What is the cost to set up a company in the UAE?

Costs vary by structure. Mainland companies start from AED 12,000-20,000 (including trade licence, office lease, and visa processing). Freezone packages range from AED 7,500-25,000 depending on the zone and number of visas. Additional costs include document attestation (AED 1,000-3,000) and annual renewals.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?

Yes. Since the 2021 Companies Law reform, foreign nationals can own 100% of mainland companies in most business activities. Freezone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership.

How long does it take to set up a UAE company?

Mainland companies typically take 2-3 weeks (trade licence approval, office lease, visa processing). Freezone companies can be set up in 3-5 working days with virtual office options available.

Do I need a physical office to set up a UAE company?

Mainland companies require a physical office lease (Ejari). Freezone companies can use flexi-desks or virtual office packages, which are significantly cheaper.

UAE Company Renewal: Costs, Process and What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Quick Answer: How to renew your UAE trade licence — whether Mainland or Freezone — with real costs, timelines, and what to do if your licence has already expired.

Your UAE trade licence is not a one-time expense. It needs renewing every year, and the costs are real.

This guide covers what renewal actually involves, what it costs in different Emirates and freezones, and what happens if you let it lapse.

What Does Renewing a Trade Licence Mean?

In the UAE, every company holds a trade licence issued by either a Mainland authority (such as the DED in Dubai or ADDED in Abu Dhabi) or a Freezone authority (such as IFZA, DIFC, or DMCC).

That licence expires every 12 months. Renewal means paying the government fees, renewing any associated visas, and getting a new licence document for the next year.

It is not optional. A lapsed licence means you cannot legally operate, open bank accounts, or renew employee visas.

When Should You Start the Renewal Process?

Start at least 30 days before your licence expiry date. Some freezones and Mainland authorities will let you renew up to 90 days early.

If you have staff, their visa renewals are tied to the company licence. Allow extra time if you are renewing multiple visas at the same time.

Check your licence expiry date on:

Your original trade licence document
The DED Smart App (Dubai Mainland)
Your freezone’s online portal

Mainland Renewal Costs

Mainland renewal costs vary by emirate and by your business activity. Below are typical figures for a small business with one activity and no employees.

Dubai (DED)

Fee	Approx. Cost (AED)
DED trade licence renewal	8,000 - 15,000
Ejari (office tenancy contract)	1,000 - 2,000
Third-party approvals (if needed)	500 - 3,000
Total	9,500 - 20,000

The single biggest variable is whether your activity requires approvals from other authorities — for example, the Ministry of Economy, Dubai Tourism, or a professional body.

Abu Dhabi (ADDED / DED Abu Dhabi)

Renewal fees in Abu Dhabi are broadly similar to Dubai. Budget AED 8,000 - 18,000 for a standard licence depending on activity type.

Sharjah, RAK, Ajman

Other Emirates tend to be cheaper. Sharjah and Ajman Mainland licences can renew for AED 3,000 - 7,000 for simple activities.

Freezone Renewal Costs

Freezone renewal fees are usually more predictable because they are published in the freezone’s fee schedule. Here are typical figures for popular options.

IFZA (International Freezone Authority)

IFZA publishes straightforward annual renewal fees:

Package	Annual Renewal (AED)
Flexi Desk (no visa quota)	~8,000
With 1 visa quota	~10,000 - 12,000
With 2 visa quotas	~14,000 - 16,000

These figures are indicative — IFZA adjusts fees periodically, so confirm directly at ifza.ae.

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)

DMCC is one of the more expensive freezones to maintain. Annual renewal typically costs AED 20,000 - 35,000+ depending on your office package and number of visas.

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

DIFC renewal varies significantly by company type. A standard LLC with a basic licence renewal starts around USD 2,000 - 4,000 before workspace and visa costs.

Smaller Freezones (RAK ICC, Ajman, Fujairah)

Budget freezones can be renewed for AED 5,000 - 10,000 per year including a visa quota. These are popular for holding companies and solo consultants who do not need a Dubai address.

The Renewal Process Step by Step

Regardless of whether you are Mainland or Freezone, the core process is the same.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Most authorities need:

A copy of your current trade licence
Tenancy contract (Ejari for Dubai Mainland) or office lease confirmation
Passport copies and Emirates IDs for all owners and managers
Any professional certifications if your activity requires them

Step 2: Submit the renewal application

Mainland applications are usually done through the DED’s online portal or via a business setup agent. Freezone renewals are handled through the freezone’s own portal.

Step 3: Pay the fees

Most authorities accept credit card online or bank transfer. Some freelance permits and smaller freezones allow payment via app.

Step 4: Receive the renewed licence

Processing takes 1-5 working days for most straightforward renewals. If approvals from other government bodies are needed, allow 2-4 weeks.

Renewing Visas at the Same Time

If you hold a residence visa tied to your company, renewing the licence does not automatically renew your visa. Visas are separate.

However, you cannot renew an employee or dependent visa if the company licence has lapsed. So the order matters:

Renew the company licence first
Then renew employee visas
Then renew dependent/family visas

Read our full guide on UAE investor visas and how to sponsor family members in UAE for details on the visa side of things.

What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

Missing your renewal date triggers late fees immediately. Here is what to expect.

Fines start on day one. Dubai DED charges AED 250 per month for the first few months, rising over time. Some freezones charge a flat penalty of AED 500 - 2,000 plus daily or monthly late fees.

After 3-6 months, the licence is typically suspended. You can no longer legally trade.

After 12 months, authorities can move to cancel your licence and potentially blacklist the company. If you have employees on visas, their visa status is also affected.

Banks will notice. UAE banks monitor licence status. A lapsed or suspended licence can trigger account freezes or affect your ability to make transactions.

Can You Renew an Expired Licence?

Yes, in most cases — but you will pay accumulated fines on top of the standard renewal fees.

For Mainland Dubai, go to the DED portal or a typing centre and select “renewal with fine payment.” You pay the outstanding penalties and the renewal fee in one transaction.

For freezones, contact your freezone authority directly. Most will allow late renewal with fines for up to 12 months. Beyond that, you may be looking at a full re-registration.

If your licence has been cancelled (not just lapsed), you will need to go through a fresh company formation process. See our guide on how to register a company in UAE for what that involves.

Using a PRO Service for Renewal

If you are busy or unfamiliar with the process, a PRO service can handle the renewal on your behalf. They know the portals, chase approvals, and deal with any issues.

PRO services typically charge AED 500 - 1,500 for a straightforward renewal, on top of the government fees. For complex renewals with multiple approvals, it is often worth it.

Checklist: Renewal in 30 Days

Use this to stay on track:

Check licence expiry date (now)
Confirm tenancy contract is valid for the next 12 months
Check if any professional certifications need renewing
Gather passport copies and Emirates IDs for all owners
Submit renewal application (at least 2 weeks before expiry)
Pay renewal fees
Download renewed licence
Renew employee and dependent visas as needed

Summary

UAE trade licence renewal is an annual process every business has to manage. The costs range from AED 5,000 for a budget freezone to AED 35,000+ for a premium Dubai setup with multiple visas. Start the process 30 days out, keep your tenancy contract current, and handle visas in order.

If you are thinking about moving to a cheaper freezone at renewal time, see our freezone comparison guide — switching is possible but involves a full setup process, not just a renewal.