Closing a UAE free zone company (winding up or deregistration) is a multi-step process that varies by free zone authority. This guide covers the standard procedure, timelines, and costs for dissolving a UAE free zone company.
Steps to Close a UAE Free Zone Company
Step 1: Board Resolution — Pass a board resolution to wind up the company and appoint a liquidator (if required by the free zone). For single-shareholder companies, a shareholder resolution suffices.
Step 2: Clear All Obligations — Settle all outstanding invoices with the free zone (licence renewal fees, office rent, utility bills). Cancel all employee visas and settle end-of-service gratuity. Close the company’s UAE bank account and obtain a bank clearance letter.
Step 3: Cancel Employee Visas — All employee and dependant visas sponsored by the company must be cancelled before the company can be deregistered. This includes owner/investor visas.
Step 4: Cancel Trade Licence — Submit a licence cancellation application to the free zone authority with supporting documents: board resolution, NOC from bank, employee visa cancellation confirmation, and proof of office/flexi-desk surrender.
Step 5: Publication (if required) — Some free zones (particularly those with a liquidation requirement) require publication of a dissolution notice in a UAE newspaper for 30 days.
Step 6: Deregistration Certificate — Once all steps are complete, the free zone issues a deregistration certificate confirming the company no longer exists.
Typical Timeline
Simple winding up with no liabilities: 4–8 weeks. Complex cases with disputes, unpaid creditors, or court involvement: 6–18 months.
Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Free zone cancellation fee | 500–2,000 |
| Liquidator fee (if required) | 3,000–10,000 |
| Newspaper publication | 500–1,500 |
| Visa cancellation (per visa) | 300–500 |
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Free Zone Company Winding Up: How to Close a Free Zone Company | Current authority package | Quote-based - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on package and office allocation | Authority quote required | Authority quote required | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Confirmed only after authority or partner quote. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visas, insurance, medical, Emirates ID, office upgrades, amendments and cancellation unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Confirm establishment card, visas, office/flexi desk, insurance, renewal and cancellation before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium - depends on activity and documents |
| Best fit | Founders comparing this free zone against activity, visa, office, banking and renewal requirements. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.