities for free zone entities. Mainland general trading licenses are popular because they allow you to trade directly within the UAE market as well as internationally.

What Is Ejari and Why Does It Matter?

Ejari, which means "my rent" in Arabic, is Dubai's official tenancy contract registration system, run by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). For any mainland business, you must have a registered commercial lease before your trade license can be issued.
In practice, this means:

• You need a physical office space, or an approved flexi-desk arrangement, in Dubai.
  
• Your tenancy contract must be registered in Ejari.
  
• The Ejari certificate is submitted to DET as proof of your business address.
  

Without Ejari, your license application cannot move forward. That is why any honest breakdown of the General Trading License Cost Dubai must include the cost of office space and Ejari registration, not just the license fee itself.

General Trading License Cost Dubai: The Full Breakdown

Here is a realistic look at what a business owner should budget for.

1. Trade Name Reservation

Every company needs a unique, approved trade name. The reservation fee typically falls between AED 620 and AED 750, depending on the current schedule. The name must follow UAE naming conventions and avoid restricted words.

2. Initial Approval

Before the license is issued, DET issues an initial approval confirming that your proposed activities are permitted. This step generally costs around AED 100 to AED 300.

3. Trade License Fee

This is the core expense. For a general trading license on the mainland, the license fee usually ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 per year. The exact figure depends on the number and type of activities listed. Some activities need special approvals from other authorities, which can add to the total.

4. Ejari Registration Fee

The Ejari registration itself is relatively small, generally around AED 200 to AED 250. However, this is only the registration charge. The larger cost is the lease that Ejari records.

5. Office Space (Tenancy Contract)

This is where costs vary most:

• Flexi-desk or virtual arrangement: approximately AED 6,000 to AED 15,000 per year, where permitted for your activity.
  
• Small physical office: approximately AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 per year or more, depending on location and size.
  
• Warehouse or retail space: costs rise significantly and depend on area and location.
  

Your office lease is often the single largest variable in the General Trading License Cost Dubai equation.

6. Chamber of Commerce Membership

Dubai companies must register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The fee is typically AED 750 to AED 1,500, depending on company size and category.

7. Approvals and Documentation

Depending on your activities, you might need extra approvals, for example for food, chemicals, or regulated goods. Typing centre fees, legal documentation, and MOA (Memorandum of Association) notarization for LLC companies can add a few thousand dirhams.

8. Visa and Establishment Card Costs

If you plan to sponsor employees or yourself, add:

• Establishment card: roughly AED 1,500 to AED 2,500
  
• Each residence visa: approximately AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, plus medical and Emirates ID fees
  

Total Estimated Cost

Adding these components together, most entrepreneurs should plan on the following:

• Lean setup (flexi-desk, minimal visas): about AED 20,000 to AED 30,000 in the first year
  
• Standard setup (small office, a few visas): about AED 35,000 to AED 60,000
  
• Larger setup (warehouse, multiple visas, special approvals): AED 60,000 and above
  

Remember that most of these costs recur annually when you renew your license and Ejari.

Mainland vs. Free Zone: How It Affects Cost

Many founders ask whether a free zone is cheaper. Free zone packages can bundle the license, a flexi-desk, and visa allocation at an attractive price. However, free zone companies typically face restrictions on trading directly within the UAE mainland market without a distributor or additional permissions.

If your goal is to sell locally to retailers and customers across Dubai, a mainland general trading license with Ejari is usually the more practical path, even if the upfront figure looks higher. If you focus on international trade or re-export, a free zone might be more economical.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your License

1. Define your business activities. Choose the product categories you intend to trade.
   
2. Select your legal structure. Most trading businesses choose an LLC.
   
3. Reserve your trade name. Submit and get approval from DET.
   
4. Obtain initial approval. Confirm that your activities are permitted.
   
5. Secure office space and register Ejari. Sign a tenancy contract and register it.
   
6. Draft and notarize the MOA. Required for LLCs.
   
7. Pay fees and get final approvals. Settle license fees and any external approvals.
   
8. Receive your trade license. You can then open a corporate bank account and apply for visas.
   

Timelines typically run from a few days to two weeks, depending on how prepared your documents are and whether special approvals are needed.

Hidden Costs Many Founders Overlook

When people search for the General Trading License Cost Dubai, they often focus on the headline fee and miss additional expenses:

• Corporate bank account requirements: Banks may require minimum balances and charge maintenance fees.
  
• Renewal costs: License, Ejari, and Chamber membership all renew yearly.
  
• Amendment fees: Adding activities, changing partners, or updating your address triggers extra charges.
  
• Customs registration: If you import or export goods, you will need a customs code, which comes with its own fees.
  
• VAT registration and compliance: Once your turnover crosses the threshold, VAT registration and accounting become necessary.
  
• Corporate tax registration: UAE corporate tax rules mean most businesses must register and file returns.
  

Factoring these in early prevents unpleasant surprises down the road.

Tips to Reduce Your Setup Costs

• Choose activities carefully. Listing only what you genuinely need can keep fees down and avoid unnecessary approvals.
  
• Consider a flexi-desk if eligible. If your business does not need physical space, this can slash your Ejari-related lease cost.
  
• Bundle services. Working with a single advisory partner for licensing, visas, and banking can reduce duplicated fees.
  
• Plan visas realistically. Only sponsor the number of employees you need at launch.
  
• Prepare documents in advance. Delays often mean extra administrative costs.
  

Why Work with Takween Advisory?

Navigating licensing rules, Ejari registration, and government approvals can be overwhelming, especially when requirements shift from one authority to another. That is where Takween Advisory comes in.

Takween Advisory helps entrepreneurs and established companies set up in Dubai with clarity and transparency. From choosing the right activities and legal structure to coordinating Ejari registration, trade name approval, and final licensing, the team handles the paperwork so you can focus on building your business. Instead of guessing what the General Trading License Cost Dubai will look like for your specific situation, you receive a clear, itemized quote with no surprises.

Whether you are a first-time founder or expanding an existing trading operation, Takween Advisory offers guidance tailored to your goals, budget, and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ejari mandatory for a general trading license in Dubai?

Yes, for mainland companies. A registered tenancy contract is required before the license can be issued.

Can I get a general trading license without a physical office?

In some cases, a flexi-desk arrangement is accepted, but this depends on your activities and current DET regulations.

How long does it take to get the license?

With complete documents, the process often takes between a few days and two weeks.

What is the minimum General Trading License Cost Dubai?

A lean setup can start from around AED 20,000, but your actual figure depends on activities, office type, and visas.

Can foreigners own 100% of a general trading company?

Under current UAE regulations, many mainland activities now allow full foreign ownership, though certain activities may still require a local service agent or sponsor. Always verify for your specific activities.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the General Trading License Cost Dubai is the first step toward launching a successful trading business. The total goes well beyond the license fee: office space, Ejari registration, approvals, visas, and annual renewals all shape your budget. By planning each component carefully and working with an experienced partner like Takween Advisory, you can avoid costly mistakes and get your business operational faster.

Ready to start? Reach out to Takween Advisory for a personalized cost estimate and a smooth, hassle-free setup process.

Disclaimer: All fees are indicative and subject to change. Please consult a licensed advisor for up-to-date figures.