Licence lifecycle management
Trade License Services in the UAE
Your trade licence is the foundation of your business. DocTrust handles every stage of it: issuing it, renewing it on time, amending it as you grow and cancelling it properly when you close.
Quick answer
DocTrust's trade licence services cover new licences, annual renewals, amendments (adding activities, changing the trade name, adding or removing partners, changing the manager or legal form, or moving premises) and licence cancellation, for mainland companies (DET, SEDD, ADDED and other DEDs) and free zone companies. Late renewal can lead to fines, so we track your expiry date for you.
Trade licence renewal
Licences must be renewed every year (some free zones allow multi-year terms). Renewal usually needs a valid tenancy contract, updated approvals and payment of fees. Missing the deadline can bring fines and block visa transactions.
Licence amendments we handle
- Adding or removing business activities
- Changing the trade name
- Adding, removing or transferring shares between partners
- Changing the manager or authorised signatory
- Changing the legal form (e.g. sole establishment to LLC)
- Relocating to new premises
- Increasing or reducing share capital
Licence cancellation
Closing a company correctly protects you from future fines and travel bans. The steps are cancelling visas and labour files, clearing government dues, getting the necessary clearances, and cancelling the licence and establishment card in the right order.
Key benefits of Trade License Services
No missed renewals
Reminders before expiry.
Smooth amendments
Correct sequencing across authorities.
Clean exits
Proper cancellation without lingering liabilities.
All jurisdictions
Mainland and free zone.
How the process works
Review
We check your current licence, lease and approvals.
Prepare
We draft any MOA amendments and application forms.
Submit
We file with the licensing authority.
Update linked records
We update the establishment card, MOHRE, chamber and visas.
Deliver
You receive the renewed or amended licence.
Documents usually required
- Current trade licence copy
- Valid tenancy contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq/attested lease)
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of partners/manager
- MOA and any amendment drafts
- External approvals (if your activity requires them)
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
Trade License Services: common questions
What happens if I do not renew my trade licence?
Fines can build up, and you may be blocked from visa and labour transactions. Prolonged non-renewal can lead to further penalties and complications when you eventually cancel.
Can I add activities to my licence?
Yes, as long as they are compatible with your licence type and jurisdiction. Some activities need extra approvals.
How long does licence renewal take?
Straightforward renewals are often completed within a day or two once the lease and approvals are valid.
Speak to a Trade License Services specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
Get a clear plan, a written cost breakdown and a realistic timeline, with no obligation.