How to Renew a Dubai Trade Licence: Step-by-Step Process and Costs

Answer Capsule: Dubai trade licence renewal costs AED 10,000–15,000 in DET government fees and must be completed annually before the expiry date. Late renewal triggers fines of AED 2,000 on day one plus AED 1,000 per month. The process involves confirming company details, ensuring Ejari and establishment card are current, paying renewal fees through DET, and collecting the updated licence.

When to Start the Renewal Process

Start at least 30 days before your licence expiry date — though 60 days is ideal. This gives time to resolve any issues that might delay processing: expired Ejari, pending MOHRE violations, outdated establishment card, or needed activity amendments.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Verify company information (30–60 days before expiry) Check that all information on your current licence is accurate — company name, address, business activities, and partner details. Any changes must be processed as amendments before or alongside the renewal.

Step 2: Confirm Ejari status (30 days before) Your Ejari contract must be active and matching your registered address. If your lease has expired or you have moved, update the Ejari first.

Step 3: Renew establishment card (if expiring) Your MOHRE establishment card must be current for licence renewal. If it expires around the same time, renew it first (AED 2,000).

Step 4: Clear any pending violations (14–30 days before) Check for outstanding MOHRE violations, labour complaints, or Emiratisation non-compliance. These can block the renewal process.

Step 5: Pay DET renewal fees (7–14 days before) Submit the renewal application to DET with payment of government fees. This can be done through the DET portal or through a government service centre.

Step 6: Collect renewed licence (1–5 business days after payment) DET processes the renewal and issues the updated licence, valid for 12 months from the renewal date.

Renewal Costs

| Component | AED | Notes | |---|---|---| | DET licence renewal | 10,000–15,000 | Varies by activities | | Establishment card renewal | 2,000 | If expiring | | Chamber of Commerce | 500–1,200 | Annual membership | | Ejari renewal | 500–1,500 | If lease renewed | | DET late fee (if applicable) | 2,000+ | AED 2,000 day 1, AED 1,000/month |

What Can Go Wrong

The most common renewal complications are expired Ejari (DET will not process renewal without active Ejari), pending MOHRE violations (labour complaints or Emiratisation gaps block renewal), outdated establishment card (must be current), and partner disputes (unresolved disagreements between partners can prevent renewal).

ZETUP's Proactive Renewal Management

For all PRO retainer clients, ZETUP tracks every renewal deadline and sends reminders 60 days in advance. We handle the entire process — document preparation, DET submission, fee payment, and licence collection. The processing fee is included in your monthly retainer at no additional cost.

Learn about our PRO services | Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline? A: AED 2,000 fine on the first day, plus AED 1,000 per month until renewed. Extended non-renewal can result in licence suspension.

Q: Can I change my business activities during renewal? A: Yes, activity amendments can be processed alongside renewal. Additional fees apply.

Q: Do I need an audit for renewal? A: Mainland companies generally need audited financial statements for renewal. Engage an auditor well before your renewal date.

Q: Can ZETUP handle the renewal if I am not in Dubai? A: Yes. We manage the entire process remotely. You only need to provide updated documents and authorise payment.

Q: How long does the actual renewal process take? A: Once submitted with all documents in order, DET processes renewals within 1–5 business days.