A Dubai mainland trade licence is valid for one year and must be renewed with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) before it expires. Most clean renewals take minutes online through Invest in Dubai, the Dubai Now app or a simple SMS — as long as your Ejari tenancy contract is valid and there are no unpaid fines on the licence.
This guide covers the renewal channels step by step, the documents DET may ask for, what the fees depend on, and what happens if you renew late.
Who needs to renew, and when
Every licence issued by DET for a Dubai mainland company must be renewed every year. Free zone companies renew through their own free zone authority instead, with its own portal, documents and penalties.
Start the process about 30 days before expiry. That leaves time to renew your Ejari, collect any approvals your activity needs, and fix problems before the expiry date passes.
Tip: check your Ejari first. Renewal cannot go ahead without a valid, registered tenancy contract, and consultants recommend keeping at least one month of Ejari validity beyond the licence expiry date.
Three ways to renew a Dubai trade licence
1. Online through Invest in Dubai
- Sign in to the Invest in Dubai portal (investindubai.gov.ae) with UAE PASS.
- Find your licence by licence number or trade name and confirm the registered email and mobile number.
- Complete the renewal application (the BR/1 form) and upload any documents requested.
- Review the fees on the payment voucher and pay by card or e-Dirham.
- Receive the renewed licence by email once payment clears.
2. By SMS to 6969
- Text your licence number to 6969 from the mobile number registered on the licence.
- Open the payment link you receive by SMS and pay online.
- Get the digital licence by email. SMS renewal is meant for straightforward renewals with no changes or outstanding issues.
3. Dubai Now app or a business service centre
The Dubai Now app offers the same renewal with UAE PASS sign-in and card payment. If your renewal involves changes, missing approvals or old fines, a registered business service centre — or your PRO — can submit it for you.
Documents you may need
For a simple renewal with no changes, DET usually already holds most records. Have these ready in case they are requested:
| Document | When it is needed |
|---|---|
| Copy of the current trade licence | All renewals |
| Valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract | All mainland renewals |
| BR/1 renewal application | Online and service-centre renewals |
| Passport and Emirates ID copies of owners and partners | All renewals |
| Updated Memorandum of Association | Only if ownership or structure changed |
| Dubai Chamber membership | Commercial and industrial licences |
| External approvals (e.g. Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, tourism authority) | Activities that require them, if the approval has expired |
What does renewal cost?
There is no single renewal fee. The amount depends on your licence type, business activities and any linked charges such as Dubai Chamber membership, and you see the exact total on the payment voucher before you pay. Small fixed charges such as the Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham are added per transaction, and Ejari renewal is a separate cost.
Important: fees and support packages change. In 2026 DET temporarily deferred some mainland fees, so always rely on the voucher amount rather than last year’s receipt.
Late renewal: fines and consequences
Renewing after the expiry date adds a monthly fine. Published figures differ between sources — Gulf News reported AED 200 per month, while several 2026 consultancy guides cite around AED 250 per month — so confirm the current amount on your voucher. A long delay can also lead to:
- blocks on employee visa renewals and other government services;
- problems with corporate bank accounts and customs codes;
- the licence being cancelled if it stays expired for a long period.
Common mistakes that delay renewal
- Expired or mismatched Ejari — the tenancy must be valid and match the licence’s registered address.
- Unpaid fines on the licence, which must be cleared before renewal is approved.
- Using an unregistered mobile number for SMS renewal.
- Expired activity approvals from other authorities for regulated activities.
- Leaving it to the last week, when portal issues or missing documents can push you past the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a renewed Dubai trade licence valid?
A renewed licence is valid for one year from renewal.
Can I renew my trade licence after it expires?
Yes, but monthly late fines apply from the day after expiry, and long delays can block visas and other services. Renew as soon as possible.
Do I need to visit DET in person?
Usually not. Most renewals are completed online, through the Dubai Now app or by SMS. Renewals with changes or missing approvals may need a service centre or a PRO.
Is free zone licence renewal the same?
No. Each free zone authority handles its own renewals, documents and penalties; Ejari is not used in free zones.
Get help in Dubai and across the UAE
Bin Gohar PRO Services handles trade licence renewals, amendments and the approvals around them for companies across all seven Emirates — including Ejari checks, document preparation and follow-up until the renewed licence is in your inbox. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 178 9163 for a clear quote before your licence expires, or see our company documentation services.
Also useful: UAE Document Attestation: Step-by-Step Guide.
Sources: Gulf News — Renew your Dubai trade licence online; BCL — Dubai trade licence renewal guide 2026; Takween Advisory — Trade licence renewal in Dubai 2026; Stratrich — Documents checklist.
