Trading Business
Trading Company Setup in Dubai
Setting up a trading company in Dubai typically costs from around AED 12,500 in a freezone to AED 30,000+ on the mainland, depending on your activities, visas and office choice.
A trading company setup in Dubai lets you legally import, export, distribute or resell goods from the UAE, and it suits entrepreneurs, SMEs and foreign investors who want a tax-efficient base to buy and sell products regionally or worldwide. Costs typically range from around AED 12,500 for a freezone trading licence with no office to AED 30,000 or more for a mainland commercial licence with visa allocation, varying by the number of product lines and whether you choose general trading.
You can set up on the mainland (DET licence) to trade freely inside the UAE and sell directly to the local market, or in a freezone for 100% ownership, simpler setup and duty-free re-export. A general trading licence, which allows multiple unrelated product categories under one licence, usually costs more than a specific trading licence limited to a defined list of goods.
DBM has formed 1,000+ companies over 10+ years and holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 126 reviews. We match your products to the correct activity codes, quote the real 2026 figures up front with no hidden fees, and handle the licence, visas, VAT registration and bank account so you can start trading sooner.
Why Set Up With DBM
Mainland or freezone
We compare DET mainland and freezone options so your structure matches where and what you intend to sell.
General or specific
Choose a general trading licence for multiple product lines or a specific licence for a defined category.
Transparent 2026 costs
You receive an itemised quote covering licence, visas, office and government fees before you commit.
Import-export ready
We arrange your customs code so you can clear shipments through Dubai Customs from day one.
Visas & bank account
We process investor and staff visas and support your corporate bank account opening as a dedicated service.
Tax & compliance
We handle VAT registration, corporate tax and ongoing accounting so your trading company stays compliant.
Who Is Eligible
- Entrepreneurs, SMEs and foreign investors wanting to import, export or distribute goods
- Applicants holding a valid passport (UAE residency not required to start)
- Businesses that can define their product categories or need a broad general trading scope
- Companies needing a UAE base for regional re-export and local distribution
- Existing overseas firms setting up a trading branch or subsidiary in Dubai
Required Documents
- Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph of each shareholder
- Proposed company names (two or three options)
- List of intended trading activities or product categories
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if already in the country
- Emirates ID copy, if an existing resident
- Proof of address or utility bill (for some banks and freezones)
- Parent company documents, if setting up a branch or subsidiary
Step-by-Step Process
Typical timeline: 5-10 working days for the licence from complete documents, plus visas and bank account separately.
- 1
Consultation & activity
We confirm your products, select the correct trading activities and recommend mainland or freezone.
- 2
Name & approval
We reserve your trade name and obtain initial approval from the relevant authority.
- 3
Documents & MOA
We prepare and submit your application, memorandum and any required attestations.
- 4
Licence issuance
The authority issues your trading licence once fees are paid and approvals are complete.
- 5
Customs code
We register your company with Dubai Customs so you can import and export goods.
- 6
Visas & bank account
We process investor and staff visas and support your corporate bank account opening.
- 7
Tax registration
We complete VAT and corporate tax registration and set up your accounting.
Mainland vs freezone trading company in Dubai
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Freezone |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative cost from | AED 20,000-30,000+ | AED 12,500-20,000 |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership (most activities) | 100% foreign ownership |
| Sell inside UAE market | Yes, directly | Via distributor or mainland branch |
| Import & re-export | Yes | Yes, duty-free within the zone |
| Office requirement | Physical office usually required | Flexi-desk options available |
| Best for | Local distribution and retail supply | Regional trade and re-export |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a trading company in Dubai?
A trading company in Dubai typically costs from around AED 12,500 in a freezone to AED 30,000 or more on the mainland. The final figure depends on whether you choose a specific or general trading licence, the number of visas and your office type.
What is the difference between a general trading and a specific trading licence?
A general trading licence lets you trade multiple unrelated product categories under one licence, while a specific trading licence is limited to a defined list of related goods. General trading costs more but offers broader flexibility for diversified businesses.
Can I set up a trading company in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, you can own a trading company 100% as a foreign investor in both freezones and most mainland trading activities. DBM confirms the ownership rules for your specific activities before you apply.
Do I need a customs code to trade goods in Dubai?
Yes, you need a Dubai Customs importer-exporter code to clear shipments through UAE ports. DBM registers your company with Dubai Customs as part of the setup so you can import and export from the start.
Can a trading company in Dubai sell directly to the UAE local market?
A mainland trading company can sell directly to the UAE local market, while a freezone company usually sells locally through a distributor or a mainland branch. We recommend the right structure based on where your customers are.
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