One Central – Offices No. 4 Dubai | Office: +971 45686046
ITQAN is a company that specializes in business setup and business growth

How to renew a business license in Dubai

How to renew a business license in Dubai

Some investors wonder how to renew a business license in Dubai because in the vibrant business world of Dubai, renewing a business license is an essential step to ensure business continuity and compliance with local laws. The license renewal process requires good planning and adherence to specified time limits, while ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met. In light of the ongoing developments in the business environment in the Emirate of Dubai, this process is an opportunity to update the company’s data and ensure its compliance with modern standards, which enhances the chances of success and future growth of the business. Through this article, we will learn about renewing the commercial license in Dubai

How to renew a business license in Dubai
How to renew a business license in Dubai

How to renew a trade license in Dubai?

To renew a trade license in Dubai, you can follow the following steps:

  • Early preparation: Prepare well before the expiration of the commercial license, as it is recommended to begin the procedures several months before the expiration.
  • Apply electronically: Visit the Dubai Department of Economic Development website or use the available electronic platforms to submit a renewal application. The application must be submitted with accurate information about the company and business activities.
  • Data update: Make sure to update all necessary company data such as contact address, legal officer, and company activities, if necessary.
  • Payment of fees: Pay the fees required for the renewal process. You can obtain details of fees through the website of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.
  • Inspection and Approval: After submitting an application, some businesses may require a site inspection. After that, you will receive a notification of approval and extension of the validity of the business license.
  • Receiving the renewed license: Once approved, you can receive the renewed license either from the Dubai Department of Economic Development website or via mail.
  • Compliance with instructions: Make sure to comply with all instructions and conditions that may be included in the renewed license, such as renewing insurances and other licenses if necessary. It is essential that you have all the necessary details and availability of supporting documents to ensure that the business license renewal process in Dubai is expedited and facilitated.

Commercial license in Dubai 

A commercial license in Dubai is a permit granted by the Dubai Department of Economic Development to individuals or companies to conduct commercial activities within the Emirate of Dubai. This license is considered essential for establishing and operating businesses in the emirate, and the types of commercial licenses vary depending on the type of activity and the place where it will be practiced. Types of commercial licenses that can be obtained in Dubai:

  • General Commercial License: Allows the practice of all types of commercial activities available in the emirate.
  • Professional license: allows an individual to practice a specific professional activity, such as medicine, engineering, law, or any other profession that requires special skills.
  • Industrial license: allocated to companies operating in the industrial sector and including the manufacture of products.
  • Tourism license: allows companies to provide tourism services such as tourism and travel.
  • E-commerce license: Allows companies to conduct business activities online without the need for a physical location.

Obtaining a commercial license in Dubai requires compliance with a set of conditions and procedures determined by the emirate’s Department of Economic Development, ensuring legal operation and full compliance with local regulations and legislation.

The importance of a trade license in Dubai

Legitimacy and Legal Compliance: A business license grants legal legitimacy to doing business in Dubai, ensuring compliance with local laws and legislation. This helps in avoiding legal problems and ensuring integrity in business activities. A business license in Dubai holds great importance for several main reasons:

  • Protection and economic security: A trade license enhances trust between customers and business partners, and provides protection for the company’s financial assets and property. This enhances the stability and economic security of the project.
  • Access to banking and financial services: Without a business license, businesses may face difficulties in opening bank accounts or obtaining basic financial services such as financing and investments. A commercial license facilitates these operations and supports company growth.
  • Business opportunities and partnerships: A trade license opens doors for the project to take advantage of the business opportunities available in Dubai and facilitates dealing with local and international business partners.
  • Expansion and growth: Thanks to the commercial license, the company can expand the scope of its business and open new branches, whether within Dubai or in global markets, which enhances the opportunities for growth and expansion.

In short, a commercial license in Dubai is not just a legal document, but rather a key to entering the business market legally and orderly, which enhances the chances of success and continuity of business in this vital emirate.

Conditions for a trade license in Dubai

The conditions for obtaining a business license in Dubai vary slightly depending on the type of business activity and the type of company. However, here are some general conditions that usually must be met:

  • Owner or authorized manager: The owner or authorized manager of the company must be legally qualified and must be able to bear the legal responsibility of the company.
  • Legal Age: The owner or authorized manager must be an adult and a minimum of eighteen years of age.
  • Commercial location: The company must have an approved commercial location in Dubai, whether by renting or owning a space.
  • Professional certificates: If business activities require special professional certificates (such as medicine, engineering, law, etc.), these certificates must be submitted with the application.
  • Additional licenses: Some commercial activities may need additional licenses from competent authorities such as the municipality or health authorities, depending on the nature of the activity.
  • Compliance with laws and legislation: The company must comply with all local laws and legislation in Dubai, including financial, tax, and labor regulations.
  • Business Plan: A detailed business plan must be submitted outlining the proposed company activities, financial projections, and future expansion plans.
  • Identification documents: A set of identification documents must be submitted, such as a copy of the passport of the owner or authorized manager, a recent personal photo, and other supporting documents as needed.

