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Trade licence renewal services in Dubai
Trade Licence Renewal

Trade Licence Renewal in Dubai

Keep your business compliant with timely trade licence renewal. We handle the complete renewal process for mainland DED and free zone licences — avoiding fines and business disruptions.

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Every trade licence in Dubai must be renewed annually. This applies to both mainland companies licensed through the Department of Economic Development (DED) and companies registered in free zones. Failing to renew your trade licence on time leads to an expired licence, daily late penalties, and potential restrictions on your ability to operate, sponsor visas, or conduct banking transactions. Trade licence renewal is not simply a payment — it is an administrative process that involves confirming or updating your registered details, renewing associated documents (such as your office lease and Ejari registration), and settling any outstanding government fees or compliance requirements. If you also need to update your business activities, our trade licence amendment service can be coordinated alongside the renewal. Our team manages the complete renewal process for your company, from gathering the required documents to submitting the application and collecting your renewed licence. We also provide advance reminders to ensure you never miss a renewal deadline. Get in touch to set up proactive renewal management for your company.

Our Renewal Process

1

Advance Notification

We monitor your licence expiry date and contact you 4–6 weeks before renewal is due, outlining any documents or updates needed.

2

Document Review

We review your current documents — Ejari, shareholder passports, audit report (if applicable) — and identify anything that needs updating before submission.

3

Outstanding Issues Resolution

Where outstanding fines, expired documents, or pending amendments exist, we advise on the remediation steps and coordinate their resolution.

4

Renewal Submission

We submit your complete renewal application to the DED or free zone authority, including all required documents and fee payments.

5

Licence Collection and Delivery

Once the renewed licence is issued, we collect it and deliver a copy to you. Digital certificates are forwarded immediately upon issuance.

Renewal Requirements

  • Current trade licence copy (to confirm expiry date and registered details)
  • Valid Ejari tenancy contract — mainland companies (must cover the upcoming renewal period)
  • Updated passport copies — where shareholder or manager documents have changed
  • Annual audit report — for free zone companies where required
  • Settlement of any outstanding government fines or fees
  • Renewal fee payment (DED or free zone authority fee)

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I renew my licence late?
Late renewal results in daily fines from the DED or the free zone authority, accumulating from the day after expiry. Additionally, an expired licence affects your establishment card, visa processing, and banking relationships. The fines must be paid before renewal can be processed. Starting your renewal at least 3–4 weeks before expiry is strongly recommended.

How far in advance can I renew my trade licence?
Most mainland DED licences can be renewed up to 30 days before the expiry date. Free zone zones vary, with some allowing renewal 30–60 days before expiry. You cannot renew significantly earlier than this window, but we track your timeline and ensure everything is ready when the window opens.

Do I need to renew my Ejari separately from my trade licence?
Yes. The Ejari tenancy contract renewal is a separate process from your trade licence renewal, but they are interdependent for mainland companies. Your Ejari contract must be valid and registered before DED will process the trade licence renewal. We manage both processes together to avoid gaps.

What documents do I need to provide for the renewal?
At minimum, you need a valid Ejari contract (mainland), settlement of any outstanding fees, and updated personal documents for shareholders where applicable. Free zone renewals additionally require the annual audit report for most zones. We will provide you with a specific checklist based on your licence type and zone.

Can I make changes to my licence at the same time as the renewal?
Technically, amendments and renewals are separate processes. If you need to add activities, change a shareholder, or update your trade name, it is best to process these amendments before or shortly after the renewal. See our dedicated trade licence amendment page or business activity amendment page for details. We can coordinate both processes to minimise disruption.

My company is inactive — do I still need to renew?
Yes. As long as your company is legally registered, you are obligated to renew the trade licence. If you intend to close the company, the formal deregistration process must be completed. Simply allowing the licence to lapse without formal cancellation leaves outstanding liabilities and may affect future UAE visa applications.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.