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Dubai Company License Renewal Fees: What You Pay in 2025

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Dubai Company License Renewal Fees: What You Pay in 2025

Own a business license in Dubai? Renewing Dubai company license renewal fees becomes important as the first year closes. It ensures that the company stays active, avoids fines, and is scalable for new growth. Many firms wish to get a clear view of the cost, the steps to follow, and the way renewal works in Dubai. Every company pays a different renewal amount because office size, visa count, and activity approvals follow separate rules and create their own cost pattern.

When owners understand how Dubai’s licensing system functions, they can prepare early, avoid fines, and keep their yearly costs steady. A clear view of the renewal structure helps them plan the next year without stress.

What do You Pay for Your Dubai Company License Renewal in 2025?

Renewing your company license in Dubai involves a set of yearly fees that depend on your activity, your office plan, and your visa structure. Many founders renew without knowing the full list of costs, which leads to delays or extra charges. This breakdown gives you a clear view of your yearly spending so you can plan your renewal with confidence.

1. License Renewal Fee

Your license renewal is the main part of your yearly cost, and each zone uses its own price for each activity. Service activities renew at the lower end because they need fewer checks. Trading activities renew at higher levels because the zone reviews more details. This is the renewal range:

You can expect 8000 to 30000 AED for most renewals.

2. Establishment Card Renewal Fee

Your establishment card connects your company to visa services, and it must remain active at all times. Zones follow different renewal cycles, so some renew yearly, and others renew every two years. If your card expires, you cannot renew visas or update company records. This is the renewal range:

You can expect 700 to 2000 AED per renewal.

3. Office or Flexi Desk Renewal Cost

Your office plan controls your rent, visa quota, and yearly budget. A flexi desk works for small teams that need a simple address. Shared and dedicated offices cost more because they offer more space and support higher visa limits. Larger offices increase your total yearly cost. These are the ranges:

  • Flexi desk plans cost 5000 to 15000 AED per year.
  • Dedicated offices start at 20000 AED per year and rise with size.

4. Visa Renewals for Staff or Founders

Every visa on your license must be renewed before expiry to keep your company active. The renewal cost depends on the zone, the type of visa, and the applicant’s category. You pay this fee for each person listed under your company. This is the expected range:

You can expect 3500 to 5000 AED per visa.

5. Medical Test and Emirates ID Renewal Fees

A medical test and ID renewal apply when your current Emirates ID expires. The test confirms your fitness for residency, and the ID update is needed for your visa stamp. Processing time and center type change the final fee, so the cost varies slightly. Here is the common range:

You can expect 1200 to 1800 AED per applicant.

Our professional team can guide you through each renewal step, check your documents, and help you avoid extra fees. We review your office plan, visa list, and activity approvals so you can complete your Dubai company license renewal on time and without stress. Contact Now!

Dubai Company License Renewal Fees at a Glance

Cost Item Renewal Details Expected Range
License renewal fee Main yearly charge varies by activity and zone 8000 to 30000 AED
Establishment card renewal fee Needed for visa services and the company file 700 to 2000 AED
Flexi desk renewal Basic workspace and address 5000 to 15000 AED per year
Dedicated office renewal Larger space, higher visa quota 20000 AED and up
Visa renewal Fee per applicant 3500 to 5000 AED
Medical test and Emirates ID Required for ID renewal and visa validity 1200 to 1800 AED

Factors Impacting Dubai Company License Renewal Fees

The renewal cost changes based on the structure of your company, the zone you choose, and the number of services you use each year. Each factor affects the total amount in its own way. A clear view of these points helps companies understand their Dubai company license renewal fees for 2025.

1. Business Activity

The activity sets the base renewal price. Service activities stay in the lower range. Trading and regulated activities cost more because they involve extra checks.

Example: A consulting license is renewed for less than a general trading license.

2. Free Zone or Mainland Model

Free Zones use their own portals and fixed cycles. Mainland renewals follow Dubai Economy rules and may need tenancy checks.

Example: A Free Zone company renews online, while a Mainland company business setup may need its Ejari updated.

3. Number of Visas

More visas increase the yearly cost. Each visa needs a medical, an Emirates ID, and a stamp renewal.

