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Renewing Your Business License: What You Need to Know

Every business in the UAE, whether operating on the Mainland or in a Free Zone, is required to hold a valid trade license. But getting your license is only the first step, renewing your business license annually is equally important to remain compliant with UAE laws.


This educational guide from Verde, your trusted business setup partner, breaks down everything you need to know about renewing your trade license plus expert tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.


Renewing Your Business License

Why Is Business License Renewal So Important?

In the UAE, your business license is more than a document, it’s your legal gateway to operate. If your license expires, it’s not just a bureaucratic issue; your operations, visas, bank accounts, and even office tenancy can be frozen or penalized.


Consequences of late or failed renewal include:

  • Fines starting from AED 500/month

  • Blacklisting of the company

  • Blocked immigration or visa services

  • Suspension of bank accounts

  • Reputational damage


Types of Business Licenses in the UAE

The renewal process may vary slightly depending on your business structure and location. The main types of licenses in the UAE are:

  1. Commercial License – For trading and retail activities

  2. Professional License – For service providers, consultants, freelancers

  3. Industrial License – For manufacturing and industrial activities

  4. Tourism License – For travel agencies, hotels, tour operators


Whether you're in a Mainland or Free Zone, the type of license affects the approvals and documents needed for renewal.


Step-by-Step Guide: Renewing Your Business License in the UAE


For Mainland Businesses (via DED - Dubai Economic Department):

  1. Ensure your Ejari (tenancy contract) is valid

    • Must be attested and valid for at least 1 month beyond the renewal date.

  2. Submit the renewal request

    • Through the DED portal or authorized service centers.

  3. Pay any outstanding fines

    • Any unpaid penalties may delay your renewal.

  4. Get external approvals (if required)

    • Specific sectors need approvals from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, RTA, KHDA, etc.

  5. Pay the renewal fee

    • Once approved, pay and receive your renewed license.


For Free Zone Businesses:

  1. Log into your Free Zone portal

    • Each zone (like DMCC, DIFC, Dubai South, etc.) has its own system.

  2. Upload required documents

    • Trade license copy, passport copies, updated tenancy contract, and renewal form.

  3. Pay renewal and office lease fee

    • Renewal and leasing go hand in hand in many Free Zones.

  4. Receive renewed license

    • Typically issued within 1–5 business days, depending on the zone.


What Documents Do You Need?

Here are the standard documents required for most renewals:

  • Valid Ejari or Free Zone lease agreement

  • Original trade license

  • Passport copies of all partners/shareholders

  • Emirates ID and visa copy of the authorized signatory

  • Renewal application form

  • Additional sector-specific NOCs or approvals if applicable


How Much Does License Renewal Cost?

Renewal costs vary based on:

  • Your license type (commercial, professional, industrial)

  • Number of visas under your license

  • Free Zone vs. Mainland jurisdiction

  • Additional government approvals or fines


Typical range: AED 8,000 to AED 15,000, excluding fines or visa renewals. Verde provides accurate cost breakdowns and renewal timelines tailored to your setup.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Renewing too late. This leads to fines and delays in visa processing.

Incorrect Ejari or expired lease. Without a valid tenancy contract, your renewal will be blocked.

Unpaid fines. Even a small traffic or municipality fine under your trade license can delay renewal.

Not getting external approvals. Certain sectors like real estate, healthcare, or construction require authority approvals during renewal.


Expert Tips for a Smooth Renewal

Start 30–45 days before expiry. This gives you time to handle approvals, fines, and paperwork.

Maintain a compliance checklist. Stay updated on changes in Free Zone or DED requirements.

Use a business consultant like Verde. We handle the full renewal process from document collection to submission so you don’t have to stress.

Bundle your services. Combine your license renewal with PRO services, visa renewals, or bank account support to save time and cost.


Let Verde Handle It for You

Renewing your business license doesn’t have to be a time-consuming hassle. At Verde, we offer:

  • Document preparation

  • DED/Free Zone coordination

  • Approval follow-ups

  • Reminders before deadlines

  • Complete PRO support

Whether you're a solopreneur or managing a large team, Verde ensures your business stays compliant, seamlessly.


Renewing Your Business License

Renewing your business license in the UAE is a non-negotiable part of running a legitimate, thriving company. Knowing what’s required and when can save you thousands in fines, and keep your business operating without disruption.


Need help? Let Verde handle your license renewal from start to finish.

Book a free consultation with us today!


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