Trade Licence Services in Dubai
New licences, renewals and every amendment in between, handled with the authority for you.
Dubai & all Emirates
Keeping your trade licence active and accurate
Your trade licence is the legal basis for everything your company does in the UAE: invoicing, hiring, visas and banking all depend on it being valid and up to date. We take care of the paperwork with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for Dubai mainland companies and with the relevant free zone authority for free zone companies.
Whether you need a first licence, a routine annual renewal or a change to activities, partners, name or address, we prepare the application, collect the approvals and follow the file until the updated licence is issued.
Starting a company from scratch? See Business setup. For staff and family residence, see UAE visas.
What we handle
- New trade licence applications
- Annual licence renewal, including reminders before the expiry date
- Adding or removing business activities
- Adding, removing or transferring partners and shares
- Trade name change
- Office relocation and Ejari updates
- Manager change
- Establishment card and immigration file updates after a change
- External approvals for regulated activities
- Licence freeze, sale and cancellation
- Liquidation report coordination for company closure
Who this service is for
- Mainland companies licensed by DET in Dubai
- Free zone companies that renew or amend with their free zone authority
- Owners who want renewals tracked so the licence never lapses
- Companies restructuring ownership, activities or location
- Businesses closing or selling a licence
Some changes affect visas, labour records or tax registrations. We check what else needs updating before we file.
Documents usually required
For a renewal:
- Current trade licence copy
- Valid Ejari or tenancy contract (mainland)
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of the partners and manager
- Any authority approvals linked to your activities
For an amendment or cancellation, we may also ask for:
- Memorandum of association and any previous amendments
- Board or partner resolution approving the change
- Attested documents if a partner is a company
- Clearance letters for visas, labour and utilities (cancellation)
How it works
- Review: share your current licence and tell us what you need. We confirm the steps and the documents.
- Quote: you receive a written quote with our fee and the authority charges.
- Preparation: we prepare the forms, resolutions and supporting documents.
- Submission: we file with DET or the free zone and follow up on approvals.
- Issue: you receive the renewed or amended licence, and we update linked records.
Timeline and fees
- Renewals and simple amendments are usually quick once documents are complete.
- Changes that need external approvals, notarised resolutions or partner signatures take longer.
- We give you an expected timeline in writing before we start.
Fees: quote on request. We confirm our service fee in writing after a short consultation. Government and authority charges are listed separately in the same quote, and nothing starts until you approve it.
Trade licence FAQs
When should I renew my trade licence?
Start before the expiry date. Late renewal can lead to fines and can block visa and banking work for the company.
Do I need an Ejari to renew a mainland licence?
Mainland licences normally need a valid tenancy contract registered with Ejari. We can help arrange or renew one.
Can I add a new activity to my licence?
Yes, as long as the activity is compatible with your licence type and legal form. Some activities need approval from another authority first.
Can I change the partners on my licence?
Yes. Partner changes usually need a resolution and an amended memorandum of association, and we coordinate the notary steps where required.
What happens to visas when I cancel a licence?
Visas sponsored by the company must be cancelled or transferred first. We plan the order of steps so nothing is left open.
Government rules, fees and processing times are set by the relevant UAE authorities and can change without notice. Final approvals rest with the relevant government authority.
Enquire about Trade licence
Tell us what you need and an advisor calls you back with a realistic route, an itemised quote and a timeline. Free, no obligation.