Import and export
For businesses sourcing products internationally and bringing approved goods into or out of the UAE.
Dubai mainland business setup
Dubai Mainland General Trading Licence
Set up a general trading company in Dubai mainland with the right DET activity, company structure, documentation and approvals for the products you intend to trade.
- Dubai mainland trading
- Import and export setup
- Licence and approval support
The licence explained
What is a Dubai mainland general trading licence?
A Dubai mainland general trading licence is a commercial licence for businesses that want to trade across multiple approved product lines rather than being limited to one narrowly defined trading activity.
Depending on the activities registered on the licence, the company can be structured to trade goods in Dubai and across the UAE, import and export products, supply retailers and distributors, and sell to corporate customers.
The exact scope still matters. Product categories that are regulated or require specialist approval may need additional permissions before they can be traded.
- Trade approved goods within Dubai and across the UAE.
- Import and export products, subject to the relevant customs requirements.
- Supply retailers, distributors and corporate buyers.
- Build a multi-product trading business under an appropriate commercial structure.
Who it suits
When a general trading licence makes sense
The licence is particularly relevant when the business model involves multiple product categories or a combination of local trading, wholesale, distribution, ecommerce and international trade.
Wholesale trading
For companies supplying products to shops, distributors, resellers and other businesses.
Retail and ecommerce
For trading businesses selling approved products to customers through appropriate retail or online channels.
Multiple product lines
For businesses that need broader commercial scope than a licence restricted to one specific product category.
Important: a general trading licence does not remove product-specific regulation. Your proposed goods should be checked before application so any additional authority approvals can be identified early.
Choosing your jurisdiction
Dubai mainland or free zone for a trading company?
Both routes can support trading businesses, but the best structure depends on where you intend to sell, the goods involved, your premises and how the company will operate.
| Consideration | Dubai mainland | Dubai free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing route | Mainland companies are licensed through Dubai's mainland business licensing framework. | The company is licensed by the relevant free-zone authority. |
| Mainland activity | Well suited where direct Dubai mainland commercial activity forms a central part of the business model. | The route for conducting mainland activity depends on the free zone, business activity and any applicable permit or operating arrangement. |
| Premises | Office, showroom or warehouse requirements depend on the licence, activity and operational model. | Workspace and premises options depend on the selected free zone and licence package. |
| Typical fit | Businesses focused on Dubai/UAE customers, local distribution and mainland commercial operations. | Businesses whose commercial model and operational needs fit a particular free-zone ecosystem. |
Prepare before applying
Documents needed for a Dubai mainland general trading licence
The exact document list depends on the shareholders, legal form, nationality, premises and activities being licensed.
Preparing the core information early makes it easier to identify anything additional that may be required for your specific setup.
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01
Shareholder passports
Passport copies for all shareholders involved in the company.
-
02
Residence documents where applicable
UAE residence visa information where relevant to the shareholder.
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03
Proposed trade names
Suitable company-name options prepared for the reservation process.
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04
Trading and product details
Information about what you intend to trade, where the goods will come from and the customers you intend to sell to.
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05
Premises information
Tenancy contract and Ejari information for an office, showroom or warehouse where required.
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06
Additional approvals
Further documentation may be needed when a selected activity or product category requires external approval.
DET and mainland process
How a mainland general trading company is set up
The precise sequence can change according to the business and approvals involved, but a mainland trading setup normally follows these core stages.
Define the business model
Confirm what you intend to trade, where the goods will come from and who you expect to sell to.
Select the legal structure
Choose a structure that fits the shareholders, ownership and operational requirements of the company.
Confirm licence activities
Check that the intended product categories and activities fit the proposed general trading structure.
Reserve the trade name
Prepare and reserve a company name that meets the applicable UAE naming requirements.
Complete premises and approvals
Arrange required premises documentation and obtain any additional approvals associated with the activities.
Complete licence issuance
Finalise the application and move into the post-licence steps needed for the company to operate.
Planning the budget
What affects the cost of a general trading licence?
The overall setup cost depends on the structure of the business rather than one universal package price.
First Elite Global can prepare a clearer estimate after reviewing your product categories, shareholders, premises, visa needs and any additional approvals.
