How Much to Renew Trade License in Dubai, UAE? | Costs & Fees Guide 2025

This season is long overdue for a renewal of the trade license issued in Dubai, as one’s very existence as a business relies on it.

This goes from a small consultancy to a huge trade company. One must renew the trade license to stay in operation.

In Dubai, a trade license grants legitimacy to your business and aligns it with local laws for smooth operations.

If you fail in renewing it, that might stop your work, attract penalties, or even the closure of your business.

This blog guides you through the whole renewal trade license price in Dubai, the procedure for renewal, and other costs that you need to expect.

The Significance of Renewing Trade License on Time

Keeping a trade license renewed is more than a formality; it is a law that assures that your business continues its operations without cessation.

The delay in renewal could bring about heavy penalties, freezing of your corporate bank accounts, and, in some cases, initiate a process for blacklisting your entity.

An expired trade license may hamper visa services for your employees, including the renewal of work permits and the sponsorship of dependents.

Authorities could even halt the operations of your company in some situations.

Besides that, timely renewal of your trade license in Dubai adds to your reputation.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Trade License Renewal in Dubai

Several variables influence the final cost of renewing a trade license in Dubai. Here’s what plays a role:

Business Activity

The nature of your business affects renewal fees. A consultancy might pay less than a logistics company due to differing administrative and regulatory requirements.

Business Location

Mainland companies licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) typically have different cost structures compared to Free Zone or DIFC-registered entities.

Business Size

Renewal fees can increase if your company has grown, whether in terms of revenue, number of employees, or office space. Larger operations may attract higher charges due to additional documentation or permits required.

Office Space

Using a flexi-desk or coworking space usually costs less than maintaining a full-scale office. DET may require a tenancy contract as part of the renewal process, and the value of that lease can influence the overall fee.

Additional Services

Optional services like visa processing, PRO services, and legal translations can increase your renewal cost. If your business requires visas for multiple employees or partners, that cost must also be included.

Step-by-Step Process for Renewing a Trade License in Dubai

Renewing a trade license in Dubai doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s a simplified roadmap:

Step 1: Check the Expiry Date

You can verify your trade license expiry date on the DET portal or through the Free Zone’s dashboard. Knowing your deadline gives you enough lead time to gather documents and fulfil requirements.

Step 2: Ensure Compliance

Before initiating the renewal, confirm that all fines or pending approvals are cleared. Authorities won’t process renewals for non-compliant companies.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

These may include:

• A valid tenancy contract (Ejari)
• Updated trade name or activity list, if applicable
• Copies of shareholder passports and Emirates IDs
• Any approvals from relevant government bodies (for regulated sectors)

Step 4: Submit the Renewal Application

If you’re in the mainland, visit the DET service centre or use their online portal. Free Zone businesses must go through their respective authority (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA).

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fees

Once your application is reviewed, an invoice is issued. Payments can be made online or in person.

Step 6: Receive Your Renewed License

The renewed trade license in Dubai is usually issued within 3–5 working days, depending on your jurisdiction and documentation accuracy.

Breakdown of Renewal Fees for Different Types of Businesses

Mainland Businesses

The average renewal cost for a mainland business can range from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000. This includes government fees, tenancy contract approvals, and admin charges.

Free Zone Businesses

Renewal fees vary widely:

• DMCC: Around AED 10,000–15,000
• JAFZA: Typically AED 12,000–16,000
• DIFC: Can exceed AED 20,000 depending on the business type and regulatory involvement

Professional Licenses

These are generally cheaper to renew. Freelancers and small consultancies may pay as little as AED 5,500 to AED 8,000 annually.

Commercial & Industrial Licenses

Because these often involve warehouses or showrooms, costs can rise to AED 20,000 or more, especially when factoring in tenancy contracts and employee visas.

DIFC Licenses

Businesses in the DIFC are subject to specialized regulations and often pay premium renewal fees, ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000.

Additional Costs Involved in Renewing a Trade License

Here are some overlooked expenses you should prepare for:

• Late Renewal Fines: Delaying your trade license renewal in Dubai can lead to daily penalties, typically starting at AED 250 per day.
• Administrative Fees: Costs for document clearance, attestations, and notary services.
• Office Lease & Visa Fees: Renewing your Ejari lease and employee visas will add to the cost.
• Professional Services: If you hire consultants or PROs, their service charges apply.
• Other Hidden Costs: Updating your business activities or making structural changes to the license can incur additional charges.
  

How Long Does it Take to Renew a Trade License in Dubai?

In most cases, the trade license renewal process takes 3–7 working days. Mainland businesses using the DET portal may get it done in 2–3 days if all documents are in place. Free Zones might take slightly longer, depending on internal approvals.

Delays can occur if:

• Your Ejari contract isn’t updated
• External approvals (for healthcare, education, etc.) are missing
• Fines or pending clearances haven’t been settled

To avoid issues, start the process at least 2–3 weeks before your license expires.

How to Avoid Late Renewal Penalties

Late renewal can be costly, but it’s avoidable with some simple steps:

• Set Calendar Reminders: Add a yearly reminder one month before the expiry date
• Track Documents: Keep your tenancy contract and approvals updated
• Use Management Tools: Business license tracking software can help
• Consult a PRO or Agent: A professional service provider will ensure you don’t miss critical dates
• Stay Informed: Regulatory changes can affect timelines and requirements keep an eye out

Tips for Managing Trade License Renewals for Multiple Businesses

If you run more than one company in Dubai, license management can get chaotic. Here’s how to stay organized:

• Centralize Tracking: Use a spreadsheet or CRM tool to log renewal dates
• Assign a Coordinator: Appoint someone in-house or externally to handle all renewals
• Automate Notifications: Most Free Zones allow you to set alerts via their portals
• Hire a Consultant: For larger portfolios, outsourcing this task can reduce compliance risks
  

How to Renew a Trade License for Businesses in Free Zones

Renewal processes differ across Free Zones. For example:

• DMCC: Log in to their portal, upload updated documents, and pay fees
• JAFZA: Requires renewal at their customer portal and physical submission of signed forms
• DIFC: Renewal often involves regulatory review for financial firms

Required documents may vary, but most need:

• Valid lease agreement
• Updated shareholder information
• No-objection certificates, if applicable

Free Zones often offer bundled renewal services, making the process faster but slightly more expensive.

Online and Offline Methods for Renewing a Trade License in Dubai

Renewals can be done in two ways:

Online:

• DET’s eServices portal
• Free Zone member dashboards
• Secure, convenient, and often faster

Offline:

• Visit the service centre (e.g., Business Village, Al Twar)
• Requires physical documents and a longer waiting time

Both methods have their place. If your documents are straightforward, online is ideal. For complex cases, offline may be better.

What to Do if You Can’t Afford the Renewal Fees

If the renewal cost feels overwhelming, consider:

• Instalment Options: Some Free Zones and mainland service providers offer payment plans.
• Business Loans: UAE banks often support SMEs with short-term financing.
• Seek Support: Consultants can help you navigate financial aid programs or restructure your license to reduce fees.

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Conclusion

Renewing the Dubai trade license is a necessary step to staying lawful, operational, and reputable. The charges depend on the nature of the business and its place of activity, but a little proper planning might surely help ease the load of expenses, along with saving oneself from heavy penalties.

Get on with it early, stay on course, and take advice for help. Investing in a little preparation might save a considerable amount of trouble in due course. At Arnifi, we handle everything i.e., registration to licensing and visa processing. Our experts will walk through the process and ease the business setup in 7+ international markets. Get a free consultation now!