How to Set up a General Trading Company in Dubai 2025

General Trading is one of the most established and rewarding business activities in the UAE. From consumer electronics and textiles to building materials and packaged foods, companies licensed under general trading enjoy the flexibility to deal in multiple, unrelated product categories. For investors, entrepreneurs, and family businesses alike, Dubai offers the unique advantage of being a global crossroads for commerce.

Why Dubai Leads in General Trading

The UAE’s economy has long been anchored in trade. Today, more than 200 nationalities live and work in Dubai, making it a true meeting point for global markets. Recent figures show that Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED 2 trillion in 2023, underlining its role as one of the world’s busiest trade hubs Dubai Customs

Key factors that make Dubai attractive include:

• Strategic location: Within an eight-hour flight, businesses can access two-thirds of the world’s population. This makes Dubai a launchpad for regional and international expansion.
• World-class infrastructure: Jebel Ali Port, the largest in the Middle East, and Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest for cargo, provide unmatched logistics support.
• Investor-friendly regulations: Policies encourage 100% foreign ownership in both free zones and mainland structures, with streamlined procedures through the UAE Government Portal.
• Tax and trade advantages: With a competitive 9% corporate tax, exemptions for qualifying free zone income, an extensive network of double taxation treaties, and a clear VAT framework, the UAE remains one of the most globally competitive business environments.

What a General Trading Licence Covers

Unlike specialised licences, a general trading licence allows businesses to engage in a wide range of commercial activities under one umbrella. This flexibility is particularly appealing for entrepreneurs who wish to diversify or test different product categories.

However, certain goods remain regulated. Items such as pharmaceuticals, alcohol, or precious metals require additional approvals from authorities like the Ministry of Health or the Central Bank. 

Key Considerations Before You Begin

While the opportunities are clear, success depends on careful planning. Investors need to consider:

• Business Type: Deciding between mainland and free zone structures influences your trading rights within the UAE and abroad.
• Licensing requirements: The process differs depending on jurisdiction, and authorities may impose specific capital requirements or office space needs.
• Banking and compliance: Opening a corporate bank account requires a clear business plan and robust documentation. Businesses must also remain compliant with VAT, bookkeeping, and audit requirements.
• Residency and staffing: Company setup is often tied to visas for directors, shareholders, and employees, and quotas vary depending on location and activity.

Why Expertise Matters

Many investors begin with the assumption that setting up in the UAE is a simple administrative process. While the government has made the journey smoother, in practice the details matter. Misjudging the correct jurisdiction, overlooking a regulatory approval, or approaching banks without proper preparation can slow down operations and raise costs.

An experienced advisor can help anticipate these challenges, ensure your licence scope fits your strategy, and align your setup with long-term goals such as regional expansion, cross-border tax planning, or family asset structuring.

The First Step Towards Trading Success

Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe, and general trading remains at the heart of its economy. The question is not whether opportunity exists but how you position yourself to capture it.

At Trinity Group, we guide clients through every stage of the process. From choosing the right jurisdiction and preparing documentation, to opening a bank account and managing VAT registration, our role is to simplify the complex. Beyond setup, we provide ongoing accounting, compliance, and residency services so your company remains robust and future-ready.

Book Your Free Consultation

If you are exploring general trading in Dubai, the best way forward is to begin with a tailored consultation. Speak with Trinity Group today and discover how we can help you transform your vision into a sustainable trading platform.