UAE Free Zone Renewal Fee Comparison 2026 — Annual Renewal Costs by Free Zone
Annual renewal fees vary significantly between UAE free zones. Here is the 2026 renewal cost comparison guide.
In this guide:
Annual Renewal Fees (2026 indicative)
| Free Zone | Licence Renewal | Visa Renewal | Office Fee | Total Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPC (1 visa, virtual) | AED 7,000 | AED 3,500 | Included | AED 10,500 |
| SHAMS (1 visa, virtual) | AED 8,500 | AED 3,500 | Included | AED 12,000 |
| RAKEZ (1 visa, flexi) | AED 12,000 | AED 3,500 | Included | AED 15,500 |
| IFZA (1 visa, flexi) | AED 13,900 | AED 3,500 | Included | AED 17,400 |
| DMCC (flexi) | AED 17,500 | AED 3,500 | AED 6,000 | AED 27,000 |
Visa Renewal Costs
- UAE investor visa renewal: Typically AED 3,000-5,000 every 2-3 years (not annual)
- Annual equivalent: Divide total visa cost by 2 or 3 to get annual cost
- Include in budget: Many people forget to include visa renewal in their ongoing cost calculations
Tips to Manage Renewal Costs
- Set calendar reminders: 90, 60, 30 days before expiry to avoid late fees
- Bundle renewals: Renew licence and visa at the same time to save PRO fees
- Check for upgrades: Sometimes upgrading your package is cheaper than ad-hoc additions