A Dubai garment trading licence costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in (2026 rates) and takes 7–14 days from application. You must register with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), obtain a customs code for textile imports under HS code 62/63, and choose mainland or free-zone operation. Add AED 3,000–5,000 for e-commerce if selling online.
What Is a Dubai Garment Trading Licence?
A garment trading licence authorises import, wholesale, and retail of textiles, apparel, and clothing accessories in the UAE. Whether you’re sourcing fabrics from Asia or reselling branded garments, you need a valid trade licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai business setup for garment traders typically combines licensing, customs registration, and showroom compliance under one all-in fee.
Cost Breakdown: AED 15,000–30,000 (2026)
Your total investment spans:
| Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DET Trade Licence (1 year, garment/textile activity) | 4,000–8,000 | Renewed annually; includes business card & plate |
| Showroom/Office Space Registration | 3,000–6,000 | Tenancy contract & Ejari permit via Dubai Land Department |
| Customs Code & Import Registry (HS codes 61/62/63) | 1,500–2,500 | Emirates Customs & Free Trade Zone Authority (FTA) |
| Municipality & Health Permits | 2,000–4,000 | Sector-specific health clearance for stored textiles |
| DBS Setup Support & Documentation | 3,000–5,000 | Consultancy, PRO clearance, application filing |
| E-commerce Module (optional) | 2,000–3,500 | If trading online via Noon, Amazon, or own website |
Free guidance? WhatsApp Dubai Business Services on +971 54 332 2846 for a breakdown tailored to your model.
Mainland vs Free Zone for Apparel Trading
Your location choice affects costs, import duties, and target market:
| Factor | Mainland (DET-Licensed) | Free Zone (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, RAK FTZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 5% on CIF value (textiles) | 0% (re-export or local sales via special licence) |
| Setup Cost | AED 12,000–18,000 | AED 18,000–28,000 (includes zone admin fees) |
| Local Sales | Unlimited (UAE retail market) | Limited (re-export focus); requires trade name change |
| Showroom Required? | Yes (unless B2B only) | Optional (warehouse-based trading allowed) |
| Visa Sponsorship | 1–2 employees included | Separate quotas; hiring more costly |
For B2C garment retail (e.g., high-street boutique or mall kiosk), mainland is cheaper and simpler. For bulk textile importing and re-export, free zone minimises duties.
Customs Codes & Import Rules for Textiles
The Emirates Customs Authority requires you to declare your garment imports under specific HS (Harmonised System) codes:
- HS 61: Articles of apparel & accessories, knitted or crocheted (shirts, dresses, jackets).
- HS 62: Articles of apparel & accessories, not knitted (cotton shirts, linen trousers).
- HS 63: Other made-up textile articles (scarves, bed linens, curtains, uniforms).
You’ll pay a 5% customs duty on CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) value when importing to the mainland. Free-zone traders can defer or eliminate duty under re-export agreements. All imports require an import licence number, issued by FTA within 3–5 business days of licence approval.
Unsure which code applies? DBS consultants clarify customs classification at no extra cost—email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
Do You Need a Showroom?
Requirements depend on your trading model:
- B2C Retail (Direct to Consumer): Yes. DET requires a visible showroom (min. 200 sq ft) in a commercial zone or mall. You’ll need an Ejari tenancy registration and municipality approval. Cost: AED 3,000–6,000 annually.
- B2B Wholesale (Trader to Retailers): No showroom required if you’re selling only to other businesses. A warehouse or office suffices, though inspectors may visit.
- E-commerce (Online-Only): A physical address is mandatory for licensing, but can be a small office. No retail footfall needed.
Most garment traders run a hybrid model: a small showroom for walk-in clients and a warehouse for bulk stock.
E-Commerce Add-On for Online Fashion Sales
Selling garments via Noon, Amazon UAE, Instagram, or your own website requires an e-commerce module (AED 2,000–3,500 extra). This covers:
- Platform approval letters from DET (Noon, Amazon registrations).
- Consumer protection compliance (AEFEC, ADCCI standards).
- Return & refund policy registration.
- Cyber insurance & payment-gateway approvals.
Your mainland trade licence automatically permits e-commerce if the main activity includes retail. No second licence needed, only notification to DET.
Launching an online fashion store in Dubai? Dubai business setup consultants at DBS optimise your e-commerce compliance in 5 business days.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a garment trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A Dubai garment trading licence costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in. This covers the DET trade licence (AED 4,000–8,000), showroom registration (AED 3,000–6,000), customs codes (AED 1,500–2,500), permits, and professional setup support. E-commerce adds AED 2,000–3,500. Free-zone costs are typically 20–30% higher due to zone admin fees, but zero import duty compensates if you import high volumes.
Do I need a showroom for a clothing trading business?
Yes, if you’re selling retail (B2C) in mainland Dubai. DET requires a minimum 200 sq ft showroom in a commercial zone or mall. B2B wholesalers (selling only to other retailers) can operate from a warehouse. E-commerce businesses must register a physical address with DET but don’t need a public storefront. Showroom cost is AED 3,000–6,000/year for rent, Ejari, and permits.
Can I import textiles under a Dubai trading licence?
Yes. Your licence includes import rights under HS codes 61, 62, and 63 (apparel and textile articles). Mainland imports incur 5% customs duty on CIF value; free-zone imports are duty-free if re-exported. You must register with Emirates Customs & FTA, obtain an import licence (3–5 days), and comply with source-country labelling rules. DBS secures all customs codes within your setup fee.
Is mainland or free zone better for an apparel business?
Mainland suits retail (B2C) garment sales: cheaper setup (AED 12,000–18,000), unlimited local sales, and no duty complications. Free zone (JAFZA, RAK) suits high-volume importers and wholesalers targeting re-export: zero duty, but setup costs AED 18,000–28,000 and local sales require a trade licence change. For most boutiques and clothing retailers, mainland is the best choice.
Do I need a customs code for importing garments?
Absolutely. Emirates Customs requires HS classification: 61 (knitted), 62 (woven), or 63 (other textiles). You apply for an import-export code through FTA as part of your DET licence application. It takes 3–5 business days and costs AED 1,500–2,500. Without it, customs will delay or reject shipments. DBS handles this end-to-end.
What e-commerce permissions do I need for online fashion sales?
Your mainland licence covers e-commerce by default; no second licence required. You must notify DET and register with platform marketplaces (Noon, Amazon). Add AED 2,000–3,500 for compliance documents: consumer protection certification, cyber insurance, and payment-gateway approvals. Your team will guide you through seller registrations within 5–7 days of setup completion.
How long does a Dubai garment trading licence take to obtain?
Standard processing takes 7–14 business days from full application submission. DBS accelerates this by pre-filing with DET, MOHRE, and municipality simultaneously. Fast-track (3–5 days) costs an additional AED 1,500–2,000. The timeline includes showroom Ejari registration, customs code issuance, and health permits. E-commerce add-ons add 2–3 extra days.
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