Quick answer: UAE free zone licence renewal in 2026 typically costs AED 5,000–18,000 per year depending on the free zone, office package and number of visas. Renewals are annual and must be completed before the expiry date to avoid fines. The process takes 3–10 working days with complete documents in order.
UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal Costs (2026)
| Free Zone | Approx. Annual Renewal (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | 5,500–14,000 | Varies by package and visa quota |
| SHAMS | 5,750–13,000 | Flexi packages available |
| RAKEZ | 6,000–16,000 | Desk vs office-level pricing |
| Meydan | 6,500–15,000 | Package-dependent |
| DMCC | 14,000–35,000+ | Based on licence type and office |
| SPC Free Zone | 5,500–12,000 | Sharjah-based, competitive renewal |
| SRTIP | 5,000–11,000 | Sharjah technology zone |
| Ajman Free Zone | 4,500–10,000 | Among the lower-cost renewal options |
Renewal costs are approximate ranges including authority fees and standard service charges. Exclude visa renewal fees. Verify directly with the free zone authority.
What Is Included in a Free Zone Licence Renewal?
- Annual licence renewal fee (set by the free zone authority)
- Registered office / flexi-desk / physical office renewal fee
- Government regulatory fee (where applicable)
- Any applicable name reservation or activity renewal fees
Not included in the base renewal: residence visa renewals, Emirates ID renewals, and medical fitness retests — these are charged separately per visa holder.
Visa Renewal at Renewal Time
UAE free zone residence visas are issued with 2-year validity (some zones offer 3-year). Visa renewal does not have to coincide with licence renewal, but many businesses align them for simplicity. Typical visa renewal cost per person: AED 2,500–4,500 (including medical fitness retest and Emirates ID renewal).
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Receive renewal notice from the free zone authority (typically 30–60 days before expiry)
- Review documents: confirm all shareholder passports, Emirates IDs and NOCs are valid for the next period
- Pay renewal invoice through the free zone’s online portal or registered agent
- Submit any updated documents (e.g. new passport if renewed, updated address proof)
- Receive renewed licence certificate (typically 3–7 working days)
- Renew residence visas separately if due (can be processed concurrently)
- Update bank and government records with the new licence expiry date
Late Renewal: Fines and Consequences
Most free zones charge a daily or monthly fine for expired licences. Common consequences include:
- Late penalty fees (typically AED 250–1,000 per month or per day, varies by zone)
- Inability to process visa renewals or new visas until the licence is renewed
- Bank account restrictions if the bank detects an expired licence
- Potential licence cancellation after an extended lapse (varies by zone policy)
Always renew at least 30 days before expiry to avoid these complications.
Changing Packages or Activities at Renewal
Renewal time is an opportunity to adjust your package — upgrade or downgrade office type, add or reduce visa quota, or add business activities. Changes to the licence or package may carry an additional processing fee. Confirm the fee with the authority before submitting the renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my UAE free zone licence online?
Yes — most major free zones (IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, Meydan, DMCC) allow full online renewal through their portal. Some older zones still require a physical visit or an authorised signatory. Check your zone’s renewal process at least 60 days before expiry.
What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
Late penalties accrue from the expiry date. If the licence lapses significantly, the zone may freeze company operations or initiate cancellation proceedings. In that case, you may need to reinstate the company (if the zone allows) or go through a new formation process.
Does my office or flexi-desk contract renew automatically?
Not always — some zones require you to reconfirm the office package at renewal. Others auto-renew on the same package. Confirm with your zone or registered agent to avoid a gap in office entitlement.
Can I switch to a different free zone at renewal?
Yes — if you want to move to a different free zone, you would typically cancel the existing licence and form a new company in the new zone. Some business setup consultants offer structured transitions, including handling the cancellation and new formation concurrently to minimise downtime.
Do I need to renew my Memorandum of Association (MOA) annually?
The MOA itself does not require annual renewal, but changes in shareholding, activities or share capital require an MOA amendment, which carries a processing fee. The licence renewal reflects the current MOA status.
Important Caveats
- Renewal costs, late penalty structures and timelines vary by free zone and change with government fee revisions. Always obtain a formal renewal invoice from the zone.
- Residence visa renewals are processed by the UAE immigration authority (ICP); delays or status issues can affect the renewal timeline independently of the licence renewal.
- This guide is for general information and is not legal advice.
Content reviewed: June 2026. UAE free zone renewal fees are subject to annual revision. Confirm current costs with your free zone authority.