Your UAE trade licence must be renewed annually, and failure to do so on time results in fines, disruption to banking services, and in severe cases cancellation of your company. Many businesses struggle with renewal because of missing documents, expired tenancy contracts, or compliance flags. This checklist ensures your renewal goes through without delays.
What You Need Before You Apply
Before initiating your trade licence renewal, ensure: a valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract covering the renewal period, cleared outstanding fines on the DED or free zone portal, up-to-date Memorandum of Association, valid passports for all shareholders and managers, and clearance from any sector-specific regulators. Regulatory clearances can take one to three weeks, so do not leave them to the last minute.
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
Most trade licences can be renewed up to 90 days before expiry. DED Dubai allows a 30-day grace period before imposing daily fines; however, banking restrictions often kick in before the fine period begins. As a rule, target renewal completion at least 30 days before expiry.
Cost Breakdown for Licence Renewal
A typical mainland DED Dubai renewal costs AED 8,000 to AED 20,000. Free zone renewal packages start from AED 5,000. Additional costs include Ejari renewal, knowledge and innovation fees, and activity-specific permit renewals. Always request a full fee breakdown before submission.
Post-Renewal Actions
After renewal, update your bank records, insurance policies, client and government supplier files, and company registration details on your website and marketing materials. Ensure the renewed licence reflects the correct activities, as trading under an unapproved activity is a compliance violation.