Renewing your company’s trade license each year is mandatory in the UAE, but the process can be really confusing if you don’t know the steps. The good news is many license types can now be renewed online, making it much faster and easier!
Who Can Renew a Trade License Online?
The Department of Economic Development (DED) portal allows digital renewal for most license holders, with some exceptions:
- DED licenses (all types except regulated activities like healthcare and tourism)
- Free zone licenses
- Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA)
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Dubai Production City (DPC)
However, the following still need manual renewal:
- Licenses with ownership changes
- Certain regulated industries
- Some specific free zone company types
If you’re unsure whether your license qualifies, login to the DED portal and check your status.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Online
Follow these steps for easy digital renewal:
- Gather Documents: You’ll need digital copies of your current license, e-stamp, owner’s Emirates ID front and back, and any other activity permits required. Having files ready avoids delays retrieving papers.
- Login to DED Portal: Access the DED renewal portal using your email and trade license number.
- Enter Business Details: Confirm or update important company details like business activity, ownership percentages, contact information, number of visa quotas needed.
- Pay Renewal Fees: Fees are calculated based on factors like activities, shareholders, visa quotas. Pay via credit card right on the portal.
- Download Renewed Documents: Your updated trade license, estamp and other certificates are available for download within 1-2 days!
What Documents are Needed?
Before starting the renewal process, gather digital copies of:
- Current Trade License – Download from DED portal
- E-Stamp – Digital seal tied to your specific license
- Owner’s Emirates ID – Front and back sides
- Other Permits – Customs regs, specific activity approvals
Having these files ready avoids delays retrieving papers during the process.
Renewal Fees Breakdown
Exact charges depend on your license type and details:
- Dubai DED – Starts at AED 1,500
- Free Zone – Around AED 2,000+
- Creative City – AED 1,000
- DMCCA – AED 15,000+
The number of business activities, shareholders, visa quotas and other factors impact final costs. Fees must be paid by credit card online.
Know the Renewal Deadlines
Meeting renewal due dates is crucial to avoid fines up to AED 15,000:
- DED Licenses – Within 30 days after your expiration date
- Free Zones – Often 1-3 months before expiration
Grace periods exist too. For example, DED gives an extra 3 months after expiration to renew before canceling a license. But hefty financial penalties still apply for late renewals!
Getting Help with Trade License Renewals
If any issues come up during renewal, quickly reach out for assistance:
- Call DED hotline at 800 70 or use website chat
- Visit your free zone authority office
- Hire a consultancy like Company ABC for personalized help
Our experts guide hundreds of clients through successful online renewal every year.
Conclusion
Renewing your company’s trade license in the UAE is a crucial obligation that should not be overlooked. Fortunately, the online renewal process has made this task much more convenient and efficient for most license holders. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this blog post, gathering the required documents, and adhering to the renewal deadlines, businesses can ensure compliance with UAE regulations and avoid potential fines or license cancellations.
However, if you encounter any difficulties or have specific circumstances that require manual renewal, it is advisable to seek assistance from the relevant authorities or experienced consultants. Seeking professional guidance can streamline the process, ensure accuracy, and provide peace of mind knowing that your trade license renewal is handled correctly.
FAQs
Yes, renewing your trade license annually is mandatory in the UAE. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or even the cancellation of your license.
You will typically need digital copies of your current trade license, e-stamp, owner’s Emirates ID (front and back), and any other activity permits or approvals required for your business.
Renewal deadlines vary depending on the issuing authority. For DED licenses, renewal must be completed within 30 days after the expiration date. Free zone licenses often have a renewal window of 1-3 months before expiration. Failure to renew on time can result in fines up to AED 15,000 and, in some cases, the cancellation of your license.
Yes, if you encounter any issues during the renewal process, you can seek assistance from various sources, such as the DED hotline or website chat, your free zone authority office, or by hiring a professional consultancy firm specializing in trade license renewals.
