UAE Trade Licence

A UAE Trade Licence — often used interchangeably with "Commercial Licence" — authorizes a company to engage in the buying, selling, import, export, or distribution of goods within the UAE and internationally. It is one of the most common licence types issued to businesses in both Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions.

What Activities Fall Under a Trade Licence?

• General trading of goods across multiple product categories
• Specialized trading in a specific product line (electronics, textiles, food products, and similar)
• Import and export activities
• Wholesale and retail distribution
• E-commerce trading

General Trading vs Specific Trading Licences

A general trading licence allows a company to deal in a wide range of unrelated product categories, which can be useful for import/export businesses handling varied goods. A specific trading licence restricts activity to closely related product categories, and is usually lower cost and simpler to obtain.

Applying for a Trade Licence

1. Decide between Mainland or a suitable Free Zone based on your trading focus.
2. Select your trading activity or activities from the approved list.
3. Reserve your trade name and obtain initial approval.
4. Arrange office or warehouse space as required.
5. Submit documentation and pay applicable fees to receive your licence.

Import/Export Considerations

Businesses trading physical goods internationally should also register with UAE Customs and, depending on the free zone, may benefit from customs duty exemptions on goods that remain within the free zone or are re-exported. Mainland trading companies importing goods for local sale are generally subject to standard UAE customs duty.

How StartRight4U Helps

StartRight4U helps you choose the right trading activity classification, jurisdiction, and licence structure for your import/export or trading business, and manages the full application process end to end. Contact us for guidance tailored to your product category.