Dubai has always been a global hotspot for fashion, retail, and international trade, making it the perfect place for Indian entrepreneurs to start a business. If you’re planning to start a garments trading company in Dubai, you’re stepping into a market that connects manufacturers, designers, and buyers from across the world.
With its prime location, advanced logistics, and business-friendly regulations, Dubai offers everything needed to trade garments locally and export to international markets. Whether you want to deal in ready-made clothing, textiles, or fashion accessories, starting a garments trading company in Dubai can open doors to strong growth, scalability, and long-term success in the UAE’s dynamic fashion industry.
Understanding the Garment Trading Business in Dubai, UAE
The garment trading business in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one of the most popular and profitable trading activities in the region, and for good reason. Dubai sits at the crossroads of global trade, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it a natural hub for fashion and textile commerce.
What is Garment Trading?
Garment trading simply means buying ready-made clothing, fabrics, or apparel accessories from manufacturers or suppliers and selling them to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to customers. This can include:
- Ready-made garments (men’s, women’s, kids’ wear)
- Ethnic and traditional clothing
- Fashion apparel and accessories
- Uniforms and workwear
- Fabrics and textiles
Why is Dubai ideal for garment trading?
Dubai provides a powerful, business-friendly ecosystem that makes garment trading not just easy to start, but easy to grow and scale globally.
1. Prime global location
Positioned between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Dubai offers seamless access to major international markets, making imports and exports faster and more cost-efficient. It’s more flexible for the Indian entrepreneurs to start a business from Dubai.
2. Advanced logistics infrastructure
With advanced ports, international airports, free-zone warehousing, and smart supply chains, the movement of goods is smooth, reliable, and fast.
3. Highly diverse consumer market
Dubai attracts customers from diverse nationalities, cultures, and lifestyles, creating constant demand for a wide range of fashion segments, styles, and price ranges.
4. Tax-friendly environment
Zero personal income tax and a competitive corporate tax framework allow businesses to retain higher profits and reinvest in growth.5. Flexible business setup options
Entrepreneurs can choose between mainland and free-zone setups, offering flexibility customised to target markets, ownership preferences, and expansion goals.
Together, these advantages make Dubai one of the most attractive global hubs for launching, operating, and scaling a garment trading business with long-term growth potential.
Where does garment trading happen in Dubai?
Garment traders operate through:- Wholesale markets supplying bulk orders
- Retail stores in malls or local markets
- Online platforms and e-commerce stores
- Export-focused businesses selling to international buyers
Is Garment Trading Profitable in Dubai?
Yes, when done right. For Indian entrepreneurs, setting up a garment trading business in Dubai is a highly profitable opportunity, driven by strong and consistently growing market demand.
The UAE apparel market was valued at around AED 50+ billion (USD 13.7 billion) in recent years, with over 6% year-on-year growth, driven by tourism, retail expansion, and high consumer spending.
The wider fashion sector is projected to reach USD 40–41 billion by 2029, while fast fashion and luxury apparel continue to grow steadily. With the right product niche, competitive sourcing, trend awareness, and efficient supply chain management, garment trading remains a solid opportunity for both new and experienced entrepreneurs in Dubai.
Types of licenses required for a garment trading Business in Dubai
Below are the types of licenses required for Indian entrepreneurs, who wants to start a garment trading business in Dubai are as follows:1. Commercial Trade License
This is the primary and mandatory license for any garment trading business in Dubai. It allows you to import, export, wholesale, and retail garments such as clothing, fabrics, uniforms, and fashion accessories through physical stores or warehouses.
Best for:- Physical clothing stores
- Wholesale & distribution businesses
- Import–export of garments
2. E-commerce License (Optional)
If you plan to sell garments online through your own website, Instagram, or marketplaces, you’ll need an e-commerce license (or add e-commerce activity to your trade license).
Best for:- Online clothing brands
- Instagram & website-based garment stores
- Businesses with no physical retail outlet
3. Free Zone vs. Mainland License
You can choose where to register your garment trading business based on your goals: Mainland License- Trade directly with the UAE market
- Open retail shops anywhere in Dubai
- No restriction on local customers
- 100% foreign ownership
- Ideal for import/export & online businesses
- Lower setup cost in some zones
- Requires a local distributor to sell directly in the mainland (for physical sales)
How to Start a Garments Trading Company in Dubai?
