Renew a Dubai Mainland Trade License

Trade license renewal in Dubai requires a valid Ejari, updated company documents, and payment of DED renewal fees. The process takes 1–3 days and ensures continuous legal operations, visa services, and government access. Renewing on time prevents fines, license suspension, and business disruptions. VA Zone provides fast and compliant DED renewal services.

How to Renew a Dubai Mainland Trade License (2026 Guide)

Renewing your Dubai Mainland Trade License is crucial to maintaining your company’s legal standing and ensuring smooth operations.

This guide covers every step of the renewal process, including required documents, costs, expert tips — everything you need for a hassle-free renewal.

👉 Related: Dubai Mainland License – Full Guide

Why Timely Dubai Mainland Trade License Renewal is Crucial for Your Business

Renewing your Dubai Mainland trade license on time is essential to avoid penalties, legal issues, and business disruptions.

A valid license ensures smooth business operations, protects your company’s reputation, and allows you to access visas, bank accounts, and government services without delay.

Here’s why timely renewal matters:

Fines: AED 250 monthly penalty, plus a 10% surcharge after 60 days of delay.
Business Disruption: Visa applications, employee visa renewals, and government services may get suspended.
License Cancellation: The Department of Economic Development (DED) can automatically cancel a license after prolonged non-renewal.

👉 Related: How to Get a Mainland License in Dubai

Dubai Mainland Trade License Renewal Deadlines & Penalties

Licenses must be renewed every 12 months.
Renewal can begin up to 30 days before expiry.
Penalties for late renewal include:
Delay Period Penalty
1–30 days AED 250 per month
60+ days 10% surcharge on total fees
90+ days DED may freeze license
6 months+ License may be cancelled; visas suspended

Delay Period	Penalty
1–30 days	AED 250 per month
60+ days	10% surcharge on total fees
90+ days	DED may freeze license
6 months+	License may be cancelled; visas suspended

Additional Risks:

Bank account freeze
Immigration services blocked
Visa quotas stopped

Documents Required for Trade License Renewal in Dubai Mainland

Prepare the following documents:

Copy of the current Trade License
Valid Ejari Certificate (registered tenancy contract)
Certified Tenancy Contract
Passport copies of all owners and partners
UAE Residence Visa copies (if applicable)
Completed License Renewal Application Form
External Approvals (for specific regulated activities)

Additional Documents You May Need (Depending on Activities)

BR/1 License Renewal Form
Updated Memorandum of Association (for LLC amendments)
Passport-size photos for shareholders (if requested)
NOC from sponsors (for certain modifications)
Approvals from:
- Dubai Municipality
- Dubai Health Authority
- RTA
- Civil Defense
- Telecom Regulatory Authority

Renewal Requirements for LLC / Professional / Sole Establishment

1. LLC (Limited Liability Company)

Valid MOA
Partner passports & Emirates IDs
Ejari contract
Establishment card
Activity-related approvals

2. Professional License

Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement
Passport & Emirates ID
Ejari contract
Fewer approvals required unless regulated

3. Sole Establishment

Only the owner’s documents are required
No MOA
Straightforward renewal process

Step-by-Step Process to Renew a Dubai Mainland Trade License

1. Validate Your Tenancy Contract

Ensure your tenancy contract is valid and registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

2. Collect All Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents before applying.

3. Submit the Renewal Application

You can submit your renewal:

Online via the DED eServices Portal
Through the Invest in Dubai Portal
In-person at DED Service Centers (e.g., Al Twar Center)

4. Pay the Renewal Fees

Typical fees include:

Fee Type	Amount (Approx.)

License Renewal Fee

AED 6,000–13,000

Knowledge Dirham Fee

AED 10

Innovation Dirham Fee

AED 10

Note: Additional external approval fees may apply for regulated activities.

