How to Obtain a General Trading License in Dubai, Uae?

Dubai has gained a reputation as a global business hub in today's competitive marketplace. Thanks to the top-notch facilities, government support, advanced technology and infrastructure. Today, Dubai has become one of the prime destinations for corporate meetings, huge business events, exhibitions and much more. If you want to start a new business, you can also apply for a general trading license in Dubai.

If you are not aware, a general trading company operates in a wide range of fields and focuses more on business investment than on basic trading business. The opportunities are brighter and the business environment is lucrative for financial services, logistics, hospitality, health etc. So if you’re willing to start a new business, Dubai is one of the best choices. All you need to do is partner with a local business consultant and apply for a general trading license UAE to start your business.

If you become a holder of a general trading license in Dubai, your company can export, import, re-export, and sell various goods and commodities. It can include food products, electronics, tech gadgets, fashion apparel, furniture, jewelry, manufacturing and several other goods. However, you cannot trade in pharmaceutical drugs, automotive, alcohol, etc. All these do not come under a general trading license. You can apply for a commercial license if you wish to trade these products.  

How to Apply for a General Trading License in Dubai? 

If you are wondering how to apply for a general trading license in Dubai, no worries! The process is hassle-free and straightforward. Here is a list of steps you must follow to get your license within 5 to 6 working days. To speed up the process, you can take help from company formation experts at Shuraa.  

1. Select Business Activities  

The Department of Economic Development (DED) offers 2000 plus permissible business activities to conduct within the country. You must choose the activities you want to conduct depending on the nature of your business and submit the list of selected activities to the authority. You can also apply for external permission for any activity that you want to opt for but is not on the given list. Furthermore, remember that you can select a minimum of 10 activities on one license.  

2. Legal Structure of Company 

Do you want to set up your company in the mainland region or any one of the free zones? If you decide to establish your company in the mainland region, you can do business in Dubai's local markets. However, if you decide to set up a company in one of the free zones, you get to own 100% of your business. Furthermore, you must decide whether you want your company to be a sole proprietorship, an LLC, a public or private partnership, an international or GCC branch.  

3. Register Your Legal Business Name 

You must now select a suitable name for your company as per the business activities selected. Do not use any abbreviations or foul terms in the name. Using a name that is similar to an already established company is considered a crime and your general trading license Dubai can be canceled. Furthermore, ensure to use the full name of a person if you wish to name your company after one. The name must include the abbreviation of the legal structure of the company towards the end.  

4. Initial Approval Certificate 

Once you get approval for your business name, you must apply for initial approval from the concerned authority for your general trading license UAE. It is mandatory to present the payment receipt of the trade name registration while submitting other documents to get this approval. Once your application is inspected and if everything seems to be in place, you will get the initial approval certificate which states that the UAE government has no problem with your company formation in Dubai. Keep a few copies of the approval certificate handy as you'll need it in the next steps of securing the general trading license Dubai. 

5. Official Address 

The next step is to secure an office space and a warehouse if required to execute the business activities as planned. We suggest you find an affordable office space to rent instead of purchasing one in Dubai because it requires huge investments upfront. Make sure that the office complies with all the hygiene and dimension rules. Once you rent an office, you must register it with Ejari and get your tenancy contract along with the unique Ejari number.  

6. Apply for General Trading License Dubai 

You must apply for your general trading license Dubai once you have completed all the steps mentioned above. Now, you will need the initial approval certificate, trade name registration slip in this step, national ID, passport copies, visa copies, business plan, other permissions and approvals along with other necessary legal documents as per the business activities chosen. Ensure to double-check all the documents before final submission. Complete the one-time license fee payment within the 24 hours of receiving your general trading license UAE. 

7. Visas and Bank Account 

The last step is to submit your visa for processing. You can apply for a visa for your family, employees, relatives, etc., depending on your business plans. Finally, you must open a corporate bank account for your trading in Dubai. Opening a corporate bank account will help you with smooth and timely financial transactions along with long-term business benefits and hassle-free services. 

What are the Benefits of a General Trading License Dubai?

1. Zero tax regime. You do not have to pay corporate or personal tax.

2. Hassle-free recruitment

3. Unlimited availability of Employment visa. Based on the size of the office and selection of business activities, you can apply for as many employment visas as required.

4. The investor visa or employment visa holder can sponsor a spouse, parents, children, or maids.

5. Moreover, there are limited restrictions on a minimum capital requirement.

6. The Minimum capital requirement is only AED 300,000, and it is not mandatory to show the bank guarantee.

7. Also, 100% of capital repatriation is allowed for UAE companies.

8. Straightforward establishment process that can be concluded in 3-4 working days if all the documents are in place.  

What is the Necessary Paperwork for a General Trading License? 

Here's a list of documents you'll need to obtain a general trading license in Dubai:

1. Copies of Passports of all the business partners.

2. Colored passport size photographs of the applicant.

3. MoA and AoA 

4. Trade name approval certificate. 

5. National ID

6. Tenancy contract and Ejari number.

7. Detailed location plan and map.

8. NOC letter from your current sponsor.

9. Makani number.

10. Copies of visas of all the business partners and employees.  

Get Your General Trading License in Dubai Through Shuraa 

After reading the major benefits, application process and general trading license Dubai costs, you can apply for it to start a new business of your own. If you want to acquire this license at the lowest possible cost, you must collaborate with Shuraa Business Setup. Our experienced business consultants will take care of documentation, application, approvals and licensing at an affordable rate. So wait no more! Start planning, call us, share your requirements and we will take care of the rest.

Moreover, get to grow your business with the right advice. You can reach out to our experts at +971 44081900 or drop a WhatsApp message on +971 507775554. For assistance via email, please write to us at info@shuraa.com.