Trade License Services in Dubai
New licences, renewals, amendments and cancellations — commercial, professional and industrial.
About this service
Your trade licence defines what your business may legally do in the UAE. IDOS issues new licences, renews existing ones before expiry, adds or removes activities, and processes shareholder, manager and address amendments.
We monitor renewal dates on your behalf so your licence never lapses, and we handle the Ejari, immigration card and labour card records that must stay aligned with it.
Key benefits
Correct activity selection
We map your real operations to the official activity list so you are never blocked at banking or customs stage.
Renewal monitoring
Proactive reminders and filing ahead of expiry to avoid fines and licence suspension.
Amendments handled
Shareholder changes, manager changes, trade name changes, address changes and activity additions.
All emirates
Dubai DET plus every major free zone authority and the northern emirates.
Instant licence options
Where your activity qualifies, we use instant-licence channels to issue in as little as one working day.
Fine resolution
Existing fines, blocked files and expired records cleared as part of the renewal.
Our process
- 1Review of activity and legal form
- 2Trade name and initial approval
- 3Document preparation and notarisation
- 4Payment of government fees
- 5Licence issued and records updated
Required documents
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Emirates ID and visa copies for UAE residents
- Existing trade licence copy for renewals and amendments
- Ejari or tenancy contract
- Notarised memorandum of association
- Approved trade name reservation certificate
- External approvals for regulated activities
- Board or shareholder resolution for amendments
Frequently asked questions
How much does a trade licence cost in Dubai?
Costs vary by activity, legal form and jurisdiction. Free zone packages generally start lower than mainland; we provide an itemised quotation before starting.
What happens if my licence expires?
Fines accrue monthly and the establishment card, visas and bank account can be suspended. We recommend renewing at least two weeks before expiry.
Can I add a new activity later?
Yes. Activity additions are processed as a licence amendment, subject to any external approvals the new activity requires.
How long is a trade licence valid?
UAE trade licences are typically valid for one year and must be renewed before the expiry date printed on the licence.
What documents are needed to renew?
A valid Ejari or tenancy contract, the existing licence, passport and Emirates ID copies, and settlement of any outstanding fines.
Can I change my company's legal form?
Yes, conversions such as sole establishment to LLC are possible through an amendment, subject to authority approval and an updated MOA.
What is an instant licence?
An instant licence is issued within one working day for eligible activities without an initial tenancy contract, valid for the first year.
How do I cancel a trade licence?
Cancellation requires clearing visas, closing the establishment card, obtaining clearance letters and publishing a liquidation notice for certain legal forms. We manage the full process.
Start your Trade License Services today
Book a free consultation with a senior advisor and get clear costs, timelines and document requirements.