Your 2025 complete user-first guide
Running a business in Dubai means staying on top of compliance—and one of the most important annual tasks is learning how to renew your trade license in Dubai. At HA Group, with over 5 years of excellence, more than 3,500 businesses set up, 5,000+ visas processed and 1,500+ corporate bank accounts opened, we’ve helped clients navigate this process many times. Here’s a practical, up-to-date breakdown for 2025: what you need, when you should act, how much it might cost—and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why renewing matters
Your trade licence is what keeps your business legally operational in Dubai. If you let it lapse, you risk:
- Fines and penalties
- Bank account problems
- Inability to issue or renew visas
- Damage to your reputation and contracts
Because licence renewal is an annual requirement, being proactive is key.
Who handles it & what are the types of licences
- For mainland businesses, renewal is managed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) (formerly DED).
- For businesses in a free-zone, the respective Free Zone Authority handles renewal (for example Dubai Development Authority (DDA) or others).
Each jurisdiction has its own processes, but many of the principles are the same—so let’s walk through the process.
Step-by-step: How to renew your trade licence in Dubai
1. Check your licence expiry & start early
Plan ahead—begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your licence expires. This gives you room to handle any issues (e.g., lease/Ejari renewal, NOCs) without rushing. For many businesses, the process can also be initiated via SMS or portal by the DET.
2. Gather required documents
Typical documents you’ll need (mainland case) include:
- A valid tenancy contract registered via Ejari registration (proof of business address)
- Copy of your current trade licence
- Copies of passports (and Emirates IDs) of business owners/partners
- NOC/approval if your business activity requires it
- If you are making changes (business activity, address, partners), you may combine that with renewal
3. Submit renewal request
For mainland businesses, you might:
- Use the Invest in Dubai portal (or send SMS “licence number” to 6969) to initiate renewal.
- Or visit a service centre (or use a PRO) if required.
For free-zone companies, you’ll use the relevant free zone’s portal.
4. Pay the fees and receive your renewed licence
After approval you’ll receive a payment voucher; once you pay, the renewed licence will be issued (often electronically) and become valid for another year. A digital copy is usually sent to your registered email.
How much does it cost
Costs vary depending on licence type, business activity, jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone), number of visas, and whether you’re doing any amendments. Typical ranges for mainland: AED 8,000–15,000 per year. Free-zone licences may be slightly lower or have bundled packages.
There are also smaller fixed fees: e.g., AED 10 for “Knowledge Dirham”, AED 10 for “Innovation Dirham”.
What happens if you don’t renew on time
If you miss renewal or delay past expiry:
- You’ll incur fines: after a grace period (typically ~30 days), monthly fines apply (around AED 200–AED 250/month)
- Operating with an expired licence may lead to a one-off fine of up to AED 5,000 and potential blacklisting
- Banks may freeze your business account; you can’t renew visas or sign contracts
- Your company’s standing, reputation and contracts may suffer
So: don’t rely on the grace period. Start earlier than you think.
Mainland vs Free-Zone: Key differences
| Feature | Mainland (DET) | Free-Zone |
| Authority | DET | Relevant Free Zone Authority |
| Address requirement | Ejari tenancy contract required | Often more flexibility (virtual offices, flex desk) |
| Changes (activity/partners) | Can be done during renewal | Many free zones allow easier amendment processes |
| Renewal cost | Typically AED 8k–15k for standard activity | Lower starting point possible; depends on package |
| Online renewal availability | Channel via portal/SMS | Portal renewal often standard |
| Penalties & compliance | Same rules for lapse as free zones | Same risk for lapse, but process specific to zone |
Tips for a smoother renewal
- Set a renewal reminder: schedule the process about 6 weeks before your expiry date.
- Make sure your tenancy/Ejari contract is valid before renewal; if your lease expires earlier than the licence, fix that first.
- If you are planning any changes (business activity, adding partners, address change), do it at the renewal time to avoid duplication.
- Budget for renewal: clarify what your licence fee will be, and check if there are extra charges (e.g., for visas, external approvals).
- Avoid operating with an expired licence—your bank, clients, visa processing will all be affected.
- Keep a digital copy of the renewed licence handy (for bank, visa, audit purposes).
- If unsure, work with a service provider who stays current with 2025 regulatory updates, so you avoid surprises.
Why choose HA Group for your renewal & compliance
At HA Group, we bring proven experience: 3,500+ businesses set up, 5,000+ visas processed, 1,500+ corporate bank accounts and 200+ real estate transactions. Our team stays up to date on 2025 regulations and renewal best-practice so you don’t have to worry about missing details or facing unexpected delays or costs.
FAQ
Can I renew online without visiting Dubai?
Yes. For many mainland cases through DET you can renew via the Invest in Dubai portal or via SMS, provided all your documents are in order and no physical signatures are needed.
What about from abroad?
If paperwork allows, you may not need to be physically in Dubai—your PRO or authorised agent can submit on your behalf, but check that your tenancy/Ejari and other docs are fully compliant.
How long is the renewed licence valid?
Typically one year from the renewal date.
Can I make changes at the same time as renewal?
Absolutely—if you’re changing business activity, address or partners, combining that with renewal saves duplication and avoids separate trips.
In summary
If you’re managing business in Dubai in 2025, knowing how to renew your trade license in Dubai is non-negotiable for staying legal, operating smoothly and maintaining credibility. Start early, gather the right documents, submit via portal (or SMS), pay the fees and keep your licence renewal on schedule. The process is straightforward—but only if you plan ahead.
If you’d like a free renewal-checklist template or a cost-estimate calculation sheet tailored to your business line in Dubai, we at HA Group can prepare that for you—just let us know!
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