Commercial licence renewal in Dubai: Costs and procedure
4 min
The key point to remember: the annual renewal of a business licence in Dubai represents a budget of between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000, This varies depending on the jurisdiction. Launching the procedure online thirty days before the expiry date ensures business continuity, protecting the company against blacklisting and monthly fines of AED 200.
Are you worried about your budget exploding because of poorly anticipated administrative costs? This article details the cost of commercial licence renewal in dubai to help you plan your finances without stress. We'll tell you the real amounts and give you tips on how to avoid late payment penalties - that's right!
Costs to be anticipated for renewal
Standard price range
Renewing your dubai commercial licence is an unavoidable annual obligation. In practical terms, you need to be prepared to generally pay between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000.
Why the difference? This amount fluctuates according to your jurisdiction (Mainland or Freezone) and your activity. In a nutshell, the nature of your business has a direct impact on the invoice.
Detailed costs: mainland vs. freezone
Costs are not the same everywhere. The main distinction is between a Freezone licence and a Mainland licence.. Note that the commercial lease (Ejari) often adds to the bill in Mainland France.
It's easy to get lost, isn't it? Here is a table summarising the main expenditure items to compare quickly and see things more clearly.
Type of fee
Estimated cost (Mainland)
Estimated cost (Freezone)
Licence renewal fee
Variable (e.g. ~5,000 AED)
Included in the package
Chamber of Commerce fees
~2,200 AED
Not applicable or included
Office rental costs (Ejari)
Mandatory (variable cost)
Flex-desk or office included
Estimated total annual cost
12,000 - 15,000+ AED
8,000 - 12,000 AED
The renewal procedure, step by step
Now that the budget is clearer, on to the paperwork. How does it work in practice?
Essential documents to prepare
Don't get caught out by time. Anticipating the collection of parts for the renewal of your dubai commercial licence is the only way of’avoid unnecessary panic.
Your file must be concrete for avoid administrative rejection. Here's what you need to bring together:
A copy of your commercial licence now.
renewal form BR/1, duly completed.
A valid Ejari certificate and rental contract (valid for at least one month).
The photocopies of all partners' passports of the company.
Forget the queues. The procedure is mainly carried out online via the DED (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) portals. quick and easy.
The time saved is amazing. You receive your new licence by e-mail, sometimes in less than 48 hours. You can also have someone accompany you to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Penalties and tips to reduce your bill
The commercial licence renewal dubai is simple, but don't take it lightly. An oversight can be costly, but there are also ways of saving money.
The risks of late renewal
You must submit your application at least 30 days before the expiry date. Don't wait until the last minute.
In a nutshell, don't play with fire.
Monthly late payment penalties of AED 200.
Fine of AED 5,000 for operation with an expired licence.
Risk of blacklisting of the company.
Outright ban on operating by the authorities.
These penalties can literally bring your business to a standstill overnight. It's clearly not worth the effort. Dubai's administration is efficient but strict about the rules.
How to reduce annual fees
Here are some practical tips for your wallet. You can obtain discounts on fees Chamber of Commerce or accommodation with a residential Ejari. This information is not widely known.
Tip: The best way to save is to structure your project properly from the outset. Take the time to find out more before setting up a company in Dubai.
Renewing your licence in Dubai takes a bit of organising, but it's worth it. vital to the health of your business. By anticipating costs and paperwork, we can avoids stress and hefty penalties. So, ready to set off again for a a year of serene success ?
FAQ How to renew your licence in Dubai
How much does it really cost to renew a business licence in Dubai?
That's often the first question we ask ourselves, isn't it? To give you a realistic idea, the standard range is generally between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 per year. This amount is not set in stone and will depend on your jurisdiction (Mainland or Freezone) and the nature of your business.
Don't forget that other factors come into play, such as the location of your offices. The good news is that it is sometimes possible to’obtain discounts, For example, on Chamber of Commerce fees or if you own a residential Ejari.
How do you go about renewing your licence?
The procedure is now very straightforward, and is mostly carried out online, via the DED or Invest in Dubai portals. The most important thing is to have your file ready: a copy of your old licence, the passports of your partners and, crucially, a copy of your business permit. valid Ejari contract.
Once the documents have been uploaded and payment made, it's very quick. We often find that the renewed licence arrives by e-mail. If you're not comfortable with the administrative side of things, enlisting the help of experts can save you precious time.
Is there a grace period if the renewal is late?
Yes, you generally have a 30-day grace period after the expiry date of your licence. This is a valuable safety net, but we strongly advise you not to wait until the last minute.
Once this deadline has passed, the sanctions fall. You risk late payment penalties of around AED 200 per month, and in more serious cases, a fine of AED 5,000 for illegal practice, or even blacklisting of the company. It really isn't worth the risk.
How long is my commercial licence valid before the next renewal?
The standard rule in Dubai is that the permit is valid for one year. It is therefore a an annual obligation that it is essential to anticipate in your timetable and provisional budget.
