Some people wonder how to renew a business license in Dubai because renewing a business license is an important process for companies based in Dubai, as they must renew their valid license to maintain business continuity and comply with UAE laws and regulations. Renovation is an important process that requires advance planning and careful knowledge of the procedures and requirements that must be met. In this article, we will review the process of renewing a business license in Dubai and the main steps that must be followed.
Before initiating the renewal process, the company should check the expiration date of the current license. It is preferable for the company to begin preparing for the renewal process well before the expiration to avoid any unwanted delay. In our article, we will talk about many steps about renewing the commercial license in Dubai.

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If you are looking for how to renew a commercial license in Dubai, it requires specific procedures that differ slightly depending on the type of business activity and the type of license. Here are general steps to renew a commercial license in Dubai:
Early submission: It is recommended to submit the renewal application well before the license expires, as some authorities impose additional fees in the event of late submission.
Verify the required papers: Make sure to collect all the necessary documents to renew the license, such as a copy of the old license, a copy of the personal ID of the owner or manager, and a financial report form (if available).
Fill out the form and submit: Fill out the renewal application form and submit it with the required documents to the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority.
Payment: Pay the fees required to renew the license, which vary according to the type of activity and the size of the company.
Application examination: After submitting the application, it will be reviewed by the relevant authority to ensure that all conditions are met.
Receiving the renewed license: After approval of the application, the commercial license will be reissued after paying the remaining fees (if any).
Please note that these procedures may differ somewhat depending on the type of activity and also the entity concerned, so it is preferable to communicate directly with the competent authorities or to seek the help of Itqan Company, which helps you with the correct guidance during the process of renewing the commercial license in Dubai.
Procedures for renewing a commercial license in Dubai
Procedures for renewing a business license in Dubai In Dubai, a series of specific procedures are required to be followed to ensure the continuity of business activity legally. Here are basic steps to renew a commercial license in Dubai:
- Preparation in advance: Check the expiration date of your current business license, in addition to collecting the documents required to renew the license.
- Submit a renewal application: Submit a license renewal application to the relevant government entity, which is usually the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
- Review and audit: The application and documents submitted will be reviewed by the concerned authority, and the concerned authority requires additional information or amendments to the application if necessary.
- Payment of fees: Pay the fees required to renew the commercial license. You must ensure that the required amounts and fees are up to date. After meeting all conditions and paying the fees, your application will be processed and you will receive your renewed business license.
- Updating information: Once you receive the renewed license, make sure to update any necessary information such as address or sublicenses, and ensure compliance with all legislation and laws for your business, including updating the necessary licenses and permits.
- Follow-up and periodic update: Follow the expiration dates of your license and update them regularly to avoid potential problems. By following these steps, you can complete the commercial license renewal process in Dubai successfully and without significant problems.

Steps to prepare papers to renew the commercial license in Dubai
There are some steps to prepare the necessary documents to be able to renew the trade license in Dubai:
- Copy of current business license: Make sure you have a copy of your current business license, as you will need this document to apply for renewal.
- License renewal application form: Fill out the license renewal application form provided by the concerned authority, and ensure that all data is filled out correctly and completely.
- Personal Documents: You may need to provide a copy of your passport or ID card to the legal officer or owner of the company.
- Health and National Insurance Certificate: You need to provide a health and national insurance certificate for employees if your company employs employees.
- Financial reports: The concerned authority may request recent financial reports that show the company’s financial status, such as financial statements and tax reports.
- Commercial housing permit: If your company is located in a residential building, you may need a commercial housing permit from the relevant authority.
- Training certificates and licenses: In some cases, you may need to provide training certificates and licenses specific to the business you are doing.
- Fees and financial amounts: Make sure to prepare the financial amounts required to pay the fees related to renewing the commercial license.
- Any additional documents: The concerned authority may request additional documents depending on the type of business activity you carry out or the new laws applied.
By preparing and submitting these documents correctly and in a timely manner, you will be able to complete the business license renewal process in Dubai successfully and without delay.
Types of business licenses in Dubai
In Dubai, there are several types of business licenses that individuals and companies can obtain depending on the type of business activity they wish to practice. Here are some of the main types of business licenses in Dubai:
- General Commercial License: This license allows the practice of all types of business activities except for activities that require a special license such as chemicals and weapons.
- Transportation and Storage License: This license is issued to companies that wish to engage in transportation, storage, and distribution of goods.
- Contracting license: This license is available to companies in Dubai that carry out all contracting works as well as building and construction.
- Professional Services License: Issued to individuals who provide professional services such as medicine, engineering, law, and interior design.
- Tourism and Travel License: Allows companies to provide tourism and travel services such as organizing trips and booking hotels.
- Industry license: issued to companies that produce and export goods, or carry out transformation and manufacturing operations of raw materials.
- Media and Media Production License: Issued to companies working in the field of media and media production, such as radio, television, and film production.

Business license authorities in Dubai
The entity responsible for issuing the commercial license in Dubai is the Department of Economic Development. However, there are other local authorities responsible for issuing permits for some economic activities, as there are conditions and controls that regulate the process of practicing these activities. Examples of these activities include: land transport, the Roads and Transport Authority, legal and consulting activities. Legal, oil and petroleum activities, contracting activities and engineering consultations.
There are several entities that can be used to obtain a commercial license in Dubai. Some of these entities include:
- Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED): It is considered the main body for registering companies and granting commercial licenses in the Emirate of Dubai.
- Free Zones: There are many free zones in Dubai such as Jebel Ali District, Dubai Investment District, and Dubai Technology and Media District. These areas provide a favorable business environment and facilitate business licensing procedures.
- Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM): deals with licensing of companies and commercial activities related to the tourism sector in Dubai.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Provides company registration, business licensing and advisory services to companies in Dubai.
Those proposing to establish a company in Dubai must contact these entities to obtain more details and assistance in obtaining the appropriate commercial license for their activity.
The importance of renewing a commercial license in Dubai
Renewing a commercial license is considered an essential process for companies and individuals who own businesses in Dubai , and has many importance in maintaining the continuity of business activity. Here are some points that highlight the importance of renewing a commercial license:
- Compliance with laws and legislation: Renewing the commercial license contributes to compliance with local and international laws and legislation related to doing business in Dubai. By renewing the license, continuity of compliance is ensured and legal violations are avoided.
- Maintaining reputation and credibility: Renewing the license shows the company or individual’s commitment to legal and professional standards, and this also contributes to building and maintaining reputation and credibility in the market.
- Confirmation of business continuity: By renewing the license, the continuity of business activity is confirmed and also the company’s commitment to providing market-based services or products.
- Guaranteed access to government services: A renewed license guarantees the company or individual continuous access to government services and also the benefits available to licensed companies.
- Avoid penalties and fines: If the license is not renewed on time, government authorities also impose financial penalties or fines on the company, and this can negatively affect the business and financial functioning of the company.
- Facilitating banking and commercial operations: The renewed license enables the company to facilitate banking operations and also facilitates commercial operations with financial authorities and customers, as the presence of a valid license is considered a testimony to the health and strength of the company.
- If you have a question about how to renew a commercial license in Dubai, do not hesitate to contact us and one of our experts will help you.
Most important frequently asked questions
When should I renew my business license in Dubai?
The Dubai business license must be renewed before it expires, which depends on the validity period specified in the license.
What are the basic steps to renew a commercial license in Dubai?
The steps include filling out the renewal application, submitting the required documents, paying fees, and receiving the renewed license.
How long does the trade license renewal process take in Dubai?
The period varies depending on the type of license and the procedures of the concerned authority, and usually takes a few days to a few weeks.