Renewing a business licence in Dubai.
Renew your licence within the term set by the licensing authority. The renewal total depends on your activity, premises, licence term and included services. Request an itemised second-year quote before incorporation; no verified fixed renewal amounts are currently published here.
Last updated: 4 November 2026
What contributes to the renewal total?
Residence permits, Emirates ID and other documents have their own expiry dates. Do not assume every item renews annually or is included in the licence package. Ask about VAT, administration fees and any deposits separately.
- Authority licence and registration renewal charges where applicable
- Registered address, flexi-desk, tenancy or premises renewal
- Sector approvals and permits where applicable
- Immigration or establishment-file renewal where required
- Separately agreed professional services
Compare the second year, not just the first
An introductory formation discount may not carry over to renewal. Request the initial total, second-year total and later renewal basis in writing. Confirm what happens if you add activities, staff, visas or premises, and whether optional meeting-room or mail services are included or charged separately.
- Compare initial company setup costs — Keep the initial quote separate from recurring commitments.
- Review flexible office requirements — Confirm that renewed premises still support your activity and visa needs.
Your renewal checklist
Expired licences can create penalties or operating restrictions under the applicable rules. If you plan to stop trading, follow the authority's cancellation or liquidation process rather than just leaving the licence to expire.
- Check the licence expiry date and authority's renewal process.
- Confirm premises documents and any required sector approvals remain valid.
- Review licensed activities, owners and manager details for changes.
- Obtain an itemised renewal quote and confirm inclusions.
- Submit the required documents and payments before the authority deadline.
- Track tax filings, residence permits and immigration records separately.
FAQ
How much does it cost to renew a UAE trade licence?
Trade licences commonly require annual renewal, although the term depends on the authority and package. Renewal costs depend on activities, premises, visa capacity and included services. No verified recurring amounts have been supplied, so we do not present a fixed annual price. Ask for the expected second-year and later renewal totals, including licence, premises, immigration-file renewal and administration where applicable. Residence permits have separate renewal cycles. A discounted first year does not establish the later renewal cost.
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