The Real Cost of a Lapsed Trade License
An expired license doesn't just mean a fine — it immediately triggers a cascade of compliance failures:
- DED late fine: AED 250 per month from the date of expiry
- Free zone penalties are typically higher (structure-specific)
- All new visa applications blocked until license is active
- Existing visa renewals blocked — your team cannot renew residency
- MOHRE compliance fails — WPS and work permit processing halted
- Bank accounts flagged — some banks restrict transactions on expired license entities
- Operating with an expired license is illegal — may result in forced business closure
Don't wait until it's too late. Our proactive renewal management ensures you never lapse.
License Types We Renew
- DED (Dubai Economy and Tourism) Trade Licenses — all activities
- DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, IFZA, Meydan, Sharjah FZ, SAIF Zone
- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah licenses
- Professional, commercial, and industrial licenses
- Offshore company renewals (RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore)
- Expired licenses (penalty clearance and reinstatement)
Our Renewal Packages
| License Type | Renewal Price (AED) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland DED | 8,500 | All compliance checks, government fees (at cost), Ejari verification, delivery |
| Free Zone | 5,500 | Authority fees (at cost), compliance verification, renewed license |
| Offshore | 3,500+ | Authority and registered agent fees, compliance |
| Expired License Reinstatement | Call for quote | Penalty assessment, fine payment, reinstatement |
Government authority fees are passed through at cost — our professional fee is fixed.
Renewal Process — 4 Steps
Step 1 — Document Collection
Share your current license and company documents. We confirm exactly what is needed for your authority and whether any pre-renewal conditions must be met.
Step 2 — Compliance Pre-Check
Before submission, we verify:
- Ejari tenancy contract is valid and not expired (DED requires a current Ejari)
- MOHRE compliance — no outstanding labor violations
- Outstanding DED / authority dues and penalties
- Visa status of shareholders and employees
- Any external approval renewals required (DHA, KHDA, RTA, etc.)
We resolve compliance issues before submitting — this is why our rejection rate is 0%.
Step 3 — Submit & Process
We submit the renewal application directly to the authority and pay all government fees on your behalf. We follow up on every step and provide real-time status updates.
Step 4 — License Delivered
Your renewed license is delivered digitally (and physically where required). We also set your next renewal reminder at 60, 30, and 14 days before the new expiry date.
What Can Delay a Renewal?
The most common renewal blockers we resolve for clients:
- Expired Ejari — DED will not renew without a current tenancy contract. We fast-track Ejari renewal.
- Outstanding MOHRE violations — labor fines or WPS non-compliance blocks renewal. We liaise with MOHRE to clear.
- Expired external approvals — DHA/KHDA/RTA approvals must also be renewed. We coordinate.
- Shareholder visa issues — if an investor visa has expired, it may need to be resolved first.
- Lapsed audit requirement — some free zones require audited financials for renewal. We connect you with approved auditors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the renewal process? Start 30–60 days before expiry to resolve any compliance issues without penalties. We send renewal reminders automatically to all clients.
Can you renew an already-expired license? Yes — we handle expired renewals including penalty payment and compliance clearance. The process takes longer and incurs additional costs (government fines). Contact us immediately to minimize accruing penalties.
How long does renewal take? DED: 3–5 working days. Free zones: 1–7 days. Express processing available for urgent cases.
Do I need to visit any government office? No — we handle the entire process on your behalf. You only need to provide documents and approve the submission.
Does my Ejari need to be renewed before the trade license? Yes — DED requires a valid, active Ejari tenancy contract. If your office lease is expiring around the same time as your license, we coordinate both renewals together.
Office 225, Oud Metha Offices, Dubai Healthcare City | Ajman: Amber Gem Tower +971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com