How to Transfer a UAE Free Zone Company Licence to a New Owner 2026
Selling or transferring a UAE free zone company is possible. Here is the step-by-step 2026 guide on how to transfer a UAE free zone company to a new shareholder or owner.
In this guide:
When Is a Company Transfer Needed?
- Sale of business: You are selling your free zone company to a buyer
- Inheritance: Company shares being passed to heirs
- Partner exit: One shareholder buying out another
- Restructuring: Moving company into a holding structure (new parent company becomes shareholder)
Step 1: Sign a Share Transfer Agreement
- Prepare: Share Transfer Agreement (STA) between seller and buyer
- Price: State the agreed transfer price for the shares
- Legal review: Both parties should have the STA reviewed by a UAE lawyer
- Execution: Both parties sign; company director countersigns as company representative
Step 2: Free Zone Authority Approval
- Application: Submit share transfer application to your free zone authority
- Documents: STA; buyer passport; buyer proof of address; NOC from existing shareholders
- Free zone review: 5-15 business days
- New licence: Free zone issues new trade licence reflecting new shareholder
Step 3: Update Company Documents
- MOA amendment: MOA (Memorandum of Association) updated to reflect new shareholder
- Share register: Company internal share register updated
- Bank: Notify company bank of ownership change; provide updated documents; bank may require new KYC
Step 4: Tax / Financial Considerations
- UAE CT: No UAE capital gains tax on share disposals for UAE resident sellers in most cases; consult a tax adviser
- Seller home country: Seller may owe capital gains tax in their home country; seek local tax advice