Example: A company with four visas pays more than a company with one visa.

4. Office Type

Flexi desks cost less. Shared or dedicated offices cost more because they support higher visa quotas.

Example: A firm using a flexi desk pays a lower renewal than a firm renting a full office.

5. Additional Approvals

Some regulated activities need yearly clearance from local bodies.

Example: A health activity may need DHA approval before renewal.

6. Late Renewal Fines

Missing deadlines leads to daily fines, and an expired establishment card blocks visa services.

Example: A company renewing five days late pays a fine for each day.

7. Renewal Frequency Rules

Zones follow different renewal timelines. Some renew yearly, and others allow one or two-year options.

Example: A zone offering a two-year renewal may reduce the number of times a company pays yearly admin fees.

A clear view of these factors helps companies plan steady renewals and avoid avoidable costs. A well-planned structure keeps yearly spending predictable.

Documents Needed for Dubai Company License Renewal in 2025

You need the correct documents to complete your renewal. These documents confirm the company status, office details, and visa list. Missing documents can delay Dubai company licence renewal online. This makes it important to prepare each item before the process begins.

  • Trade License copy: Shows your company details and confirms your license status. A clear and updated copy is needed for renewal.
  • Establishment Card Copy: Links your company to immigration systems. It must be valid, or your renewal may pause.
  • Passport Copies: Required for the owner, partners, and active visa holders. Details must match the records on file.
  • Office Contract: Confirms your legal address and workspace size. It must be valid to support your visa quota.
  • Visa list: Shows all active visas under your company. Old or canceled visas should be removed before renewal.
  • Activity Approval if Required: Needed for regulated activities such as food, health, education, and real estate.

A complete and updated document set helps you renew without delays. Our professional team can review your documents, fix gaps, and guide you through each step so your renewal finishes on time and without extra cost.

Free Zone vs Mainland License Renewal in Dubai

Renewal costs in Dubai change based on the model a company follows. Free Zones use their own portals and fixed steps, while Mainland firms renew through the Dubai Economy with more checks. Each model affects office cost, visa rules, and the time needed to complete the renewal. This comparison helps companies choose the structure that fits their yearly plan.

Category Free Zone Renewal Mainland Renewal
Renewal cycle Simple yearly cycle with fixed steps. Follows Dubai Economy rules and system checks.
Process Renew license, office, and establishment card through the zone portal. Renew through Dubai Economy with tenancy checks and activity validation.
Processing speed Usually fast when documents are correct. It can take longer if approvals or tenancy checks are pending.
Office cost Higher office costs in most Free Zones. Lower office cost for a similar space.
Activity approvals Fewer checks for standard activities. More approvals may apply depending on the activity.
Impact of visas Visa quota linked to office size. Visa quota linked to office and activity rules.
Total renewal cost Higher office costs but fewer approval fees. Lower office costs but more checks for some activities.

This comparison helps you see how renewal rules change when you choose a Free Zone or the Mainland. Free Zones keep the process simple and fast, while Mainland renewal depends on tenancy checks and activity reviews. Your final cost depends on your office plan, your activity, and your visa list. This table gives you a clear view of how each model affects your yearly renewal plan.

Renewal Fees Across Major Dubai Free Zones

Business Setup in Dubai Free Zones follows different renewal patterns, so the yearly cost shifts based on the zone you choose. Some zones focus on service activities and keep renewal fees low, while others support trading and offer larger office options at a higher price. Comparing these starting rates helps companies plan their renewal budget with better clarity.

Below is a clear view of the renewal fees across major Free Zones in Dubai.

Free Zone License Renewal (From) Office or Flexi Desk (From)
IFZA 12000 AED 8000 AED
Meydan 13000 AED 9000 AED
SHAMS 8500 AED 6000 AED
RAKEZ 11000 AED 7500 AED
DMCC 25000 AED 30000 AED
Dubai South 15000 AED 10000 AED

These values help you plan how much it will cost for company renewal in Dubai when you choose a Free Zone. Service firms usually fall in the lower range, and trading firms sit higher. Your office plan and visa count also change your yearly budget.

