If you want to run your business in the UAE, your trade license is your legal authorization to operate a business. However, do you know that every year you must renew it? In 2026, the rules are mostly the same. But you should still watch for small changes and new steps for certain industries.
In this blog, you will know about what a trade license renewal is and what changes are coming. How to renew in Dubai, free zones, and the mainland. Moreover, it’s about the documents, fees, deadlines, and tips. Lastly, we will cover: how to check a license online?
What Is Trade License Renewal & Why Does It Matter
A trade license renewal is the annual process of extending the validity of your business license. So your operations stay legal.
It’s important for many reasons, including
- If your license has expired, that means you can’t legally conduct business
- You can’t renew visas linked to that license
- Banks may also block your account
- You may be fined, or your company may get penalised
In 2026, don’t take renewal lightly. Plan and take action strictly. You should pay special attention to contractor licensing rules in Dubai. The new licensing law changes and how the free zone vs. mainland rules differ.
New & Important Points for 2026
Contractor Licensing in Dubai
From January 2026, Dubai will be enforcing a new law for contractors. Contractors must be registered, certified, classified, and meet stricter compliance standards. If your trade license is for contracting work, you’ll need to show that you comply with these new rules when renewing.
This applies across the mainland and free zones (except for some airport projects). So, if your business is in construction, contracting, or related fields, your trade license renewal may require extra documentation, certifications, or approvals under the new law.
Free Zone Companies Doing Mainland Business
Free zone companies that now want to operate in the mainland need additional permits or a subsidiary in the mainland. This means if you have a free zone license but want to operate in the mainland. Then you’ll have to maintain both free zone and mainland renewals or branch licenses.
How to Renew in Dubai/Mainland
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Check your tenancy/Ejari.
First you need to check that your lease must be valid and properly registered (Ejari) before renewal. Moreover, your tenancy should last at least three months beyond renewal.
Get any required third-party approvals
Suppose your business activity is regulated. For example, interior design, contracting, or professional services. Then you must get approvals from bodies like Dubai Municipality or specialty authorities.
Use the right portal/office.
- If your business is on the mainland (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), use the DET / DED eServices portal.
- If you’re in a free zone, use that free zone’s renewal portal.
- In Dubai, there is an Auto-Renewal option. You can send an SMS with your expired license number to 6969 and get a payment link to renew.
Submit documents & details
You need to upload or submit the following documents:
- Current license copy
- Tenancy / Ejari
- Passport, visa, and Emirates ID of owners
- BR/1 renewal form (for mainland)
- NOCs or extra approvals if your activity requires them
Pay fees
After review, the system gives a payment voucher. You pay the renewal fees and any extra government or service charges.
Receive a renewed license
Once approved, you’ll get the renewed license digitally. Often the same day or within 1–2 days.
Renewal in Free Zones
Free zones simplify many steps. You’ll use their portal, upload documents, pay, and get the license. You might skip Ejari if you don’t have a mainland office. But if you start doing mainland business, you’ll need extra permits and dual renewals.
Some free zones remind you in advance about renewal. Be sure to note those reminders and check expiry dates.
How to Check Your Trade License Online
Before renewing, or anytime, you can check your license status online to see whether it’s active, expired, or pending renewal.
- For Dubai mainland, use the DED eServices “Search License Info” tool. You enter your business name or license number and see the expiry date, status, etc.
- The UAE’s official portal also lets you verify business licenses and activities via the “Inquire about licenses, names and activities” service.
- Several free zone authorities also offer their own license lookup features.
Checking early helps you avoid surprises and penalties.
Comparison Table: Mainland vs Free Zone Renewal (2026)
| Aspect | Mainland Renewal | Free Zone Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Office Lease / Ejari | Must have valid Ejari & tenancy | Often not needed if operations are inside the free zone |
| Authority | Department of Economy / Municipality (e.g. DED/DET in Dubai) | Free Zone authority (RAKEZ, Meydan, etc.) |
| Approvals / NOCs | More likely needed (municipality, health, environment) | Varies depending on activity / free zone rules |
| Portal / Process | DET / DED online portal, “Request to Renew License” | Free zone online portal (Portal 360, etc.) |
| Fees & Charges | Renewal fee + knowledge / innovation fees + approvals | Renewal + free zone service fees + any visa fees |
| Penalties for delay | Fines, business suspension, visa issues | Tiered fines depending on free zone rules |
| Timeline | 1-2 days (if all OK) | Often immediate to few hours |
| Mainland operations | License covers mainland trade | If you begin mainland operations, you’ll also need a mainland license renewal |
Fees, Penalties & Late Renewal
- Renewal fees depend on your activity, license type, number of visas, and the jurisdiction.
- You may also have additional fees like market fees, innovation fees, knowledge fees, etc. You can sometimes apply for a reduction of some fees if documentation supports it.
- If you renew late, then you may face daily fines or penalty rates. Your business may be suspended. Employee visas may not be renewed, and the authority could cancel your license. Always renew before expiry or within the grace period.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Stay updated on rules, as regulations can change.
- Plan ahead; don’t wait until the last week. Start a month or more before expiry.
- Review the document list. Some activities need extra certificates or approvals.
- Clear fines and dues first. If any fines or unpaid fees exist, these will block your renewal.
- Using online services of portals makes renewal faster and more convenient.
Also, avoid:
- Submitting expired or invalid documents
- Not checking your Ejari or lease validity
- Ignoring license activity compliance (e.g. doing business outside allowed activities)
Contact Bestax for Trade License Renewal or Business Setup
Renewing your UAE trade license on time keeps your business compliant and running without disruption. With new rules in 2026, especially for contractors, it’s vital to stay updated and renew early to avoid fines or suspension.
Whether you operate in the mainland or a free zone, Bestax makes the process simple and stress-free, from document preparation and approvals to complete license management.
For business setup in the UAE, contact Bestax today to ensure your operations stay fully legal and ready for growth.
Start your 2026 on the right foot, stay licensed, compliant, and ready for growth.
Quick FAQs
What documents are required for trade license renewal in the UAE
You’ll need: current license copy, tenancy contract/Ejari, passport & visa copies, Emirates ID, BR/1 form (mainland), and any NOCs or third-party approvals if your business activity is regulated.
How much does trade license renewal cost in Dubai?
Costs vary widely depending on the license type, business activity, number of employees, and extra charges like market fee or innovation fees.
What happens if I miss the trade license renewal deadline?
You may incur fines, business suspension, inability to renew visas, or even cancellation of the license.
Can I renew my trade license online?
Yes. For Dubai mainland you use the DED/DET online portal; free zones have their own portals. The process is fully digital in many cases.
Are there changes to renewal rules for 2026?
Yes especially for contractor licenses in Dubai under new laws. Free zone companies operating in mainland may need dual renewals.
How long is the license valid before renewal?
Most trade licenses are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
Can PRO service providers help me?
Definitely. PROs handle paperwork, approvals, and follow-ups, and can spare you time and errors. PROServicesDubai is one example.
Is there a difference between free zone and mainland renewal?
Yes. Mainland requires tenancy / Ejari and more approvals. Free zones often have simpler processes. But if you operate in mainland too, you’ll handle more paperwork.
Where is the official trade license renewal portal?
For Dubai mainland: the DET / DED eServices portal or Invest in Dubai services
For free zones: the free zone’s own portal (e.g. RAKEZ, DMCC portals)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
