Annual on the anniversary of license issuance (varies by authority).
Trade License Renewal
Annual renewal of the UAE trade license. Each Free Zone Authority and mainland DED has its own renewal process. Late renewal incurs penalties and can suspend operations.
Who this applies to
- All UAE-licensed businesses (mainland and free zone)
- Branches of foreign companies
What to file
Renewal application with the relevant licensing authority — DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, DIFC, Dubai DED, etc.
How to file
Online via the licensing authority's portal. Some require renewed Ejari (lease registration).
Payment due
Annual licensing fee — varies by authority and activity (AED 10,000 – AED 50,000+).
Penalties for missing this deadline
Authority-specific late fees, suspension of license, blocking of business banking, residence visa issues.
Filing checklist
- Renew Ejari / office lease
- Settle any outstanding fines
- Update activity codes if business changed
- Update beneficial owner information (UBO)
- Renew trade license via authority portal
- Pay annual fee
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting license lapse — bank accounts get frozen quickly
- Forgetting to renew Ejari first (some authorities require it before license)
- Missing UBO update at renewal
Never miss a United Arab Emirates deadline
AccountsOS tracks every Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Department of Economic Development (DED) / Free Zone Authority deadline and reminds you weeks ahead.
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