Common Mistakes That Increase Renewal Cost for Dubai License

Many business owners pay more during renewal because they miss small details. These issues slow approvals, add extra charges, or create system delays. The same happens during the setup of a business in Dubai, where small process gaps turn into unexpected costs. Understanding these renewal mistakes early helps companies prepare the right documents and avoid unnecessary fees during the renewal cycle.

  • Renewal Delays – Late renewals lead to daily fines, and these fines increase the total cost quickly. Renewing before the deadline keeps the company record clean and prevents extra charges.
  • Incorrect Office Size – Office size controls the visa quota. When a team grows, and the office stays small, the zone may block new visas or add upgrade fees. Updating the office plan on time avoids these issues.
  • Expired Establishment Card – An active establishment card is required for all visa and company updates. If the card expires, the renewal process stops until it is updated. This pause can add time and extra cost.
  • Missing Activity Approvals – Some activities need yearly approvals from local authorities. If an approval expires, the zone pauses the renewal and may add a reactivation fee. Reviewing activity requirements early prevents delays.
  • Mismatched Passport or Visa Details – When passport details do not match the visa record, the system flags the renewal. This creates delays and may add correction fees. Updated passport copies help avoid this problem.

Our team can review your documents, fix gaps, and guide you through each step so your renewal stays on track and your costs stay controlled.

Late Renewal Fines and Penalties You Should Know

Late renewal increases the total cost because Free Zones and the Dubai Economy apply strict penalties when a license, visa, or establishment card expires. These fines continue until all pending renewals are completed. A clear view of the charges helps businesses avoid unnecessary expenses and maintain an active status.

  • Per-Day Fines for Expired Licenses: Daily fines apply when a license passes its renewal date.

Typical range: 10 to 50 AED per day, depending on the zone.

  • Penalties for an Expired Establishment Card: An expired establishment card blocks all visa services and immigration actions.

Penalty range: 500 to 2000 AED for reactivation.

  • Office Contract Issues: When an office contract expires or is not updated, the renewal request is placed on hold, and some zones add extra charges.

Reactivation range: 200 to 1000 AED based on the Free Zone.

  • Visa Expiry Penalties: Expired visas lead to overstay fines and may affect the company’s status.

Overstay range: 50 to 100 AED per day, increasing with longer delays.

What You Can Expect to Pay in 2025

Your Dubai company licence renewal fees depend on your license type, visa count, and office plan. Simple structures stay near the lower range. Larger teams and premium zones sit near higher values. Most firms pay a mix of license, office, and visa fees each year. You can contact us if you want a full calculation of your renewal fees, along with a clear estimate for your 2025 plan under the Dubai company license renewal fees model.

Frequently Asked Questions


1. What are the Dubai company license renewal fees in 2025?

Dubai company license renewal fees change based on the activity, office size, and visa count. Service licenses renew in the lower range, while trading licenses renew higher rate. The total cost also includes the establishment card, visas, medical tests, and office renewal, depending on the zone.

2. How long does the Dubai license renewal process take?

The process timeline depends on the model and the document accuracy. Free Zones complete renewals faster when documents are correct. Mainland renewals may take longer when tenancy checks or activity approvals apply. Preparing documents early keeps the process efficient.

3. What happens if the license is not renewed on time?

Expired licenses trigger daily fines and may block company services. An expired establishment card stops all visa activity. Overstay fines apply when visas expire. Renewal delays also place the company's records at risk and create unnecessary extra costs.

4. Can a company reduce its renewal cost?

Renewal cost drops when the office plan matches the team size and when the visa list stays updated. Keeping activity approvals valid also prevents reactivation fees. A company that plans early avoids late penalties and maintains steady yearly spending.

5. Are visa renewals included in Dubai license renewal fees?

Visa renewals sit outside the license renewal cost. Each visa requires medical tests, Emirates ID renewal, and stamping charges. The total fee depends on the number of active visas under the company and the rules of the selected zone.

6. Does the renewal cost change between the Free Zone and the Mainland?

Free Zones follow fixed renewal cycles and mostly use online portals. Mainland renewals follow Dubai Economy requirements and may include tenancy checks. Free Zones usually have higher office costs, while the Mainland may require more approvals. The final amount varies by structure.

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Joel Dsouza

About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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