UAE Free Zone General Trading Licence — What It Covers & When to Get One
A General Trading Licence (GTL) is the broadest trading licence available in UAE free zones. It allows you to import, export, store, and distribute most product categories under a single licence. This guide explains when a GTL makes sense and which UAE free zones offer the best value.
In this guide:
What Does a General Trading Licence Cover?
A General Trading Licence allows trading in most goods categories including:
- Consumer electronics and IT equipment
- Food and beverages (non-controlled items)
- Clothing and textiles
- Building materials and hardware
- Household goods
- Machinery and industrial equipment
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Stationery and office supplies
It does NOT typically cover: pharmaceuticals/medical devices (DHA/MOHAP license required), controlled substances, weapons, and some specialist categories that require additional permits.
GTL vs Specific Trading Licence
| Feature | General Trading Licence | Specific Activity Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad — most categories | Narrow — specific products |
| Annual Cost | Higher (AED 5,000–10,000 premium) | Lower |
| Best for | Multi-category traders, e-commerce | Single-product businesses |
Best UAE Free Zones for General Trading Licences
- JAFZA — Premium choice for import/export with direct port access; higher cost
- SAIF Zone (Sharjah) — Affordable GTL, great for manufacturers and traders
- RAKEZ — Competitive GTL pricing in RAK with flexible packages
- IFZA — Popular all-rounder for service + trading combined licences
- Ajman Free Zone — One of the most affordable GTL options
Use our comparison table to compare GTL costs across all UAE free zones.