General Trading License Fees in UAE: Mainland vs Freezone Compared

If you’re planning to import, export, or distribute multiple product categories under one company, a general trading license is likely the setup you need. But before you commit, it’s worth understanding how general trading license fees in UAE differ depending on whether you register on the mainland or in a freezone – because the gap can run into tens of thousands of dirhams.

At Takween Advisory, we work with entrepreneurs every day who come to us confused by conflicting numbers from different consultants. This guide breaks down the real costs, the trade-offs, and how to decide which jurisdiction makes sense for your business.

What Is a General Trading License?

A general trading license is a commercial license that allows a single company to trade in a wide range of unrelated product categories – think electronics, food items, furniture, and textiles all under one legal entity. This is different from a standard commercial license, which typically restricts you to a narrower, related set of activities. Because of this flexibility, it tends to sit at the higher end of the licensing fee scale compared to other license types.

General Trading License Fees in UAE Mainland

Mainland companies are registered through the Department of Economy and Tourism (or the equivalent authority in each emirate) and can trade freely across the entire UAE, including with government entities.

Typical mainland cost components include:

• Base license fee: roughly AED 12,500 to AED 15,000
• Activity and approval fees: these can add anywhere from AED 1,000 to over AED 20,000, depending on the specific goods you plan to trade (certain categories like food, chemicals, or medical products require external approvals)
• Office rental (Ejari) and tenancy registration: a mandatory requirement for mainland companies, often one of the largest hidden costs
• Visa and immigration costs
• Chamber of Commerce membership

When all components are combined, mainland general trading setups commonly land somewhere between AED 20,000 and AED 45,000 in the first year, with some setups going higher depending on office size and visa quota.

The upside: a mainland license gives you unrestricted access to the local UAE market, the ability to bid on government contracts, and no gate-pass requirements when moving goods within the country.

General Trading License Fees in UAE Freezones

Freezones operate under their own independent authorities (DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, and dozens more), each with its own fee structure and package options.

Typical freezone cost components include:

• Bundled license and flexi-desk packages: often ranging from AED 6,000 to AED 17,500 depending on the freezone and visa allocation
• Registered address: usually included in the package rather than billed separately
• Visa costs: charged per visa, similar to mainland

In general, freezone setups run 30% to 50% lower than mainland setups for a comparable license, largely because office and administrative costs are bundled and simplified. Northern Emirates freezones tend to offer the most budget-friendly entry points.

The trade-off: freezone companies do not have automatic, unrestricted access to sell directly to mainland UAE customers. Doing so typically requires a distributor arrangement or a separate mainland branch, and businesses need to plan their structure carefully to avoid corporate tax complications.

Mainland vs Freezone: Quick Comparison

Factor	Mainland	Freezone
Starting license fee	~AED 12,500–15,000	~AED 6,000–15,000
Total first-year cost	~AED 20,000–45,000	~AED 15,000–35,000
Market access	Full UAE market, including government contracts	Restricted; needs distributor/branch for mainland sales
Ownership	100% foreign ownership (most activities)	100% foreign ownership
Office requirement	Mandatory Ejari tenancy	Often bundled flexi-desk
Setup speed	Slightly longer due to approvals	Typically faster, some issued within days

Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal answer – it depends on where your customers are:

• Choose mainland if you plan to sell directly to UAE-based retailers, distributors, or government entities, or if you need a physical warehouse or retail presence with no location restrictions.
• Choose freezone if your business model is built around import/export, re-export, or international trade with limited need to invoice mainland UAE clients directly.

Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

Regardless of jurisdiction, always budget for:

• External approvals for regulated goods (food, cosmetics, electronics, chemicals, etc.)
• Visa and Emirates ID processing
• Corporate bank account setup, which can take several weeks
• Annual renewal costs, which are usually lower than year-one setup but still recurring

Final Thoughts

Understanding the true general trading license fees in UAE – not just the headline number, but the full stack of activity approvals, office costs, and visas – is the difference between an accurate budget and an unpleasant surprise three months into your setup. Whether mainland or freezone suits you better comes down to your target market, growth plans, and how much direct access to UAE consumers your business actually needs.

At Takween Advisory, we help businesses map out the real cost of each option, compare freezones side by side, and choose a structure that fits both their budget and their long-term trading plans. If you’re weighing mainland against freezone for your general trading license, getting a tailored cost breakdown before you commit can save you significant time and money.

This article reflects general market information as of 2026. License fees vary by emirate, freezone authority, and business activity, so always confirm exact figures with the relevant authority or a licensed business setup advisor before budgeting.