UAE Free Zone Company Renewal Guide 2026 — How to Renew Your Trade Licence
UAE free zone trade licences must be renewed every year. Here is the step-by-step 2026 guide to renewing your UAE free zone company licence on time and avoiding penalties.
In this guide:
- UAE Free Zone Company Renewal Guide 2026 — How to Renew Your Trade Licence
- When to Start Your UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal
- What Happens If Your UAE Free Zone Licence Expires?
- Step-by-Step UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal
- UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal Costs
- Simultaneously Renewing Employee Visas at Renewal Time
When to Start Your UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your licence expiry date. Many free zones allow renewal up to 90 days before expiry. Do NOT wait until the last day — delays happen.
What Happens If Your UAE Free Zone Licence Expires?
If your trade licence expires without renewal:
- Your company can no longer legally conduct business
- Your company bank accounts may be flagged as “inactive company”
- Your employee and investor visas become at risk of invalidation
- Fines accumulate daily (typically AED 500-1,000 per month)
- Re-activating an expired licence costs significantly more than timely renewal
Step-by-Step UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal
- Check renewal requirements: Log into your free zone portal 30-60 days before expiry. Download the renewal checklist.
- Update office lease: If your office lease (or flexi-desk agreement) expires before or at the same time as the licence, renew it first.
- Clear outstanding dues: Pay any outstanding fees, fines, or visa fees to the free zone.
- Submit renewal application: Submit online via the free zone portal or through your registered agent.
- Pay renewal fees: Government renewal fees (typically 60-80% of Year 1 cost since there is no registration fee).
- Receive renewed licence: Free zone issues renewed trade licence (e-licence in most cases, PDF format). Physical licence card is often also available.
UAE Free Zone Licence Renewal Costs
- IFZA renewal: AED 12,000-18,000 (depends on package)
- SPC renewal: AED 10,000-13,000
- DMCC renewal: AED 15,000-22,000
- JAFZA renewal: AED 25,000-40,000+
Simultaneously Renewing Employee Visas at Renewal Time
UAE work and investor visas are tied to the company licence. When renewing the licence, you should also check if any employee or investor visas are due for renewal. UAE residence visas expire independently of the trade licence but must be renewed while the licence is valid.