Dubai Furniture Trading Licence 2026: Cost & DET Activity Code
A Dubai furniture trading licence in 2026 costs between AED 15,000 and AED 28,000 all-in, depending on showroom location and legal structure. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues the licence under specific furniture retail/wholesale activity codes. You must register an Ejari agreement for your showroom or warehouse before approval.
What Is a Dubai Furniture Trading Licence?
A Dubai Dubai business setup for furniture trading allows you to legally buy, stock, and sell furniture—whether wholesale, retail, or both—across the Emirate. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) governs all commercial licences, and furniture falls under Activity Code 4751 (retail sale of furniture) or 4752 (wholesale furniture). Your licence is your legal permission to operate, and it ties directly to your trade name, premises address, and ownership structure.
Unsure which activity code matches your model? Contact DBS: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
DET Activity Codes & Furniture Trading Categories
DET classifies furniture trading into two main codes:
| Activity Code | Category | Typical Setup |
|---|---|---|
| 4751 | Retail furniture sale | Showroom, display models, direct consumer sales |
| 4752 | Wholesale furniture | Warehouse, bulk orders, B2B focus |
You may hold both codes under one licence if your business model includes retail and wholesale. Many operators register 4751 as primary and 4752 as secondary. Custom/bespoke furniture manufacturing may require additional classification review with DET.
Dubai Furniture Trading Licence Cost 2026: Mainland vs Free Zone
The total cost structure depends on your chosen location and legal entity:
| Setup Type | All-In Cost (AED) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland LLC (showroom) | 15,000–22,000 | DET fee, Ejari, MOHRE sponsorship, visa |
| Mainland Sole Proprietor | 12,000–18,000 | No partner; lower compliance overhead |
| Free Zone (JAFZA, DAFZA) | 18,000–28,000 | Zone fee, licence, showroom rent separate |
All figures include DET licence renewal, Ejari registration, and basic compliance—not retail rent or stock. Contact DBS for your exact quote: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Showroom vs Warehouse: Ejari & Premises Rules
Your licence type and Ejari requirement are tightly linked:
- Retail Showroom (Code 4751): Requires a visible, street-facing or mall-based location with Ejari tenancy agreement registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Minimum space typically 50–100 m² for credibility.
- Warehouse (Code 4752): Can be industrial or low-visibility unit in a warehouse zone; still requires Ejari, but lower rent profiles apply. Display restrictions are fewer.
- Mixed Model: One showroom address for 4751 + one warehouse for stock (4752) requires two separate Ejari agreements and often costs more in licensing coordination.
DET will cross-check your Ejari against your DET application before final approval. Without valid Ejari, your licence cannot be issued.
Import Licensing & Dubai Customs Code
If you import furniture (e.g., from China, India, Italy), you must also secure import clearance through Dubai Customs and file with the Free Trade Area (FTA). Key steps:
- Your furniture trading licence alone does not grant import rights; you need a separate import-export code from Dubai Customs (Harmonized System code 9401–9406 for seats/furniture).
- Register with the FTA for tariff classification and duty rates (typically 5% on imported furniture, though GCC originals may qualify for preferential rates).
- Use a customs broker licensed by Dubai Customs to clear shipments at Jebel Ali Port or Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Keep all bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists for audit by Dubai Customs and FTA.
Import compliance is complex. DBS documents clearing specialists are familiar with customs codes and can guide your import workflows. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Is Right for You?
Both options are viable for furniture trading; your choice hinges on scale, budget, and growth plans:
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (JAFZA, DAFZA) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer reach | Dubai-wide retail (higher footfall) | Export-focused; limited local B2C |
| Import duty | Standard 5% on non-GCC goods | Duty deferral; pay on final sale |
| Licence cost | AED 15,000–22,000 | AED 18,000–28,000 |
| Ownership | UAE national or expat (51%/49% rule applies if local partner needed) | 100% foreign ownership permitted |
| MOHRE sponsorship | Required for employee visas | Free-zone entities handle directly |
For retail-focused operations with local customers, mainland is typically faster and cheaper. For wholesale/export, free zones like Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) offer duty advantages and 100% foreign ownership—ideal if you're re-exporting or supplying multiple emirates.
FAQ: Furniture Trading Licence in Dubai 2026
See detailed answers below covering costs, activity codes, showroom rules, foreign ownership, and timelines. Our Dubai business setup consultants at Dubai Business Services can walk through any scenario specific to your plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a furniture trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A Dubai furniture trading licence costs between AED 15,000 and AED 28,000 all-in, depending on your legal structure and location. Mainland LLCs with a showroom (retail code 4751) typically range AED 15,000–22,000; free-zone setups (JAFZA, DAFZA) sit at AED 18,000–28,000. Costs include DET licence fees, Ejari registration, MOHRE compliance, and visa sponsorship (if mainland). Retail space rent is separate.
Which DET activity code covers furniture trading in Dubai?
DET uses two primary codes: 4751 (retail sale of furniture) and 4752 (wholesale furniture trading). You may hold both codes under one licence if your business includes retail and wholesale. Code 4751 requires a visible showroom; code 4752 suits warehouses. Mixed-model operators (retail showroom + wholesale warehouse) register both codes but require two separate Ejari premises agreements.
Do I need a showroom to get a furniture trading licence in Dubai?
If you register under activity code 4751 (retail), yes—you need a visible showroom with a valid Ejari tenancy agreement, typically 50–100 m² minimum. For wholesale-only (code 4752), a warehouse is acceptable. Many operators register both codes: retail showroom for consumer sales and a separate warehouse for stock. Without a valid Ejari matching your DET application, your licence cannot be approved.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a furniture trading company in Dubai?
On the mainland (DET), foreign ownership is typically capped at 49%; you need a UAE national partner with 51%. However, if you establish in a free zone (JAFZA, Hamriyah, DAFZA), you can hold 100% foreign ownership. Free-zone structures are ideal for expat entrepreneurs seeking full control; mainland offers better local customer access but requires a Emirati partner.
How long does it take to get a furniture trade licence in Dubai?
Mainland licences typically take 7–14 business days from submission to issuance, assuming all documents (Ejari, MOHRE sponsorship, bank statement, tenancy agreement) are in order. Free-zone licences may take 10–21 days due to zone-specific processing. Delays often stem from Ejari mismatches or incomplete MOHRE forms. Dubai Business Services can expedite: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for fast-track.
What is the Dubai Customs code for importing furniture?
Furniture imports use Harmonized System codes 9401–9406 (seats and furniture), registered with Dubai Customs and the Free Trade Area (FTA). Your furniture trading licence does not automatically grant import rights; you must separately file with Customs for an import-export code and classify your goods. Standard duty on non-GCC furniture is 5%. A licensed customs broker handles clearance at Jebel Ali Port or Al Maktoum Airport.
What is the difference between mainland and free-zone furniture trading in Dubai?
Mainland (DET) licences cost AED 15,000–22,000 and offer direct retail access to Dubai consumers; you need an Emirati partner (51%) and sponsor employees via MOHRE. Free zones (JAFZA, DAFZA) cost AED 18,000–28,000, allow 100% foreign ownership, defer import duties, and suit wholesale/export models. Both require Ejari and valid commercial premises. Choose mainland for retail footfall; free zone for export and full control.
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