Registration of General Trade Company in UAE

General Trade Licence is a universal trading licence that allows you to work with multiple product groups at once: from clothing and food products to building materials and electronics. This type of activity is especially suitable for companies engaged in wholesale trade, multi-product supplies, and distribution of goods in the B2B market.


What the General Trade Licence Allows

  • Conduct multi-industry trade without restrictions on types of goods.
  • Import, export, and sell a wide range of products.
  • Create large-scale logistics and distribution schemes.
Important

Despite its versatility, the General Trade Licence requires proven economic presence. Without an office, employees, and real activity, banks often refuse to open an account.


Why Are Banks Reluctant to Work with General Trade Companies?

Banks in the UAE require a clear match between the type of activity and the actual operational model of the company. Without a real office, staff, and proven economic presence, the General Trade Licence may raise doubts in the bank and lead to a refusal to open an account.


Our Recommendation:

We help open trading companies with a General Trade Licence only if the client is ready for full presence in the UAE:

  • Renting an office or warehouse in the appropriate zone;
  • Hiring employees or organizing managed presence;
  • Preparing all documents to comply with banking compliance.

Why Choose Us

  • Over 10 years in registering trading companies.
  • Deep understanding of free zones, mainland, and UAE banks' requirements.
  • Strong legal and compliance team.
  • Only practical solutions with long-term perspective.

Where We Do NOT Recommend Opening General Trade

  • Free zones for start-ups and virtual offices
  • Companies without an operational base
  • Licences without support for banking requirements

Want to Open a Trading Company Right the First Time?

Submit a request, and we will contact you for a consultation. We don't just register a company, we create a reliable platform for trading with international partners.

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Alternative: Commercial Trade Licence

If you do not need to trade in different categories of goods at once, we recommend registering a narrow trade licence (Commercial Trade Licence) with a focus on one direction.

  • Food Trading — trading in food products.
  • Building Materials Trading — trading in building materials.
  • Textile Trading — trading in clothing and textiles.
  • Electronics Trading — trading in electronics.
ParameterGeneral Trade LicenceCommercial Trade Licence
Types of goodsAny categories (multi-product)Limited to the chosen category
Bank complianceMore complex, requires proven office and staffSimpler: profile is clear to banks
Licence costHigherLower
Launch speedLonger (requires infrastructure)Faster
Optimal forDistribution, wholesale trade, multi-product suppliesStart-ups, small companies, trade in one sector

Why Is This Important?

Banks are more willing to open accounts for companies with a clearly defined business profile, a clear target audience, and supply routes. Choosing a narrow trade licence is a way to:

  • simplify compliance procedures,
  • reduce costs for rent and staff,
  • start trading activities faster.

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