How to Renew Your UAE Free Zone Company Licence 2026 — Renewal Guide
All UAE free zone company licences must be renewed annually. Missing the renewal deadline incurs fines and can result in visa issues. Here is the complete 2026 renewal guide.
In this guide:
- How to Renew Your UAE Free Zone Company Licence 2026 — Renewal Guide
- When to Renew Your UAE Licence
- Documents Needed for UAE Licence Renewal
- Step-by-Step Licence Renewal Process
- How Much Does UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal Cost?
- What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?
- Renewing UAE Residence Visas at Same Time as Licence
When to Renew Your UAE Licence
UAE free zone licences are typically valid for 1 year from the date of issue or from a fixed calendar date (varies by free zone). You should:
- Start the renewal process 30 days before expiry
- Most free zones send reminder emails 60 and 30 days before expiry
- Some free zones allow early renewal up to 90 days before expiry without losing days
Documents Needed for UAE Licence Renewal
For most free zones, renewal is straightforward and requires:
- No new documents for sole shareholder companies (just payment)
- Updated passport copy if passport expired or renewed
- Updated address proof if address changed
- Emirates ID update if residence visa renewed
Step-by-Step Licence Renewal Process
- Log into your free zone portal (or contact your agent)
- Navigate to “Renewal” section and select your licence
- Review the renewal fee quoted
- Pay the renewal fee (bank transfer, credit card, or cheque)
- Receive renewal confirmation and updated trade licence (usually 1-3 working days)
How Much Does UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal Cost?
Renewal costs in 2026 (approximate):
- IFZA: AED 13,900-15,900 (lower than year 1)
- SPC Free Zone: AED 9,500-12,000
- SHAMS: AED 11,500-14,000
- DMCC: AED 25,000-40,000
- RAKEZ: AED 7,000-10,000
What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?
Late renewal consequences vary by free zone:
- Grace period: Most free zones offer a 30-60 day grace period after expiry
- Late fine: AED 100-500 per month of delay
- Licence suspension: After grace period, licence is suspended — you cannot issue invoices or add visas
- Visa impact: Suspended licence can affect employee visa renewals
- Bank account freeze: Some banks freeze accounts on expired licence
Renewing UAE Residence Visas at Same Time as Licence
Residence visas are separate from the trade licence and have their own renewal schedule (typically 2-3 years). However, you need a valid trade licence before renewing your investor visa.