Dubai Mainland Trade License Renewal Cost Breakdown

Fee Type	Estimated Cost (AED)	Notes
DED License Renewal Fee	6,000 – 13,000	Varies by activity and number of partners
Office Ejari / Tenancy Contract	10,000 – 20,000	Annual rent; mandatory for all mainland licenses
Establishment Card Renewal	700 – 1,200	MOHRE fees
Immigration Card Renewal	500 – 1,000	Required for visa-related activities
External Activity Approvals	300 – 5,000	For regulated sectors (DHA, RTA, Municipality, etc.)
Local Service Agent Fee (if applicable)	500 – 5,000	For professional licenses
Total Estimated Cost	8,000 – 25,000	Depends on business and location

5. Receive Your Renewed Trade License

After successful processing, your new trade license will be issued by email or available for pickup at DED centers.

6. Official DED Renewal Process

Dubai Economy (DED) outlines an updated renewal process that must be followed for successful mainland license renewal. Here is the official 2025 sequence:

Check Ejari Validity
Your tenancy contract must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the license expiry date.
Log in to DED eServices / Invest in Dubai Portal
Access your business account through the official digital channels.
Submit BR/1 Renewal Form
This is the mandatory form for mainland license renewal.
Attach All Required Documents
Upload Ejari, passport copies, MOA, Emirates ID, and partner details.
Request External Approvals (if required)
Activities related to health, transport, food, engineering, and education may require extra approvals.
Receive Payment Voucher
DED issues an online voucher listing all applicable fees.
Complete Payment Online or at a Service Centre
You may pay through DED online, banks, or smart kiosks.
Receive Renewed License by Email
Once payment is completed, the renewed license will be delivered digitally.

Mainland vs Free Zone License Renewal — Key Differences

Feature	Mainland (DED)	Free Zone
Renewal Cost	Higher	Lower
Office Requirement	Ejari mandatory	Flexi-desk available
Ownership	100% Foreign Ownership Allowed (LLC)	100% foreign ownership
Visa Limit	More flexible	Limited by package
External Approvals	Often required	Rarely needed
Processing Time	1–3 days	Same-day in many zones

Activity Modification During Renewal — What’s Allowed?

You can make changes such as:

Adding activities
Deleting activities
Changing activity group
Switching from Professional to Commercial license

Conditions:

Additional fees may apply
Updated MOA required for LLC
External approvals required for regulated activities

Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Trade License Renewal

Start Early: Begin at least 30 days before license expiry.
Use DED Auto-Renewal: Send your license number via SMS to 6969 for automatic renewal.
Hire a Consultant: Agencies like VA Zone can manage your renewal paperwork and approvals, saving you time and avoiding mistakes.

Trade Name Renewal Rules (DED Guidelines)

Trade names must be renewed separately (1 or 3 years)
Cannot duplicate any registered business name
Restricted words require approval (e.g., International, Global)
Expired trade names may be released back to the public

Conclusion

Renewing your Dubai Mainland Trade License is not just a legal requirement — it’s vital for your business continuity and growth.

Follow the correct process, prepare documents, and start early to avoid last-minute issues.

Professional help from business consultants like VA Zone can make the process smooth and efficient.

👉 If you're planning a new setup or license renewal, don't miss our guides:

FAQs about Dubai Mainland Trade License Renewal

How long does renewing a Dubai Mainland trade license take?

Usually, it is 1–3 working days, provided all documents are in order.

Can I renew my Dubai Mainland license online?

Yes! Renewal is possible via the DED eServices portal or the Invest in Dubai platform.

What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?

Expect: AED 250 monthly fines
10% surcharge after 60 days
Suspension of visas and government services
License cancellation after prolonged non-renewal

Is a valid Ejari contract mandatory for renewal?

Your tenancy contract must be valid for at least one month beyond your license expiry date.

Can a consultant help with my trade license renewal?

Absolutely! Companies like VA Zone handle complete renewal services, ensuring smooth compliance and time savings.

What is the cost range for renewing a Dubai Mainland trade license?

Typically between AED 6,000 and 13,000, depending on your business activity and structure.

✨ Pro Tip: Planning for expansion after renewal? Please explore our complete guide on the Dubai Mainland License to understand new business opportunities!