Dubai has emerged as a leading hub for fashion and textile trading, connecting global suppliers with regional and international markets. If you’re planning to start a garments trading company in Dubai, knowing the step-by-step process will help you set up faster and avoid costly mistakes.
Step 1: Finalise Your Business Activity
Start by clearly defining your activity as garments trading. This typically includes buying, selling, importing, exporting, or distributing ready-made clothes, fabrics, or fashion accessories.Step 2: Choose the Right Jurisdiction
Decide whether you want to operate in Mainland Dubai or a Free Zone.- Mainland allows you to trade freely within the UAE market.
- Free Zones offer benefits like 100% ownership and customs advantages, especially for import/export businesses.
Step 3: Select a Trade Name
Pick a unique trade name that follows UAE naming rules and reflects your brand. Get it approved by the relevant authority before moving ahead.
Step 4: Apply for a Garments Trading License
This is the most crucial step to start a garments trading company in Dubai. Apply for a commercial license under garments or textile trading through the appropriate licensing authority.
Step 5: Arrange Office or Warehouse Space
Depending on your business model, you may need a physical office, warehouse, or flexi-desk facility. Some Free Zones allow virtual offices for trading startups.Step 6: Complete Legal Documentation
Prepare and submit the required documents, including passport copies, visa details, application forms, and incorporation of paperwork, as per the chosen jurisdiction.
Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Once your license is issued, open a UAE business bank account to manage transactions, supplier payments, and international trade operations.
Step 8: Register for VAT (If Applicable)
If your turnover crosses the VAT threshold or you plan to import/export regularly, VAT registration becomes mandatory.
Step 9: Start Importing & Trading
After approval, you can begin sourcing garments, managing logistics, and officially start trading within the UAE or internationally.
Documents Required for Garment Trading in Dubai
Below are the documents required to start garment trading in Dubai for Indian entrepreneurs:- Completed application form (provided by the relevant authority)
- Business plan outlining your goals, operations, and financial projections
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and managers
- Passport-size photos of shareholders and directors
- Approvals from other government entities based on your specific business activity
- Trade name reservation certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor (if applicable)
- Bank reference letter
Note: This list is not exhaustive; additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances. We highly recommend seeking professional advice from one of our business setup experts at Shuraa India.
Garments Trading License Cost in Dubai
Starting a garments trading business in Dubai doesn’t come with a fixed price tag; the cost depends on how and where you set it up. That said, license fees typically range between AED 14,999* and AED 50,000*.
The final amount is influenced by a few key factors, such as:- Jurisdiction: Mainland vs. free zone setup
- Scope of activity: General trading or dealing in specific garment categories
- Business structure: Sole establishment, LLC, or partnership
- Visa quota: Number of investor or employee visas required
- Workspace: Flexi-desk, shared office, or physical office space
Since every business plan is different, these figures are only indicative. For a clear, customised breakdown based on your exact requirements, it’s best to consult experienced business setup advisors like Shuraa India, who can guide you through accurate cost planning and licensing options in Dubai.
Start a Garments Trading Company in Dubai with Shuraa India
Starting a garments trading company in Dubai is a smart move for Indian entrepreneurs looking to get into a fast-growing, globally connected fashion market. With strong consumer demand, excellent logistics, and flexible licensing options, Dubai offers an ideal ecosystem for building and scaling a successful apparel trading business. However, handling licenses, approvals, costs, and compliance can be complex without the right guidance.
This is where Shuraa India makes the difference. From helping you start a garments trading company in Dubai to choosing the right jurisdiction, securing licenses, handling documentation, and offering end-to-end business setup support, our experts ensure a smooth, stress-free setup process.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an established trader expanding into the UAE, we customise solutions to match your business goals. Call us at: +971501549180, Mail us at: enquire@shuraa.in. Get in touch today and take the first confident step towards building a profitable garment trading business in Dubai.
