The cost to renew a Dubai trade license ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 15,000+ for the license issuance fee, depending on your business activity. Additional fees include trade name reservation (AED 620–1,000), initial approval (AED 120–500), and Ejari registration (AED 220 plus knowledge dirham).
Q&A
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Dubai Trade License?
Renew your Dubai trade license for AED 1,000–15,000+ depending on activity. Get expert DET guidance and fast processing. Contact Wasleen Approvals today.
By Wasleen Liminal Approval Consultants — Approval Consultants
Back to DED Approval (Dubai Economy & Tourism)At a glance
The Dubai trade license renewal cost ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 15,000+ depending on your business activity and legal structure. Additional fees include trade name reservation (AED 620–1,000), initial approval (AED 120–500), and Knowledge & Innovation Dirham (AED 10 + 10% of the applicable fee). Renewal typically takes 1–5 working days after approvals, provided all documents are in order.
What Is the Dubai Trade License Renewal Cost?
The cost to renew a Dubai trade license varies significantly based on your business activity and legal structure. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the license issuance fee alone ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 15,000+ for new licenses, and renewal fees follow a similar pattern. This means that a small trading company might pay around AED 1,000, while a large industrial or professional firm could pay over AED 15,000.
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name reservation | AED 620–1,000 | Varies with legal structure; reserved via DET |
| Initial approval | AED 120–500 | Confirms activity is licensable |
| Trade license issuance | AED 1,000–15,000+ | Heavily activity-dependent; renewal and activity additions extra |
| Ejari registration | AED 220 + knowledge dirham | Required for mainland office tenancy |
| Knowledge & Innovation Dirham | AED 10 + 10% of applicable fee | Added to most DET transactions |
These figures are indicative and should be verified against the DET's official portal (det.gov.ae) before making financial decisions. The exact amount you pay will depend on factors such as your business activity, the number of shareholders, and whether you operate in a mainland or free zone.
Breakdown of Renewal Fees
To help you budget, here is a detailed breakdown of the typical fees you can expect when renewing your Dubai trade license. Remember that these are the same fees that apply to initial licensing, as renewal involves re-issuing the license for the new year.
Trade Name Reservation Fee
Before you can renew, you must ensure your trade name is still reserved. The DET charges AED 620–1,000 for trade name reservation, depending on your legal structure (e.g., sole establishment, LLC, or civil company). This fee is paid each time you renew, as the reservation is typically valid for one year.
Initial Approval Fee
The initial approval fee ranges from AED 120–500. This step confirms that your business activity is still licensable under DET regulations. While it is a smaller cost, it is a mandatory part of the renewal process.
License Issuance Fee
The largest component is the license issuance fee, which ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 15,000+ for renewal. This fee is heavily activity-dependent—for example, a general trading license may cost more than a professional services license. Additional activities on your license will incur extra charges.
Ejari Registration Fee
If you have a mainland office, you must have a valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract. The Ejari registration fee is AED 220 plus the Knowledge & Innovation Dirham. This is a prerequisite for license renewal, as it proves you have physical office space.
Knowledge & Innovation Dirham
Most DET transactions include a Knowledge & Innovation Dirham fee of AED 10 plus 10% of the applicable fee. This is a standard government levy that applies to trade name reservation, initial approval, and license issuance.
Renewal Process and Timeline
The Dubai trade license renewal process typically takes 1–5 working days after all approvals are obtained, provided your documents are complete. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process and expected timelines.
Total time from start to finish is typically 5–15 working days, depending on how quickly you complete each step. Working with a professional approval consultant can help streamline the process and avoid delays.
Required Documents for Renewal
To renew your Dubai trade license, you will need to provide the following documents. Having these ready in advance can significantly speed up the process.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport copy (all shareholders) | Must be valid for 6+ months |
| Emirates ID | Where applicable |
| Entry visa / residence visa (for mainland) | As per legal structure |
| Ejari-registered tenancy contract | Required for mainland office |
| Initial approval / MOA | Per DET process |
If you are unsure about any of these documents or need assistance with the renewal process, our team at Wasleen Approvals can guide you through every step. We have extensive experience with DET approvals and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
How to Reduce Your Renewal Costs
While the DET fees are fixed, you can reduce your overall renewal costs by avoiding late fees and ensuring your documentation is complete from the start. Late renewal can result in penalties, which are not included in the standard fee structure and can significantly increase your costs.
Additionally, if your business activity has changed, you may need to add new activities, which will incur extra fees. Review your current activities with a consultant to ensure you are not paying for unnecessary ones. For expert advice on DET approvals, consider our DED approval services.
Get Expert Help with Your Trade License Renewal
Renewing your Dubai trade license can be complex, especially with varying fees and documentation requirements. At Wasleen Approvals, we specialize in DET approvals and can handle the entire process for you, ensuring a smooth and timely renewal. Contact us today to get a personalized quote and avoid costly delays.
Our team has in-depth knowledge of DET processes and can help you navigate the renewal process with confidence. Let us take the hassle out of your trade license renewal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The DED (now DET) license renewal fee varies by activity and legal structure, typically falling between AED 1,000 and AED 15,000+. This is the core license issuance fee, and you must also pay trade name reservation and initial approval fees as part of the renewal process.
The renewal process typically takes 1–5 working days for license issuance after all approvals are obtained, with the entire process taking 5–15 working days including trade name reservation and Ejari registration. Timelines vary based on document completeness and external NOCs.
You will need a valid passport copy for all shareholders (valid 6+ months), Emirates ID where applicable, entry/residence visa for mainland, an Ejari-registered tenancy contract, and initial approval/MOA as per DET process. Having these ready speeds up renewal.
No, for mainland licenses, a valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract is mandatory. However, free zone licenses may have different requirements. If you do not have an office, consider consulting a professional to explore options like virtual offices or free zone setups.
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