Maturing into a larger business can be daunting, especially when you’re required to have the right legal documentation. When starting off as a small business or a market spinoff operation, there will come a time when obtaining appropriate licenses from the authorities becomes necessary. This requirement is mandatory for all businesses in Dubai. This guide should take you through everything you need to know to renew your trade license in Dubai easily:
When Should I Renew Trade License in Dubai
DED license renewal is mandatory for all businesses after the expiration of its validity.
You can find the validity period in the original paperwork of your business license in Dubai. You can even check the status online. There is a grace period of 30 days after the end of the validity, after which you’ll have to pay a fine that starts at AED 250 and goes up in thousands.
Do You Need EJARI for License Renewal in Dubai
Dubai is constantly ensuring that the businesses running in the city are not committing any fraudulent activity. This is why they often require much documentation and legal work before approving any business activity. They’ve got a serious reputation at stake.
This is precisely why they also require EJARI for license renewal in Dubai. This is a tenancy contract that is attested by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. You may receive a fine if you try to renew your business license in Dubai without the proper tenancy contract.
How to Renew Trade License in Dubai
The trade license renewal process follows a few steps. As long as you follow these exact steps, you should face no problems renewing your trade license.
1. Check the Validity of the Tenancy Contract
It is important to know that your tenancy contract must have a validity of at least three months before you can apply for the renewal of your trade license. In the instance that your tenancy contract is invalid for this process, you must first apply for its renewal before you can move forward with your trade license renewal application.
2. Receive Necessary Approvals
Depending on what type of business you’re running, you may need to first seek approval from the relevant section of the Dubai Municipality. This is to ensure that your business follows all the health and safety guidelines that are required for a business from that sector.
3. Approach Relevant Renewal Body
Whether your business resides on the mainland or in one of the free zones, the process is the same, but the renewal body is different. A mainland business has to approach the Department of Economic Development (DED) for the trade license renewal process. In contrast, a free zone business has to approach the relevant free zone body. Here you will receive a BR/1 form that you must fill out and submit with the necessary documentation.
4. Prepare Necessary Documents
Once you receive the BR/1 form from the relevant renewal body, you must fill it out and submit it with some other documents as well. Here is a complete list of documents that must be received by the DED for your renewal application to be valid:
- A typed BR/1 form from the renewal body
- Tenancy contract with at least three months’ validity
- EJARI registration certificate
- Photocopy of existing trade license
- Passport photocopies of all business owners
5. Complete Payment Process
Once you submit all the relevant documents to the DED for license renewal, they will issue you a payment voucher. Once you successfully make the payment, the renewal body will start processing your application. On average, it takes 1-2 working days to get a verdict. However, it may take up to 7 working days if the license requires approvals from more authorities.
Cost of License Renewal in Dubai
The cost to renew trade license in Dubai depends on the type of business you are running and its size and sector.
Some businesses require additional approvals on top of the original approval required from DED. This can further make the process more expensive and time-consuming. On average, companies in Dubai can pay anywhere between AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 to get a business license in Dubai. However, you will have to contact DED to get a better estimate.
Well, there you have it. This guide should give you a great idea of how to renew trade license in Dubai.
The best tip we can give you is always to ensure that you have all your documents ready and that you are not missing anything. This can make the entire process more smooth, and you should be able to receive your trade license in Dubai with no problems.
