Freeze licence (3 years)
Freezes your trade licence for a period of 3 years with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
How it works
- 1
Documents
You
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Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
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Submitted on Invest in Dubai
Runner at DET
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Licence issued
DET
Documents required
Copy of the current DET trade licence (or the licence number)
copyRequest letter on company letterhead stating the reason and the period of the freeze
originalProof that all labour cards/visas under the licence are cancelled (MOHRE and immigration)
copyEmirates ID of the licence owner/partner or manager who signs the request
copy
Conditions, time and validity
- The business must really stop all activity during the freeze (DET may inspect).
- Usually no sponsored employees may remain and fines must be settled first (secondary sources).
- Secondary sources: companies up to 3 years, sole establishments up to 1 year, and only once in the company's life.
- Processing time
- Not stated by DET; it depends on cancelling visas and any inspection. Staff confirm per case.
- Validity of the result
- For the approved freeze period; to restart, the business applies to reactivate (usually with a valid Ejari) and renews the licence.
- Where it is applied for
- DET service centres (staff confirm whether the portal accepts it).
Steps at the authority
- Cancel employees' work permits and visas and settle fines.
- Submit the freeze (stop activity) request with the letter at a DET service centre.
- DET reviews and may inspect the premises, then approves the freeze and the fee is paid.
Tips that save you a trip
- Compare with cancellation: if you will not restart, cancelling may cost less in the long run.
- Tax registrations (VAT, corporate tax) continue during a freeze; ask your accountant.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Employees or visas still active under the licence.
- Unpaid fines or the business still operating.
Questions and answers
Is a frozen licence the same as an expired one?
No. An expired licence keeps collecting late-renewal fines; an approved freeze stops activity fees for the frozen period.
Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.
Legal basis
Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 (fees and fines of the Department of Economic Development, now DET)
Related services
Trade licence renewal
Renew a Dubai mainland licence through Invest in Dubai, including Ejari and approvals check.
Change business location
Moves your licensed business to a new location and updates the licence with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
Reserve and renew trade name
Reserves a new trade name or renews an existing reservation with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).
Issue and renew initial approval
Obtains or renews the initial approval for your business activity from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).