How to Set Up a UAE Trading Company 2026 — Import/Export Complete Guide
Trading companies (import/export, re-export, general trading) are the most common type of UAE free zone company. Here is the complete 2026 guide for setting up a UAE trading company.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zones for Trading Companies
The best free zones for trading businesses depend on what you trade and how you trade:
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) — Best for Physical Goods Trading
- Direct access to Jebel Ali Port (largest container port in Middle East and Africa)
- On-site warehousing available
- Cost: AED 20,000-50,000+
- Best for: Companies that physically import, store, and re-export goods
DMCC — Best for Commodity Trading
- DMCC Tradeflow: digital commodity warehouse receipts and commodity trading infrastructure
- Best for: Metals, energy, agri-commodities, diamonds and gems, precious metals
IFZA — Best for Paper/Documentation Trading
- General trading licence covers most goods
- Best for: Companies facilitating trade transactions (buying and selling without touching goods)
- Cost: AED 18,900
General Trading vs Specific Trading Licence
- General Trading Licence: Covers most goods categories without specifying products
- Specific Trading Licence: Names specific product categories (e.g., “Electronic Components Trading”)
- General trading is more flexible but may cost slightly more
- Some specific goods require additional approvals regardless of licence type (food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals)
UAE Trading Company Bank Account
Trading companies typically need:
- USD account (for most international commodity and goods pricing)
- AED account (for UAE local expenses)
- EUR account (for European suppliers)
Recommended banks for trading companies: Emirates NBD (strong trade finance), ADCB (good for letters of credit), RAKBank (easy approval for new trading companies).
UAE Trading Company and UAE VAT
- Import of goods into UAE: UAE VAT at 5% applies on most goods
- Re-export of goods from UAE: Generally zero-rated (no UAE VAT) if goods leave UAE within 90 days
- Local UAE sales: VAT at 5%
- VAT registration mandatory if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000