A Dubai furniture trading licence costs AED 15,000–28,000 all-in (2026), depending on location and business structure. DET assigns activity code 4651 for furniture trading, and MOHRE approval is required for employment. Processing takes 5–10 working days once documents are submitted to the Department of Economy and Tourism.
What Is a Dubai Furniture Trading Licence?
A furniture trading licence permits companies to buy, sell, import and distribute furniture (residential or commercial) in Dubai. This licence is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) under activity code 4651 (furniture trading and wholesaling). Unlike manufacturing, trading licences focus on distribution and retail operations. Our Dubai business setup process covers all regulatory touchpoints for furniture traders. Whether you operate a showroom, warehouse or combined facility, the licence type depends on your operational model and location choice (mainland, Jafza, Dubai Airport Free Zone or other designations).
Not sure whether you need mainland or free-zone registration? WhatsApp us for a 10-minute activity assessment: +971 54 332 2846.
Furniture Trading Licence Cost Breakdown 2026
| Cost Element | AED Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DET Trade Licence (initial) | 3,500–5,500 | Mainland. Free zones lower. |
| Ejari (showroom/warehouse) | 1,500–3,500 | Per annum; location-dependent. |
| MOHRE Approval & Labour Card | 2,000–4,000 | If hiring staff immediately. |
| Customs Code & Import Setup | 1,500–2,500 | DCS registration; optional initially. |
| DBS Legal & Document Clearance | 5,000–11,000 | Full setup + compliance audit. |
| TOTAL (All-In) | AED 15,000–28,000 | Mainland + staff. Free zone cheaper. |
Costs vary by emirate jurisdiction, property size and whether you hire employees. Free-zone furniture trading (e.g. Jafza) may cost 10–15% less but restrict local sales without a mainland agent.
DET Activity Code & Regulatory Bodies
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, successor to DCCI) assigns furniture traders activity code 4651 (Wholesale of Furniture). This code appears on your trade licence and governs import duties, VAT treatment (if applicable) and customs clearance under Dubai Customs. For employed staff, MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) issues labour approvals and residence visas. If you import directly, register with Dubai Customs (DCS) and obtain an importer code for tariff classification under HS code 9406–9406.90 (depending on furniture type).
Showroom vs Warehouse: Ejari & Location Requirements
A showroom requires a retail Ejari (lease contract) in a commercial mall, boulevard or standalone retail unit. A warehouse requires an industrial/storage Ejari in an industrial zone (Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Khaleej Al Arabi). Many traders use a hybrid: a small showroom for customer meetings + a larger warehouse for stock. Mainland locations demand both an Ejari and DET compliance inspection; free zones combine licensing and real estate under one operator agreement, reducing paperwork. Ejari registration is annual and must cover your full trading floor space (typically AED 1,500–3,500/year depending on location and sq. ft.).
Unsure whether your location supports furniture trading? Our Dubai business setup consultants audit zoning rules free of charge.
Import Licence & Dubai Customs Code
Furniture imports into Dubai require a valid trade licence and registration with Dubai Customs (DCS). You’ll receive an importer code once your licence is issued. Customs classifies furniture under HS codes 9401–9406 (seats, tables, beds, cabinets, etc.). Import duties range from 5–15% depending on origin and material (solid wood, upholstery, metal frames). VAT (5%) applies to imported goods. Ensure your supplier provides certificates of origin and commercial invoices matching your importer code. A customs broker (AED 500–1,500 per shipment) can streamline clearance. DET does not issue a separate import licence; your trade licence suffices for customs purposes.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Cost & Flexibility Comparison
| Aspect | Mainland Dubai | Free Zone (e.g. Jafza) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | AED 15,000–28,000 | AED 12,000–22,000 |
| Local Sales | Yes, unrestricted | No; needs mainland sponsor/agent |
| Foreign Ownership | 49% max (UAE partner 51%) | 100% foreign ownership allowed |
| Licence Renewal | Annual (AED 2,500–4,000) | Annual (AED 2,000–3,500) |
| Import Tax | 5–15% duties + 5% VAT | Duties waived; VAT on sale only |
| Real Estate | Separate Ejari lease | Included in free-zone office/warehouse agreement |
Mainland is ideal for direct-to-consumer retailers; free zones suit wholesalers and exporters. Both require MOHRE approval if you hire staff. Processing time is 5–10 working days for either location once documents reach DET.
Timeline & Next Steps for 2026
Expected processing timeline: 5–10 working days from document submission to DET licence issuance. This assumes complete documentation (passport copies, labour approvals, Ejari, financial evidence). Delays occur if Ejari is rejected, DET site inspection flags non-compliance, or MOHRE requires amendments. Book your commercial space first; have your landlord issue an Ejari pre-approval letter. Submit all documents via DBS to avoid rejection cycles. A free 20-minute scoping call with DBS will clarify which activity codes, customs codes and Ejari zones suit your inventory and target market.
FAQ: Furniture Trading Licence Dubai 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much does a furniture trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
All-in cost is AED 15,000–28,000 on mainland Dubai, covering DET trade licence (AED 3,500–5,500), Ejari (AED 1,500–3,500/year), MOHRE labour approvals (AED 2,000–4,000), customs registration (AED 1,500–2,500) and legal clearance (AED 5,000–11,000). Free-zone setups cost 10–15% less but restrict local sales without a sponsor.
Which DET activity code covers furniture trading in Dubai?
Activity code 4651 (Wholesale of Furniture) is assigned by the Department of Economy and Tourism. This code appears on your trade licence and governs VAT, import tariffs and customs classification. Retail showrooms and warehouses both use the same code; the distinction is location type (commercial vs industrial zone), not activity classification.
Do I need a showroom to get a furniture trading licence in Dubai?
No. You can operate a warehouse-only model (industrial zone, no public access) or a showroom-only model (retail mall). Many traders combine both: a small showroom for client meetings and a larger warehouse for stock. Each location requires a separate Ejari lease and must be registered with DET during licence issuance.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a furniture trading company in Dubai?
Not on mainland Dubai. Mainland licences require 51% UAE national ownership; foreign ownership capped at 49%. However, free-zone licences (Jafza, Dubai Airport Free Zone) allow 100% foreign ownership. Free zones waive import duties but restrict direct local sales without a mainland sponsor agent.
How long does it take to get a furniture trade licence in Dubai?
Processing time is 5–10 working days once all documents are submitted to DET. This assumes complete documentation: passport copies, MOHRE labour approvals, Ejari lease, financial evidence and customs registration. Delays occur if site inspections flag non-compliance or Ejari is rejected; plan 2–3 weeks total from booking your space to licence issuance.
Do I need a separate customs code for importing furniture?
No separate import licence is required; your DET trade licence qualifies you for customs clearance. You’ll receive an importer code from Dubai Customs (DCS) once your licence is live. Furniture falls under HS codes 9401–9406; tariffs are 5–15% depending on origin and material type. A customs broker (AED 500–1,500/shipment) can handle clearance documentation.
What is the difference between mainland and free-zone furniture trading in Dubai?
Mainland licences (AED 15,000–28,000) allow unrestricted local sales but require 51% UAE ownership and separate Ejari. Free zones (AED 12,000–22,000) allow 100% foreign ownership and waive import duties, but restrict direct B2C sales unless you hire a mainland sponsor. Both require MOHRE approval if hiring staff. Choose mainland for retail; free zone for wholesale and export.
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