Trade License Renewal Dubai
Maintain your business compliance seamlessly avoiding massive fines. We provide express, end-to-end renewal services for Mainland and Free Zone companies, including Ejari support and virtual office tenancy contracts.
Why You Must Renew Your Trade License On Time
In the UAE, a trade license is valid for exactly one year. Failing to process your trade license renewal in Dubai before the expiration date triggers automatic, compounding penalties from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously known as the DED.
The consequences of trading with an expired license extend beyond just government fines. Operating without a valid license will result in:
- Monthly accumulative fines: Starting at AED 200 per month for late renewal, which can rack up to thousands of Dirhams if left unpaid.
- Visa blocks: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) will immediately block your establishment card, preventing you from applying for, renewing, or canceling employee visas.
- Corporate bank account freezing: UAE banks run automated compliance checks. If your license expires, they will freeze your corporate bank account until you present the renewed document.
- Loss of Ejari validity: You cannot maintain or re-register your commercial lease without an active license.
Mainland vs Free Zone Renewals
The renewal process varies fundamentally based on your jurisdiction.
Mainland License Renewal: Requires strict compliance with DET regulations. The core prerequisite is an active Ejari registration for your commercial space. No Ejari, no renewal. If you previously rented a physical office but want to transition to a virtual office setup to save costs, you must legally shift your Ejari first.
Free Zone License Renewal: Generally completed via the specific Free Zone Authority’s portal. It does not require a standard DET Ejari, but it does mandate renewing your flexi-desk or lease agreement with the specific authority, alongside submitting an annual financial audit (in some free zones).
Required Documents
- Copy of expired/expiring Trade License
- Valid Ejari Certificate (Mainland) or Lease Agreement (Free Zone)
- Passport copies of partners/shareholders
- BR1 Form (if amending business activities)
Renewal Process Made Simple
Hire Consultancy removes the frustration of government portals. Here is our streamlined 4-step framework.
Check Tenancy
Ensure your Ejari or virtual office lease is valid for the upcoming period.
Submit Documents
Provide NOCs if required, valid lease, and old license copy.
Payment Voucher
Authorities generate the exact renewal fee voucher.
License Issued
Pay the voucher and instantly receive your renewed trade license.
Trade License Renewal Costs in Dubai
While exact government costs depend on your specific business activities and jurisdiction, here are the average expected fees.
Dubai Mainland (DET) Renewal
Includes standard commercial or professional licenses under DET.
Free Zone License Renewal
Free zones calculate renewal costs based on visa quota and desk allocation.
Need a Virtual Office for Renewal?
If you're looking to cut costs on massive office rent this year, let us upgrade you to a Virtual Office setup complete with a legally compliant Ejari starting from just AED 1,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about renewing your license on time.