Trade licence renewal in Dubai and the UAE
A renewal is more than a fee payment: the lease, approvals, establishment card, visas and annual filings all need to line up. We check what your licence needs, prepare the documents and follow the renewal through with the authority.
When renewal is due
- Dubai mainland (DET). A licence must be renewed within the last month before it expires (Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011, Article 8). Licences are normally issued for one year; DET may approve a term of more than one year, up to four years.
- Free zones. Each authority sets its own rules. DMCC requires renewal on or before the expiry date; RAKEZ states there is no grace period after expiry; Ajman Free Zone allows a grace period of one month.
- Establishment card and visas. The immigration establishment card can only be renewed with a valid trade licence, and work permits need a licence that is valid and free of violations — so a late licence quickly holds up everything else.
What late renewal can cost
| Dubai mainland (DET) | AED 250 for failing to renew within the prescribed period, plus AED 200 for each month of delay (part of a month counts as a month) |
| Establishment card (federal ICP service) | AED 100 for each month of delay beyond 30 days after expiry, up to AED 1,000 |
| DMCC | No penalty for the first 30 days; AED 2,500 for days 31–60; AED 5,000 for days 61–90; the licence may be terminated after 90 days |
| RAKEZ | AED 50 for each day from the expiry date, plus any immigration and chamber fines |
Figures as published by DET (Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011), ICP, DMCC and RAKEZ at the date stated below. Other free zones set their own penalties. Authorities can also suspend, close or cancel a licence that is not renewed.
What is usually checked at renewal
- A valid lease or Ejari for the licensed premises, or the free zone facility agreement.
- Approvals from other authorities for regulated activities, and any insurance the authority requires.
- Shareholder, manager and passport details, if anything has changed during the year.
- In DMCC, audited financial statements submitted before the licence can be renewed.
- Your ultimate beneficial owner and shareholder registers — changes must be recorded and filed within 15 days (Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023).
How we help
We keep a renewal calendar for your licence, establishment card and visas, and remind you well before the last month. We check the documents your authority needs, submit the renewal, follow up on the establishment card and visa renewals, and flag anything that needs attention — such as an expiring lease, a change of shareholder or missing approvals.
Renewal is also a good moment to check your tax position. Our tax & accounting team at pbz.ae handles Corporate Tax and VAT filings, audited financial statements and the free zone 0% test — see Corporate Tax services.
Sources: Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011 Regulating the Conduct of Economic Activities in the Emirate of Dubai (Articles 8 and 30), as amended; Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 (Schedule 2); Invest in Dubai trade licence renewal service; ICP Renewal of Establishment Card service; MOHRE establishment file service and u.ae work permit guidance; DMCC Licensing Rules (2024), Licence Renewal Guidelines and late renewal penalty FAQs; RAKEZ Free Zone Licence Renewal Checklist (2025); Ajman Free Zone FAQs; Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023; Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024.
Renewal in four steps
Reminder
We contact you well before the last month and confirm what has changed during the year.
Documents
Lease, approvals, insurance and any updated shareholder or manager documents.
Renewal
We submit the renewal and payment through the authority's channel and follow it to approval.
Card, visas & tax
Establishment card and visa renewals, and a check that tax filings are up to date.
Frequently asked questions
When can I renew my Dubai mainland trade licence?
Dubai's economic activities law requires a licence to be renewed within the last month before it expires. Renewal is handled through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including online through the Invest in Dubai platform.
What is the fine for renewing late on the Dubai mainland?
Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011, failing to renew within the prescribed period carries a fine of AED 250, and delay in renewal AED 200 for each month, with part of a month counted as a full month. We confirm the current position with DET for your licence.
Can I renew for more than one year?
Often, yes. Dubai's licensing law allows a mainland licence of more than one year, up to four years, with DET approval. In free zones it depends on the authority — for example, DMCC offers 1, 2, 3 or 5-year renewals and RAKEZ 2, 3 or 5 years for eligible licences.
Do I still need to file Economic Substance reports?
No, not for financial years ending after 31 December 2022 — Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024 removed the requirement. Obligations for earlier years still apply.
My company has stopped trading. Should I just let the licence lapse?
It's usually better not to. An expired licence affects the establishment card, visas and work permits, and the tax registrations stay open. Depending on the situation, renewal, suspension or a proper closure with deregistration may be the right route — we'll talk it through with you first.
Licence due for renewal?
Send us your licence and expiry date. We'll confirm what your authority needs and send a written quote before anything is submitted.