UAE free zone licences must be renewed annually. Missing the renewal deadline results in grace period fees and eventual licence cancellation. Here is a complete renewal guide.
When to Renew Your UAE Free Zone Licence
Renewal timing: most UAE free zones send a renewal notice 60–90 days before the licence expiry date. Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties. Renewal deadline: the day the licence expires. Grace period after expiry: 15–30 days (varies by free zone) — renewals during grace period incur additional fines (AED 500–3,000/month). Expired licence consequences: visa renewals and new visa applications are blocked, you cannot open or maintain a business bank account (banks check licence validity), and after 3–6 months of non-renewal, the free zone may cancel the licence and initiate recovery of owed fees.
Documents Required for Free Zone Renewal
Most free zones require: completed renewal application form (online via the free zone portal), payment of renewal fee, copy of current licence, copy of current office/flexi-desk lease (if applicable), and updated shareholder passports (if any passports have been renewed or changed). Some free zones additionally require: audited accounts (DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC), VAT registration confirmation (if revenue above AED 375,000), and compliance declaration (the free zone confirms you have no outstanding issues).
Renewal Process by Major Free Zone
DMCC: Online renewal via DMCC Member Portal. Upload audited accounts. Pay renewal fee (AED 20,000+). 7–14 days processing. Shams: Online renewal. Pay AED 5,750. 1–3 days processing. IFZA: Online renewal via IFZA portal. Pay AED 7,500+. 3–5 days. JAFZA: Online renewal. Audited accounts required. 7–14 days. RAKEZ: Online renewal. Pay AED 5,750+. 3–7 days. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder 60 days before your licence expiry — start collecting documents at 45 days, submit at 30 days.