All UAE free zone and mainland company trade licences must be renewed annually. Missing renewal deadlines results in fines, visa cancellations, and eventually company cancellation. Here is the complete renewal process.
When to Renew
UAE trade licence renewal must be completed BEFORE the licence expiry date. For most UAE free zones: renewal applications open 60 days before the expiry date. Grace period (if you miss the renewal date): Dubai free zones typically give a 1-month grace period before imposing late renewal fines. Some free zones impose fines immediately from day 1 of expiry. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before your licence expiry — this gives you enough buffer for document preparation and payment.
What You Need for Trade Licence Renewal
For sole owner renewals (simple FZE): Completed renewal application form (submitted via the free zone client portal), payment of annual renewal fee, and updated passport copy if your passport expired in the previous year. For FZCO/FZE with employees: Renewal of establishment card (required for employee visa processing), confirmation that all employee visas within your visa quota are current, and updated MOA if any changes occurred during the year. For audited accounts requirement: Some free zones (DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA) require submission of audited accounts for the previous year as part of renewal. Ensure your audit is completed 1–2 months before renewal date.
Post-Renewal: Update Dependent Documents
After receiving your renewed trade licence, update: UAE bank (send new licence copy to your relationship manager), employee visa sponsor documents (MOHRE), MOHRE establishment card (if expired), EmaraTax (update business address or activity if changed), and VAT registration records (if VAT registered — update on Federal Tax Authority portal).