Renew trade license in Dubai: Requirements and documents checklist 

If you are operating in Dubai with an expired trade license, you could be in a lot of trouble. The repercussions might lead multiple negative outcomes like your operations being seized immediately, fines up to AED 5,000, monthly penalties of AED 250 (in addition to the monthly fees), freezing of visas, and losing income. To avoid these negative outcomes, you must renew you trade license. 

While many businesses are aware that renewing the trade license in Dubai is a crucial aspect of operating their business, a key challenge is to understand what is required. Studies show that majority of business owners are unaware of the process, which include documents required. 

This guide provides information on the procedures, a checklist of items to keep in mind, the cost of renewal, and any changes to the process due to new regulations. 

What are the changes that can be done during renewal of trade license? 

You can update your trade license during renewal process. Common changes include: 

• Addition or removing business activities 

• Changing the local sponsor 

• Updating the trade name 

• Changing the registered address  

• Adding or removing partners 

What are the recent amendments made by the UAE government for trade license? 

The UAE government has introduced some amendments to simplify licensing. Here’s what’s new: 

• New Free Zone Onshore Framework: Dubai Executive Council Decision allows Free Zone companies to operate or conduct activities in the mainland Dubai, without a separate entity. This varies according to approvals and specified permitted activities. 

• Faster and more digital licensing: AI-powered platforms dramatically reduce processing times. 

• New Contractor Licensing & Compliance: From January 15, 2026, a new contractor license law comes into effect. It applies to all construction activities, and includes stricter classification, registration, and compliance requirements. 

• Professional and Social Media creator licensing rules: Influencers earning online need a trade license and Professional Media Permit from the UAE Media Council. 

What are the documents required for trade license renewal in Dubai? 

The core documents required for trade license renewal in Dubai are mentioned below: 

• BR/1 Renewal Form 

• Passport copies of all partners 

• Copy of current trade license  

• Ejari (tenancy contract)   

• Emirates ID copies  

Mainland (Department of Economy & Tourism) 

• Ejari is mandatory 

• No MOA resubmission unless changes were made 

  Free Zone  

• Lease agreement with Free Zone authority 

Some zones require: 

• Updated business plan 
• Audited financials 

Additional documents according to the license type: 

Type of License	Documents required
Commercial License	Ejari, Any external approvals (if applicable)
Professional License	Ejari, Local Service Agent agreement (if applicable), Updated professional approvals (if expired)
Industrial License	Ejari, Civil Defence Approval
Tourism/ Special Activities	Ejari, Renewed approval from DTCM or relevant authority, Insurance (for some tourism activities)

What are the important points to remember before renewing the trade license? 

In the application of renewal of Trade License, Ejari (tenancy contract) is very important. It should have a validity of at least a month remaining. If Ejari is not available, the Trade License might get reject.  

• Renew your tenancy contract before it expires, to avoid any obstruction.  

• If you are planning to change the business address, then you can apply for a short-term tenancy contract. This will help in the license renewal process. 

• Another option can be moving into the new office address and then renewing your Trade License. 

Companies in Free Zones may require a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective Free Zone authority. If your company has any dues pending for use of the facilities, ensure to clear them before applying for the renewal of Trade License. 

• Some companies in the Free Zone are required to renew their membership with the Chamber of Commerce before applying.  

• You may be required to audit your company in some Free Zones before applying for renewal of Trade License. 

Some businesses require additional approvals according to their respective business activities.  

For example, if your business involves the sales of chemicals, you will need special permission from Dubai Narcotics Department. Businesses that are into healthcare need permission of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. 

What are the steps to renew trade license in Dubai? 

The steps to renew trade license are: 

• Fill the BR/1 form. Get signatures from all partners, attach documents, and submit to Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

• DET reviews it. If approved, they’ll issue a payment voucher. 

• Pay the application fee. 

• Receive your renewed trade license instantly (often digitally). 

What is the cost for renewal of trade license in Dubai? 

The approximate cost to renew the trade license in Dubai is: 

License and Jurisdiction Type	Renewal Cost
Mainland Professional	AED 6,000 – 8,000+
Mainland Commercial	AED 7,000 – 9,000
Mainland Industrial	AED 9,000 – 12,000+
General Trading	AED 8,000 -10,000+
Free Zone	AED 8,000 – 30,000

What are the penalties of not renewing your trade license? 

The penalties of not renewing the trade license are as follows: 

1. The Department of Economic Development may impose a fine of AED 5,000. For every month of operation without a valid Trading License company is liable for a fine of AED 250. 

2. There are risks of your company being blacklisted, which will result in immediate cease of all the operations. 

3. Authorities can take legal action against the business. 

4. Business’s corporate bank account can be frozen. 

5. A valid license is essential for employee and dependent visas; non-renewal may lead to cancellation of the visas. 

6. Your Customs Client Code can be cancelled, which means you are not able to import or export anything from or into the United Arab Emirates. 

Conclusion 

It is the good practice to renew your Trade License on annual basis before the expiry date. This will protect your business from shutdowns, and large fines among others. It will also ensure that your employees are secure in a safe working environment. 

The government has made it easy for businesses to renew their trade license on time, just ensure that you have the right documentation and visit the official website prepared. 

Oftentimes the official portal doesn’t work, it’s better to submit the application ahead of time to avoid last minute surprises. If you’re not sure how the process of renewing a trade license in Dubai works, contact our UAE experts at Stratrich Consulting to make the process straightforward.