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Dubai trade licence renewal 2026
A trade licence is valid for one year. Renew it before the expiry date — a late licence brings fines and can block your staff visas.
Checked October 2026
Valid for1 year
Mainland renewalsInvest in Dubai (invest.dubai.ae) or DET
Free zone renewalsyour free zone’s own portal
Late renewalfrom AED 250 per month
Must be validEjari tenancy contract (mainland)
When to renew
Start at least 30 days before the expiry date. That leaves time to fix an Ejari problem or get a third-party approval your activity needs.
What you usually need (mainland)
- A copy of the current trade licence.
- A valid, registered Ejari tenancy contract.
- The signed renewal form.
- Passport copies of the partners, and Emirates ID copies for partners living in the UAE.
- Approvals from other authorities if your activity needs them (for example DHA, KHDA or RTA).
Where to renew
Mainland: online on Invest in Dubai (invest.dubai.ae) or at a DET service centre. Free zone: on your free zone’s own portal — some zones also ask for audited accounts.
What happens if it expires?
- Late renewal penalties — commonly AED 250 for each month of delay after the grace period.
- A separate fine for trading on an expired licence.
- Employee and investor visa renewals can be blocked.
- Customs and other government services that need a valid licence stop working.
Check the exact amounts for your licence on Invest in Dubai before you pay.
Get a reminder before it expires — free.Add the document once. LifeDesk reminds you on your phone, for you and your whole family.
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Questions
How early can I renew my Dubai trade licence?
Start at least 30 days before the expiry date so you have time for Ejari and any approvals.
What is the fine for late trade licence renewal in Dubai?
Late renewal penalties commonly start at AED 250 per month of delay. Check the exact amount for your licence on Invest in Dubai.
Where do I renew a Dubai mainland trade licence?
Online on Invest in Dubai (invest.dubai.ae) or at a DET service centre. Free zone licences are renewed on the free zone’s own portal.
Sources
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