However, keep an eye out: some free zones offer renewal packages over several years (2 or 3 years). This is a an excellent option for locking in your costs and have peace of mind for longer.
Download the guide to setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE.
Legal structure, licence, real budget, visa, bank account and pitfalls to avoid. Download the complete guide to setting up your company in Dubai with peace of mind.
Commercial licence renewal in Dubai: Costs and procedure
The key point to remember: the annual renewal of a business licence in Dubai represents a budget of between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000, This varies depending on the jurisdiction. Launching the procedure online thirty days before the expiry date ensures business continuity, protecting the company against blacklisting and monthly fines of AED 200.
Are you worried about your budget exploding because of poorly anticipated administrative costs? This article details the cost of commercial licence renewal in dubai to help you plan your finances without stress. We'll tell you the real amounts and give you tips on how to avoid late payment penalties - that's right!
Costs to be anticipated for renewal
Standard price range
Renewing your dubai commercial licence is an unavoidable annual obligation. In practical terms, you need to be prepared to generally pay between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000.
Why the difference? This amount fluctuates according to your jurisdiction (Mainland or Freezone) and your activity. In a nutshell, the nature of your business has a direct impact on the invoice.
Detailed costs: mainland vs. freezone
Costs are not the same everywhere. The main distinction is between a Freezone licence and a Mainland licence.. Note that the commercial lease (Ejari) often adds to the bill in Mainland France.
It's easy to get lost, isn't it? Here is a table summarising the main expenditure items to compare quickly and see things more clearly.
The renewal procedure, step by step
Now that the budget is clearer, on to the paperwork. How does it work in practice?
Essential documents to prepare
Don't get caught out by time. Anticipating the collection of parts for the renewal of your dubai commercial licence is the only way of’avoid unnecessary panic.
Your file must be concrete for avoid administrative rejection. Here's what you need to bring together:
The classic trap? The Ejari. If it expires soon, renew it as a priority. Managing well the post-creation stages of your company is the key.
Online processing: fast and efficient
Forget the queues. The procedure is mainly carried out online via the DED (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) portals. quick and easy.
The time saved is amazing. You receive your new licence by e-mail, sometimes in less than 48 hours. You can also have someone accompany you to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Penalties and tips to reduce your bill
The commercial licence renewal dubai is simple, but don't take it lightly. An oversight can be costly, but there are also ways of saving money.
The risks of late renewal
You must submit your application at least 30 days before the expiry date. Don't wait until the last minute.
In a nutshell, don't play with fire.
These penalties can literally bring your business to a standstill overnight. It's clearly not worth the effort. Dubai's administration is efficient but strict about the rules.
How to reduce annual fees
Here are some practical tips for your wallet. You can obtain discounts on fees Chamber of Commerce or accommodation with a residential Ejari. This information is not widely known.
Tip: The best way to save is to structure your project properly from the outset. Take the time to find out more before setting up a company in Dubai.
Renewing your licence in Dubai takes a bit of organising, but it's worth it. vital to the health of your business. By anticipating costs and paperwork, we can avoids stress and hefty penalties. So, ready to set off again for a a year of serene success ?
FAQ How to renew your licence in Dubai
How much does it really cost to renew a business licence in Dubai?
That's often the first question we ask ourselves, isn't it? To give you a realistic idea, the standard range is generally between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 per year. This amount is not set in stone and will depend on your jurisdiction (Mainland or Freezone) and the nature of your business.
Don't forget that other factors come into play, such as the location of your offices. The good news is that it is sometimes possible to’obtain discounts, For example, on Chamber of Commerce fees or if you own a residential Ejari.
How do you go about renewing your licence?
The procedure is now very straightforward, and is mostly carried out online, via the DED or Invest in Dubai portals. The most important thing is to have your file ready: a copy of your old licence, the passports of your partners and, crucially, a copy of your business permit. valid Ejari contract.
Once the documents have been uploaded and payment made, it's very quick. We often find that the renewed licence arrives by e-mail. If you're not comfortable with the administrative side of things, enlisting the help of experts can save you precious time.
Is there a grace period if the renewal is late?
Yes, you generally have a 30-day grace period after the expiry date of your licence. This is a valuable safety net, but we strongly advise you not to wait until the last minute.
Once this deadline has passed, the sanctions fall. You risk late payment penalties of around AED 200 per month, and in more serious cases, a fine of AED 5,000 for illegal practice, or even blacklisting of the company. It really isn't worth the risk.
How long is my commercial licence valid before the next renewal?
The standard rule in Dubai is that the permit is valid for one year. It is therefore a an annual obligation that it is essential to anticipate in your timetable and provisional budget.
However, keep an eye out: some free zones offer renewal packages over several years (2 or 3 years). This is a an excellent option for locking in your costs and have peace of mind for longer.
Legal structure, licence, real budget, visa, bank account and pitfalls to avoid. Download the complete guide to setting up your company in Dubai with peace of mind.
Do you have any questions about setting up a company in Dubai?
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