UAE free zone trade licence renewal requires several coordinated steps. Use this checklist to ensure you renew on time and avoid fines or interruptions to your operations.
In this guide:
60 Days Before Renewal
- Confirm your exact licence expiry date (on the trade licence or in your free zone client portal)
- Check whether your free zone requires audited accounts as part of renewal — if yes, commission your auditor now
- Confirm all shareholders’ passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond the renewal date — expired passports block renewal in most free zones
- Check whether any employee visas are due to expire — coordinate their renewal with the licence renewal
- Verify that your registered office address (virtual or physical) is current — some free zones require address confirmation at renewal
30 Days Before Renewal
- Submit your renewal application via the free zone client portal
- Pay the renewal fee (confirm payment has been received by the free zone authority)
- Submit audited accounts if required (deadline is typically at renewal)
- Update any changed information: new shareholders, new activities, changed address
On or Before Renewal Date
- Download and save your renewed trade licence to a secure location
- Send a copy of the renewed licence to your UAE bank (relationship manager or compliance team)
- Update your email signature, website footer, and business cards with the new expiry date if shown
- Update your EmaraTax profile (UAE Corporate Tax / VAT portal) with the renewed licence details
After Renewal: Within 30 Days
- Renew your establishment card (MOHRE) if it is tied to the licence expiry
- Renew employee visas that are expiring within the next 60 days
- Confirm your health insurance policies are renewed (for Dubai-licensed businesses)