General Trading
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 600
Ajman
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
Ajman DED — Flat fee
AED 600
Flat AED 600 license fee + ~AED 3,900 mandatory DED fees. Total minimum ~AED 4,5
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 5,000
DED fee: AED 5000
DET — Base + 5% of rent
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
Want the exact total cost for your setup?
A setup partner can give you a complete breakdown including office, visa, and approval fees.
Our Analysis
General trading in Abu Dhabi costs AED 5,000 — one of the highest per-activity DED fees in the capital. Dubai's general trading license is notorious: AED 15,000 in activity fees alone, on top of the standard base license. This is the most expensive single activity in Dubai.
General trading lets you buy, sell, import, and export virtually anything that isn't regulated (no weapons, pharmaceuticals, or food without additional permits). It's the widest trading license available — and the most popular among entrepreneurs who want flexibility.
Dubai's general trading market is massive. Jebel Ali Port, the Gold Souk, Dragon Mart, and thousands of trading offices make Dubai the region's re-export hub. The AED 15,000 premium buys access to that ecosystem.
Abu Dhabi at AED 5,000 is significantly cheaper but the trading ecosystem is smaller. Sharjah offers general trading at rates available on application from SEDD.
The trade-off: general trading sounds unlimited but still requires specific approvals for regulated goods. And the license costs are among the highest in any emirate.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.
Dubai for maximum trading flexibility and market access. Abu Dhabi at AED 5,000 for cost-conscious traders.
For general trading free zone options, compare at FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
Considering a free zone instead?
Compare free zone packages for similar activities at our sister site.
Related Activities in Trading & Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a General Trading license cost in Ajman?
The government DED fee for a General Trading license in Ajman is AED 600. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a General Trading license?
Ajman offers the lowest government fee at AED 600. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a General Trading business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including General Trading — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a General Trading license?
The DED license is the primary requirement. Some emirates may require additional approvals from municipalities, health authorities, or regulatory bodies depending on your specific business scope.
How much does a General Trading license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is General Trading available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
General Trading is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
Is it cheaper to get a General Trading license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Ajman offers the lowest fee at AED 600. Dubai's formula-based approach starts at AED 8,000 before rent. Choose based on where your customers are, not just the license fee.
How long does it take to get a General Trading mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
Ready to get started with General Trading?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.
Reply within 2 hours · No commitment
تجارة عامة