Dubai office supplies trading licence cost in 2026 ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 all-in. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues the commercial licence under specific activity codes for stationery, paper products, and printing supplies. Warehouse or shop space (Ejari registered) and a valid trade name are mandatory.
Office Supplies Trading Licence Dubai: 2026 Overview
A Dubai office supplies trading licence permits you to buy, stock, and sell stationery, paper, printing consumables, and related goods within the Emirate. Whether you plan to supply B2B corporate clients or retail outlets, this activity falls under DET’s commercial trading category. Dubai business setup in the office supplies sector is straightforward, provided you meet warehouse, customs, and registration standards set by DET and Dubai Customs.
DET Activity Code for Stationery & Office Supplies
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) classifies office supplies trading under activity code 4669 (trading in other specialised goods). Sub-activities include:
| Sub-Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper & paper products | Wholesale/retail bulk paper, notepads, envelopes |
| Printing supplies | Ink cartridges, toner, printing papers, thermal rolls |
| Stationery trading | Pens, pencils, folders, clips, adhesives, office furniture accessories |
| Writing instruments | Bulk trading in pens, markers, highlighters |
Verify the exact code with DET during application—codes may align with your primary product focus.
Cost Breakdown: Licence Fees & Setup Expenses 2026
The all-in cost to establish an office supplies trading business ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000, depending on licence type, location, and jurisdiction:
| Item | Typical Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| DET commercial licence (1 year) | 1,500–3,500 |
| Trade name registration | 500–1,000 |
| Ejari warehouse/shop contract (refundable deposit + 6 months rent) | 5,000–15,000 |
| Health & safety inspection | 300–600 |
| Dubai Customs import code & documentation | 200–400 |
| Professional setup & consultancy | 2,000–4,000 |
| Total estimate | 12,000–25,000 |
Exact fees depend on warehouse size and free-zone vs. mainland choice—use DBS’s cost calculator for a personalised quote.
Warehouse & Ejari Requirements
DET and Dubai Municipality require physical premises for office supplies trading. You must:
- Secure a registered warehouse, shop, or storage space in Dubai (mainland or free zone)
- Register the premises with Ejari (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) under your trade licence name
- Ensure compliance with Dubai Municipality health & safety codes (fire exits, ventilation, storage height limits)
- For free-zone setup (e.g., JAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis), obtain the free-zone licence from the zone authority instead of DET
Warehouse size typically ranges from 300 m² to 1,000 m² for bulk stationery. Smaller retail spaces (100–200 m²) suffice if you stock limited SKUs.
Dubai Customs Import Code & Procedures
If you plan to import office supplies, you must register with Dubai Customs:
- Get an Import/Export Code from Dubai Customs (Al Quoz office or online via the FTA e-Services portal)
- HS codes for office supplies range from 4801–4820 (paper products), 9608–9612 (writing instruments), and 9612 (printing inks). Customs duty varies 0–5%, depending on the product category.
- Documentation: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and origin certificate from the supplier country
- Clearance time: typically 2–5 business days for standard goods; hazardous items (some adhesives, solvents) require additional DAMAN or FESA clearance
Work with a customs broker (AED 300–600 per shipment) to simplify import processes.
Timeline & Next Steps
Typical setup timeline for an office supplies trading licence in Dubai:
- Days 1–3: Trade name reservation & Ejari property documentation
- Days 4–6: DET licence application, health inspection, and document verification
- Days 7–9: Licence issuance & Customs import code registration
- Days 10–14: First shipment clearance and inventory stocking
Expedited setups can complete within 5–7 business days with professional support. Dubai business setup consultants at DBS handle all filings and liaison with DET, reducing delays.
Why Choose DBS for Your Office Supplies Licence Setup?
Dubai Business Services has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009. We provide:
- Fixed, transparent fees—no hidden charges
- DET liaison & document preparation
- Customs code registration & import support
- Ejari property matching and negotiation
- Free 20-minute scoping call to clarify your exact needs
Contact us: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an office supplies trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
The all-in cost ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000. This includes the DET commercial licence (AED 1,500–3,500), trade name (AED 500–1,000), Ejari warehouse registration (AED 5,000–15,000), health inspection (AED 300–600), Customs codes (AED 200–400), and optional consultancy (AED 2,000–4,000). Exact fees vary by location and business scope.
What DET activity code covers stationery and office supplies trading?
DET classifies office supplies trading under activity code 4669 (trading in other specialised goods). Sub-codes vary: 4669-01 for paper and paper products, 4669-02 for printing supplies, and 4669-03 for general stationery. Verify your primary product category with DET during application to ensure correct code assignment.
Do I need a shop or warehouse for an office supplies trading licence in Dubai?
Yes. DET and Dubai Municipality require registered physical premises. You must secure a warehouse, shop, or storage space registered with Ejari under your trade licence. Minimum sizes vary: retail shops need 100–200 m², bulk warehouses typically 300–1,000 m². Free-zone setups (e.g., JAFZA) apply different rules but still require a lease.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a stationery trading company in Dubai?
Yes. As of 2026, foreign investors can own 100% of trading companies in mainland Dubai under the new foreign ownership regulations. However, UAE free zones (like JAFZA and Dubai Silicon Oasis) have relaxed ownership rules but may impose higher licence fees. Verify current policy with DET or a DBS consultant.
How long does an office supplies trading licence take in Dubai?
Standard setup takes 7–14 business days: Days 1–3 (trade name & Ejari), Days 4–6 (DET licence & inspection), Days 7–9 (licence issuance & Customs code). With professional consultancy (DBS), you can expedite to 5–7 days. Delays occur if warehouse documents are missing or if goods require hazardous material clearance.
What is the HS code and Dubai Customs duty for importing office supplies?
HS codes for office supplies range from 4801–4820 (paper products), 9608–9612 (writing instruments), and 9612 (printing inks). Dubai Customs duty is typically 0–5%, depending on the product. You must register for an Import/Export Code with Dubai Customs and submit commercial invoices, bills of lading, and origin certificates. Clearance takes 2–5 business days.
What is an Ejari certificate and why is it mandatory for an office supplies licence?
Ejari is Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency registration for rental properties. You must register your warehouse or shop lease with Ejari to prove legal occupancy to DET. It serves as proof of premises for your trade licence and is mandatory under Dubai Municipality and DET regulations. Registration typically costs AED 100–200 and takes 1–2 days.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