Licence activities
The activity configuration and any additional trading activities affect the final setup.
Legal structure
Shareholders and the selected company structure influence the application requirements.
Office or warehouse
Premises requirements vary according to how and where the business will operate.
External approvals
Regulated product categories may require additional authority permissions.
Visa requirements
Investor and employee immigration requirements can add further establishment steps.
Post-licence setup
Customs, banking and other operational requirements depend on what the company intends to do.
First Elite Global support
How the process
works with us
You should know what is happening next and what information is required at each stage.
From choosing the right licence through to establishment, visas and banking support, each stage is handled in a clear sequence.
01
Free consultation & eligibility check
We confirm your activity, ownership, visas and operational needs.
02
Jurisdiction & licence matching
Mainland, free zone or another structure is considered against what the company actually needs to do.
03
Name, activity & approval handling
We manage the submissions and coordinate the relevant authority requirements.
04
Documentation & signing
We guide you through the required paperwork and signing stages.
05
Licence issuance & establishment
Once approved, the licence issuance and establishment stages can be completed.
06
Visas, Emirates ID & banking support
We can support the post-licence requirements relevant to your company and team.
After the trade licence
Support beyond company formation
A trading company may have further requirements once the licence is issued. First Elite Global can help coordinate the relevant next steps.
UAE PRO services
Support with government-facing administrative and company
documentation processes.
UAE visa services
Assistance with relevant visa and residency processes after
company establishment.
Corporate bank account support
Banking-readiness support and guidance, subject to the bank's
compliance and approval process.
Client confidence
Proof you’re in safe hands
22+ years
Experience supporting company formation and related services
50,000+
Companies served across multiple jurisdictions
“Setting up my business in the UAE was seamless with First Elite Global. Their expert team handled everything efficiently, from legal structure selection to paperwork.”Fashion Design Company CEO
“They provided clear guidance and managed everything from registration to banking. Professional and timely service.”Travel Agency CEO
Common questions
Dubai mainland general trading licence FAQs
The final answer for your company depends on the exact goods, shareholders, premises and approvals involved.
What does a Dubai mainland general trading licence allow?
It provides a commercial structure for trading multiple approved categories of goods. Depending on the registered activities and approvals, this can include local trading, wholesale, distribution, import and export.
Can one general trading licence cover every type of product?
No licence should be treated as automatic permission to trade every product category. Regulated goods can require specific activities, permits or external authority approvals, so the proposed product list should be checked before the application.
Do I need an office or warehouse?
Premises requirements depend on your licence and operating model. The existing setup process may require a tenancy contract and Ejari for an office, showroom or warehouse where applicable.
Can a general trading company import and export products?
A correctly structured trading company can carry out import and export activity for approved goods, subject to customs registration and any product-specific regulatory requirements.
How do I choose the best business setup company in Dubai?
Look for a company that gives you a written plan, transparent fees separating government and service costs, realistic timelines, and post-setup support covering areas such as visas, PRO services and banking. A business setup provider should help you identify potential delays before the application progresses.
Can I set up a company in Dubai remotely?
In many cases, much of the process can be handled remotely, but some stages, particularly visas, biometrics or certain banking requirements, may require your presence. The exact requirements depend on the chosen setup route.
What is included in your business setup services in Dubai?
First Elite Global supports jurisdiction selection, licensing, documentation, authority submissions and setup coordination. We can also support visas, Emirates ID, PRO services, renewals, amendments and corporate bank account assistance depending on your requirements.
How long does company formation usually take?
Timelines vary according to the jurisdiction, activities, documentation and approvals involved. Regulated activities and more complex structures can require additional time. A clearer timeline can be provided once the proposed setup has been reviewed.
Do you offer business setup packages in Dubai?
Yes. First Elite Global offers business setup options based on the activity, visa requirements, workspace needs, ownership and authority requirements of the proposed company.
Will you help with corporate bank account opening?
Yes. First Elite Global supports banking readiness and introductions where appropriate. Bank approval remains subject to the bank's compliance checks, the business model and the documentation provided.
Start your mainland setup
Ready to set up your general trading business in Dubai?
Tell us what you intend to trade, where your products will come from and how you plan to operate. We can help identify the appropriate structure, licence activities and next steps.
