UAE Free Zone Company Annual Renewal Checklist 2026
UAE free zone company licences must be renewed annually. Missing renewal deadlines results in fines, visa cancellations, and banking complications. Here is the complete 2026 annual renewal checklist.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zone Annual Renewal Deadlines
- Trade licence renewal: Due annually on the anniversary of your licence issuance date (or December 31 for some zones)
- Early renewal: Most free zones allow renewal up to 3 months before expiry
- Late renewal penalty: AED 500-5,000 depending on the free zone; visa cancellation may follow
Annual Renewal Checklist
Before Renewal (1-2 Months Prior)
- Review your business activities: Add or remove activities if your business has changed
- Review office space: Upgrade or downgrade if visa quota needs have changed
- Prepare financial records for the past year: Required for some free zones (DMCC) and for CT
Renewal Application
- Log into free zone portal
- Submit licence renewal application
- Pay renewal fee (varies: AED 5,000-50,000 depending on zone and package)
- Receive renewed trade licence (digital copy first)
After Licence Renewal
- Update licence copy with UAE bank (most banks require updated licence each year)
- Update licence on UAE EmaraTax (for CT and VAT registrations)
- Submit UAE CT return if due this year
- Renew employee health insurance policies
- Renew employee visas if expiring (after licence renewal)
Costs in UAE Free Zone Annual Renewal 2026
- IFZA: AED 12,900-22,900/year renewal
- DMCC: AED 20,000-50,000/year renewal
- RAKEZ: AED 5,000-15,000/year renewal
- SPC Free Zone: AED 5,750-10,000/year renewal