A UAE trade licence is valid for one year. Renewal is straightforward, but a missed date is expensive: fines accrue monthly, immigration transactions freeze, and staff visa renewals cannot be processed until the licence is current.
Start the process thirty days before expiry and the whole thing takes a day or two.
When to start
Authorities issue renewal notifications shortly before expiry, but the responsibility sits with the company. Thirty days ahead is the practical window because it leaves room for a tenancy renewal or Ejari update, which is the most common cause of delay.
Renewing a mainland (DET) licence
- Renew the tenancy contract and update the Ejari certificate
- Obtain the DET renewal payment voucher
- Settle the licence fee, market fee (5% of annual rent) and any outstanding fines
- Renew external regulator approvals for regulated activities
- Collect the updated licence, then renew the establishment card if it expires alongside
Renewing a free zone licence
- Confirm the workspace or flexi-desk agreement is renewed for the coming year
- Submit the renewal application through the free zone portal
- Settle licence, workspace and establishment card fees
- Provide audited financial statements where the zone requires them
- Receive the renewed licence electronically, usually within one to three working days
Late renewal penalties
Mainland licences typically attract a fine of around AED 200 to AED 250 per month past expiry, and free zones apply their own escalating schedule. Beyond the money, an expired licence blocks visa issuance, renewals and cancellations, and can lead to blacklisting of the company and its shareholders if left unresolved.
Handle these at the same time
- Corporate tax return filing and payment for the completed financial year
- VAT returns if registered, filed quarterly or monthly
- UBO register confirmation and any ownership changes
- Economic Substance Report where the activity is in scope
- Employee visa and Emirates ID expiry review
- Health insurance renewal for all sponsored staff
Frequently asked questions
How much does licence renewal cost in Dubai?
Mainland renewals commonly run AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 plus the 5% market fee on annual rent. Free zone renewals are typically 70% to 90% of the original package price.
Do I need a valid Ejari to renew?
For mainland, yes — a current tenancy contract with Ejari registration is mandatory. Free zones require the workspace agreement to be renewed instead.
What is the fine for late renewal?
Around AED 200 to AED 250 per month for mainland licences, with free zones applying their own schedule. Fines compound and block immigration transactions.
Can I renew a licence after it expires?
Yes, by settling accrued fines. Prolonged non-renewal can result in cancellation and blacklisting of the shareholders.
How long does renewal take?
One to three working days when documents are in order. Add time if the tenancy contract or a regulator approval also needs renewing.
Can I change activities during renewal?
Yes. Adding, removing or amending activities at renewal is efficient and avoids a separate amendment fee later.
Do I need audited accounts to renew?
Several free zones require audited financial statements at renewal. Mainland generally does not, though corporate tax compliance makes proper accounts necessary regardless.
What if I no longer want the licence?
Cancel it formally rather than letting it lapse. Proper liquidation clears visas, closes the immigration file and prevents accumulating fines.