Trade Licence Services in Dubai
New licences, renewals, activity or partner changes, name change and cancellation.
DED & free zone authorities
Trade licence services in Dubai
AL HUDHUD provides complete trade licence services in Dubai and across the UAE, from a new licence to renewal, amendments and cancellation. We work with Dubai DET (formerly DED), the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for Ejari, and free zone authorities in Dubai and the other emirates, depending on your business.
A licence renewal is usually done in 2 working days. Most modifications take 4–5 working days. We keep an eye on your licence and Ejari expiry dates, so you avoid late-renewal fines. Starting from scratch? See our Business setup service.
What our trade licence service includes
- New licence setup
- Licence renewal
- Licence modification: activity add/remove, partner add/remove, company name change, location change and manager change
- Licence cancellation, including the liquidation report where required
- Licence freeze
- Licence sale (transfer of business)
- Payment voucher discount processing
- Establishment card (new and renewal)
- Ejari (commercial) and residential Ejari through the Dubai Land Department
- External approvals from other authorities
- One named advisor from your first message to completion
- WhatsApp support in English, Urdu, Hindi and Arabic
- Every document checked before it goes to the authority
- Status updates at every stage
- A written quote before any work starts
Who needs trade licence services
- Dubai mainland companies and professional licence holders
- Free zone companies in Dubai and other emirates
- Owners renewing, amending, freezing, selling or closing a licence
- Businesses adding partners, activities or a new manager
- Companies that need Ejari or an establishment card for visas and immigration
Documents required for licence services
Basic documents for most licence services:
- Passport copy
- Valid UAE visa copy
- Emirates ID copy, front and back
- Passport-size photograph
- Active mobile number
- Active email address
- UAE address details
For services on an existing licence:
- Trade licence copy
- Ejari copy
- Establishment card
- Emirates ID of the person listed on the establishment card
Some services need extra documents, for example a partner's details for partner changes, a new tenancy contract for a location change, or the authority's approval letter for regulated activities. We confirm the exact list for your case.
How trade licence services work
- Request: tell us which licence service you need and share your licence details.
- Document check: we check your licence, Ejari, establishment card and IDs, and list anything missing.
- Application: we prepare and submit the application to DET, DLD or your free zone authority.
- Approvals and payment: we follow up on approvals and arrange the payment voucher.
- Completion: you receive your renewed or amended licence, Ejari or establishment card.
Trade licence timeline and fees
- Licence renewal: usually 2 working days
- Licence modification: usually 4–5 working days
- Other licence services: generally 4–5 working days, depending on the service and any authority approvals
Fees: Quote on request. Your service fee is quoted in writing after a short consultation. Government, authority, FTA, free zone, medical, typing, translation and attestation charges are separate, listed in your quote. Nothing starts until you approve it.
Trade licence FAQs
What happens if I renew my trade licence late?
A monthly fine can apply for every month the licence stays expired, until it is renewed. The amount depends on the authority and licence type, so it pays to renew on time.
How long does a Dubai trade licence renewal take?
Usually 2 working days once your documents are ready.
Can I add an activity or a partner to my licence?
Yes. Activity and partner changes are licence modifications, usually done in 4–5 working days. Some activities need an extra authority approval.
Do I need Ejari to renew my licence?
Mainland licences generally need a valid Ejari (tenancy registration). We handle Ejari renewal through the Dubai Land Department.
Can I freeze my licence instead of cancelling it?
Yes, where the authority allows it. We check whether freezing suits your situation better than cancellation.
What is needed to cancel a trade licence?
Cancellation usually involves clearing visas and the establishment card, and a liquidation report where required. We manage the full sequence.
Last updated: September 2026. Government rules, fees and processing times are set by the relevant UAE authorities and can change without notice. AL HUDHUD provides documentation and processing support. Final approvals rest with the relevant government authority.
Related guide: Trade Licence Renewal in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Timeline
Related guide: Ejari in Dubai: What It Is and When You Need It
Enquire about Trade licence
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