A step-by-step guide to renewing a business license in Dubai

Renewing a business license in Dubai is an important step in ensuring that your business
continues to operate legally.

Whether you have a permit for the Dubai mainland or free zone or you have a license from the Northern Emirates, Mainland or Freezones, the renewal process is easy if you understand the requirements and prepare the necessary documents in advance.

Top 6 types of business licenses in Dubai 2024

In this guide, we will give you insights into the step-by-step process of renewing your business license in Dubai.

1. Understanding the Type of License

Before diving into the renewal process, it’s very important to identify the type of license your business holds:

Mainland License: Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Freezone License: Issued by one of Dubai’s Freezones authorities

Northern Emirates License: For businesses operating in the northern emirates of the UAE like Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman

Each license type has specific renewal requirements, so understanding these distinctions is an important step.

2. Documents Required for Mainland License Renewal.

For businesses operating under a mainland license, the following documents are required:

Ejari Resubmission: Ejari is the official online registration system for tenancy contracts in Dubai on the Dubai Land Department portal similar to relevant authorities in other Emirates

For trade license renewal, you must resubmit your Ejari certificate, so that your office lease is up to date.

Trade License Voucher: This document will display the renewal fee, which is typically in line with the prior year’s. The amount of the renewal will be according to the voucher cost.

Earlier Trade License Number: Your existing trade license number is needed for the renewal process to ensure continuity and avoid any discrepancies.

Establishment Card Number: Any company that issues Visas The establishment card number is a unique identifier for your business entity in Dubai. It is renewed every year with the trade license in Dubai and in Northern Emirates renewed every 2 years

Zero Visa Company: If your company has no visas under its name, the process is simpler as the establishment card is not required

3. Documents Required for Freezone License Renewal

The renewal process for a Freezone license varies depending on whether your license is multi-year or single-year. The required documents include:

Multi-Year vs. Single-Year License: If you have a multi-year license, you only need to renew the associated documents, only at the time of renewal after the license expiry year.

For a single-year license, annual renewal is mandatory.

Establishment Card: Similar to the mainland, the establishment card is essential for the renewal process.

Additional Considerations: Each Freezone has its own set of regulations and fees, so it’s advisable to check with the respective Freezone authority for any additional requirements.

4. Documents Required for Northern Emirates License Renewal

If your business operates in the Northern Emirates, here are the specifics:

License is only for one year there is an option for a multi-year license which also offers a discount up to 30% on the total cost

E-Channel Renewal: The e-channel, an online system for visa applications and renewals, must be renewed annually even though the license is valid for two years.

Other Documents: Similar to Dubai’s requirements, a passport copy of the owner, Emirates ID, and establishment card are necessary.

5. Common Documents Across All License Types

Regardless of your license type, certain documents are universally required:

Passport Copy of Company Owner: A valid passport copy of the business owner is mandatory.

Emirates ID: The Emirates ID is a critical document for any legal processes in the UAE, including trade license renewal.

Visa Quota Cost: If your company employs expatriates, you’ll need to pay the visa quota cost during the renewal process.

6. Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to renewing your trade license in Dubai:

Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents as per your license type.

Submit Renewal Application: Submit the renewal application through the appropriate government portal (DED for mainland, relevant Freezone authority, or northern emirates portal).

Pay the Fees: Make the payment as indicated in the trade license voucher or by the relevant authority

Receive Renewed License: Once all documents are verified and payments are made, your renewed trade license will be issued.

Conclusion

Renewing your business license in Dubai every year is important to keep your business running smoothly.

By following the steps mentioned above and ensuring that all the required documents are in order, you will be able to go through the renewal process without any problems.

If you need help or have specific questions, our team at Setupmate is always here to help.

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