The Dubai Department of Economic Development is committed to providing detailed guidance on the specific requirements for each type of business licence, so it is advisable to check the current requirements before starting the application process.

Documents required to obtain a commercial license in Dubai

To obtain a business license in Dubai , the Dubai Department of Economic Development requires the submission of a number of basic documents. Here are paragraphs that explain the required documents in a sequential manner:

  • Application form: The application form for obtaining a commercial license must be completed and signed by the owner or authorized director of the company.
  • A copy of the passport: A copy of the passport of the owner or authorized manager must be submitted, with additional photos provided as needed.
  • Personal photo: A recent personal photo of the owner or authorized manager, meeting the conditions specified by the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.
  • Business Plan: Requires submission of a detailed business plan that includes a description of proposed business activities, financial projections, and future expansion plans.
  • No Objection Certificate: If the company is owned by more than one person, the Dubai Economic Development Department may require a No Objection Certificate from other shareholders.
  • A copy of the lease contract: If the place chosen to conduct the business activity is the place where it is rented, a copy of the lease contract or ownership certificate must be submitted.
  • Qualifying Certification: Some businesses require a qualified certification or specific professional license, which must be submitted as part of the application.
  • Other photos: You may need to provide additional photos or documents supporting the proposed business activity, as required by the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

The Dubai Department of Economic Development is committed to providing precise guidance on the documentation required for each type of business licence, so it is important to check the current requirements before starting the application process.

Establishing companies in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai is an important and vital process that attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world due to the dynamic and supportive economic environment that the emirate provides. Dubai enjoys a wide variety of business opportunities and investment advantages, making it an ideal destination for companies of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are planning to establish a small company or a large enterprise, Dubai’s business system provides an advanced legal and regulatory framework that facilitates the establishment process and provides the necessary protection for investors. In addition, the emirate offers a range of free zones that provide flexibility in management, ownership and taxation, enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness as a leading global business centre.

Advantages of a trade license in Dubai

How do we help in renewing the trade license in Dubai? 

How to renew a commercial license in Dubai is not difficult, but you need an expert to clear all procedures as quickly as possible.

Looking for a company to help you with the business license renewal procedures in Dubai? Contact our team of experts and we will help you renew your commercial license in Dubai, inform you of all types of commercial licenses in Dubai, determine the appropriate license for the nature of your activity, and renew licenses in the fastest time and at reasonable costs.

We aim to:

  • Flexibility to help clients invest in Dubai with ease.
  • Time equals money, so we take care not to waste time and implement the required procedures quickly.
  • Assume responsibility for completing all procedures and submitting documents to the competent authorities.
  • Obtaining and renewing the commercial license in Dubai for our clients with the utmost efficiency.

Do not hesitate to contact us and ask about how to renew a commercial license in Dubai. We are at your service around the clock to provide the most efficient and highest quality service.

At the conclusion of this article, we realize the importance of a trade license in Dubai as an essential tool for building and promoting businesses in this vital emirate. A commercial license represents not only a legal confirmation of the continuity of business activity, but it is also a gateway to benefiting from the economic opportunities available in Dubai and facilitating access to financial and banking services. By adhering to the specified requirements and procedures, investors can achieve success and growth in an encouraging and regulated business environment. Therefore, it is recommended that companies obtaining a trade license in Dubai be considered a crucial step towards building a prosperous and sustainable future in the global business world.

Frequently asked questions about renewing a commercial license in Dubai

What happens if I cannot renew my business license on time?

If you are unable to renew your license on time, you may have to pay late fines, and you may also have to stop business until you renew your license.

What are the documents required to renew a trade license in Dubai?

Basic documents include the application form, a copy of the passport, a recent personal photo, and other photos as needed such as the rental contract and qualifications certificates.

Are there specific fees for renewing a trade license in Dubai?

Yes, fees vary according to the type of business license and company activity. Details of fees can be obtained through the Dubai Department of Economic Development website.

What is the time period allowed to renew a commercial license in Dubai?

The business license in Dubai must be renewed every year. Businesses need to start the renewal process before their current license expires.