Your Dubai trade license renewal online allows you to complete the process in minutes via the Invest in Dubai portal or the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) services, provided your core documents are ready and your Ejari and lease contract are valid. Therefore, in this practical guide you will find the steps, documents, estimated fees, and payment methods, in addition to tips to avoid rejections and late penalties.
How to Renew Your Trade License in Dubai Online (Step-by-Step)
- First of all, check the validity of your lease contract and Ejari. Ideally, keep at least one month before expiry to avoid delays.
- Next, prepare the required documents: current license copy, BR/1 form (if requested), partners’ passport copies, Ejari certificate, and any activity-specific approvals.
- Then, go to the Invest in Dubai portal or DET e-services, log in via UAE PASS, and select Renew Trade Licence.
- After that, enter the license number and carefully review the details: trade name, address, partners, and activities. If anything changed, complete the amendment before payment.
- Now, upload the lease/Ejari and other required documents in clear format.
- Finally, pay the renewal fees online using cards/approved gateways (DubaiPay, etc.) and you will receive the receipt instantly.
- As a result, you receive the updated license electronically in PDF, which you can download from your account.
Digital Channels for Renewal
- Invest in Dubai: Unified portal to submit the renewal, pay fees, and receive the license electronically.
- DET Services Portal: Log in via UAE PASS and choose the renewal service.
- Dubai Now App: Submit and pay from your phone within minutes.
- SMS Service 6969: Send the license number to receive a payment link in certain cases.
Estimated Fees for Trade License Renewal in Dubai (2025)
Fees vary by activity type, number of visas, and required approvals. Generally, the total cost ranges between AED 7,000–15,000, depending on the case. Below are recurring items:
| Item | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base license fee | ~ AED 1,070 | Knowledge & Innovation fees included in the invoice. |
| Dubai Chamber fee (if applicable) | ~ AED 300 | Appears for certain activities. |
| Foreign trade name fee (if applicable) | AED 1,000–3,000 | Varies by name and activity. |
| General/Investment activity fee (if applicable) | Up to ~ AED 15,000 | For certain wide-scope activities. |
| Estimated total | ~ AED 7,000–15,000 | May increase/decrease based on activity and approvals. |
Late Penalties and Key Notes
- Monthly penalty: The authority applies a monthly fine for delays; therefore, renew early to avoid accrual. In many mainland cases, it’s about ~AED 250/month.
- Additional penalties: Operating with an expired license may lead to extra fines up to AED 5,000, and it can also impact visas and other services.
- 30-day buffer: It’s best to start renewal at least 30 days before expiry.
- Free zones note: Typically, each free zone follows its own penalty bands (e.g., 0–30/31–60/61–90 days).
Required Documents for Renewal
- Copy of the current trade license.
- Valid commercial lease + Ejari certificate (for mainland).
- Passport copies of partners/manager.
- BR/1 or other forms if requested.
- Any external approvals related to the activity, if applicable.
Common Renewal Rejections and How to Avoid Them
- Expired Ejari: Renew the lease and register Ejari before submission.
- Unclear/incomplete files: Upload high-quality documents in the accepted formats.
- Unregistered changes: If you changed activity/partner, complete the amendment first, then renew.
- Payment gateway errors: Try another card or DubaiPay; afterward, submit again.
Popular Online Payment Methods
- Credit/debit cards.
- DubaiPay and One Click Pay (when available).
- Dubai Now app.
- Payment link via SMS in certain cases.
FAQs
How long does online trade license renewal in Dubai take?
Usually, you submit in minutes. However, reviews may take from a few hours up to 1–2 working days depending on the case.
What is the cost to renew a trade license in Dubai?
It depends on the activity and approvals. Generally, the total ranges between AED 7,000–15,000, and wide-scope activities may cost more.
Can I operate while the license is expired?
We don’t recommend it due to fines and service interruptions. Therefore, renew at least 30 days before expiry.
Is Ejari mandatory for mainland trade license renewal?
Yes, authorities require a valid lease registered on Ejari.
What if the activity or partners changed?
Complete the license amendment first (activity/partners/name), then proceed with renewal to avoid rejection.
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