How to Renew a Trade License in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Fines (2026)
Short answer: To renew a mainland trade licence in Dubai, apply online through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) on Invest in Dubai. You’ll need a valid, Ejari-registered tenancy contract, any external approvals for your activity, and the renewal fees. Under Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011, a licence is valid for one year (it can be issued for up to four years with approval) and must be renewed within the last month before it expires. Late renewal carries fines, so plan ahead. Free zone licences are renewed with the free zone authority instead.
When should I renew my Dubai trade licence?
Law No. 13 of 2011, which regulates economic activities in Dubai, says a licence is valid for one year and renewable for the same period. At the business’s request, and with approval, the licence can be valid for more than one year, up to four years. The law requires a business to renew within the last month before the licence expires. Put the expiry date and your Ejari expiry date in your calendar, as they often fall on different dates.
What do I need to renew a trade licence?
- Your licence number and access to the DET online services account
- A valid tenancy contract registered on Ejari for the business premises
- Any external approvals your activity needs (for example health, food safety or education approvals), renewed and valid
- Updated documents if partners, managers or contact details have changed
- Payment of the renewal fees shown in the payment voucher
DET’s online help notes that a licence cannot be renewed if the tenancy contract is not registered, and that applications needing external approvals are sent to the relevant authorities before the payment letter is issued.
How do I renew my trade licence online, step by step?
- Log in to DET’s business services (through Invest in Dubai).
- Choose “Renew licence” and enter your licence number.
- Check the licence details and update your contact information if needed.
- Enter your Ejari tenancy contract number so the system can retrieve the rent.
- Upload any required documents for your activity.
- Submit the application. DET reviews it and sends it for external approvals where needed.
- Pay the fees when the payment voucher is issued, then download the renewed licence.
What happens if I renew late?
Dubai’s fines schedule (Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011) lists a fine of AED 200 per month for delay in renewing a licence, with part of a month counted as a full month. Other fines can apply too. An expired licence can also block visa renewals, bank transactions and government services. Under Law No. 13 of 2011, a business that fails to renew and stops trading can have its licence cancelled after a public notice. Check the current fees and fines with DET before you renew.
How is free zone licence renewal different?
Free zone companies renew with their own free zone authority, such as DMCC, JAFZA, Dubai South or IFZA, not with DET. Each free zone sets its own renewal timeline, documents (often a valid lease or flexi-desk agreement) and fees. Check your free zone’s portal well before the expiry date.
What else should I renew at the same time?
| Item | Where |
|---|---|
| Tenancy contract and Ejari | Landlord and Ejari |
| Activity approvals | The relevant authority (for example DHA, Dubai Municipality, KHDA) |
| Establishment card | Immigration (GDRFA) |
| MOHRE establishment and work permits | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation |
| VAT and corporate tax records | Federal Tax Authority (keep details up to date) |
Should I renew, sell or cancel my licence?
If you no longer use the business, renewing it every year costs money. You might be able to sell the running business or the licence instead: running businesses and trade licences for sale are listed on BusinessFinder.me. Read how to buy or sell a trade licence safely. If you want to close the company, apply for cancellation properly with DET, as an unrenewed licence keeps building up fines. You can also list your business for sale.
Tip: if your activity needs an external approval, start renewing that approval a few weeks before the licence renewal month, as it often takes the longest. Read how to start a business in the UAE as a foreigner for the full steps.
Key takeaways
- Renew a Dubai mainland licence online through DET, within the last month before expiry.
- You need a valid Ejari-registered lease and any external approvals for your activity.
- Late renewal carries fines, listed as AED 200 per month of delay in the official fines schedule.
- Free zone licences are renewed with the free zone authority.
Related guides
- How to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Costs
- How to Start a Business in Dubai in 2026: Steps, Licences and Growth Tips
- Ajman Free Zone: Steps to Start Your Business There
- How to Value a Business in Dubai: Profit, Assets & Key Money
Frequently asked questions
How do I renew my trade licence in Dubai?
Apply online through DET’s business services on Invest in Dubai, with your licence number, a valid Ejari tenancy contract and any required approvals, then pay the fees.
When should a Dubai trade licence be renewed?
Law No. 13 of 2011 requires renewal within the last month before the licence expires.
What is the fine for late trade licence renewal in Dubai?
The official fines schedule lists AED 200 per month of delay, with part of a month counted as a full month. Other fines can also apply.
Can I renew my licence without Ejari?
No. DET’s online help says a licence cannot be renewed without a registered tenancy contract.
Can a Dubai trade licence be issued for more than one year?
Yes. With approval, a licence can be valid for more than one year, up to four years, under Law No. 13 of 2011.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
