How long is a Dubai trade licence valid?

One year, renewable for the same period. At the establishment's request and with approval, it can be issued for more than one year, up to four years (Article 8 of Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011).

When should I renew my Dubai trade licence?

Within the last month before it expires (Article 8(b) of Law No. 13 of 2011).

What if my business has stopped operating?

An establishment whose licence expires and which has stopped its activity, or which has applied to suspend its licence for that reason, is not charged licence fees or non-renewal fines (Article 13 of Law No. 13 of 2011).

AE · Expiry & renewal tracking

Renew every Dubai trade licence on time

A Dubai trade licence is valid for one year and renewable for the same period; with approval it can be issued for up to four years (Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011, Article 8). It must be renewed within the last month before expiry; late or missed renewal is a fined violation (Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011).

In Dubai, a natural or legal person may conduct an economic activity only through an establishment licensed by the Department of Economic Development (Article 6 of Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011 Regulating the Conduct of Economic Activities, as amended by Law No. 14 of 2015). Under Law No. 20 of 2021, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) succeeded to the rights and obligations of the Department of Economic Development.

Under Article 8 of Law No. 13 of 2011, a licence is valid for one year and can be renewed for the same period. At the establishment's request, and with approval, the licence may be issued for more than one year, up to four years. The establishment must renew its licence within the last month before it expires.

Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 lists failure to renew the licence within the prescribed period, and delay in renewing it, as violations with fines. If an establishment does not renew and stops its activity, the licensing authority may close it or revoke its licence after a public notice in a daily newspaper, if no objection is raised within two weeks (Article 30).

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At a glance

Legal basis	Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011, Article 8
Validity	One year, renewable for the same period; up to four years on request and with approval
When to renew	Within the last month before expiry
Late renewal	Listed as a violation with a fine (Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011)
Licensing authority	Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), successor to the DED

This page covers licences issued under Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011. Free zone licences are not covered.

Who is responsible?

The licensed establishment (its owner or manager). The law places the duty to renew on the establishment itself.

If the deadline passes

Failure to renew within the prescribed period and delay in renewing are violations under Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011; check DET for the current fines. An establishment whose licence expires and which has stopped its activity, or which has applied to suspend its licence for cessation of activity, is not charged licence fees or non-renewal fines for that time (Article 13).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each trade licence (including each branch licence) with its expiry date.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day; the 30-day reminder marks the start of the last month, when the law says to renew.
Assign a responsible person (for example your PRO or office manager) for each licence so the right person gets the reminder.
If a licence passes its expiry date, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask for the renewed licence through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
Emails arrive in each recipient's language, Arabic included.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Dubai trade licence valid?: One year, renewable for the same period. At the establishment's request and with approval, it can be issued for more than one year, up to four years (Article 8 of Dubai Law No. 13 of 2011).
When should I renew my Dubai trade licence?: Within the last month before it expires (Article 8(b) of Law No. 13 of 2011).
Is there a fine for renewing late?: Yes. Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 lists failure to renew within the prescribed period and delay in renewal as violations with fines. Check DET for the current amounts.
What if my business has stopped operating?: An establishment whose licence expires and which has stopped its activity, or which has applied to suspend its licence for that reason, is not charged licence fees or non-renewal fines (Article 13 of Law No. 13 of 2011).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each dubai trade licence (DET) (UAE) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each dubai trade licence (DET) (UAE) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.