How to Transfer a UAE Free Zone Company to a New Owner 2026 — Share Transfer Guide
Selling or transferring ownership of your UAE free zone company requires a formal share transfer process. Here is the complete 2026 guide for UAE free zone company ownership transfer.
In this guide:
- How to Transfer a UAE Free Zone Company to a New Owner 2026 — Share Transfer Guide
- When Is a Share Transfer Required?
- Documents Required for UAE Free Zone Share Transfer
- Step-by-Step Share Transfer Process
- Tax Implications of UAE Free Zone Share Transfers
- Can a Non-UAE-Resident Buy a UAE Free Zone Company?
When Is a Share Transfer Required?
- Selling your UAE company to a buyer
- Bringing in a new business partner (adding shareholder)
- Transferring company to a family member
- Restructuring group companies (moving shares between group entities)
- Divorce settlement involving company ownership
Documents Required for UAE Free Zone Share Transfer
- Board resolution approving the share transfer
- Share Transfer Agreement (signed by both seller and buyer)
- Buyer passport copy and address proof
- Board resolution of buyer entity (if buyer is a company)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from existing shareholders
- Updated Memorandum of Association (to be signed after transfer)
Step-by-Step Share Transfer Process
- Both parties sign the Share Transfer Agreement
- Submit transfer application to the free zone authority
- Free zone reviews and approves the transfer
- Notarize updated MOA if required by the free zone
- Pay transfer fees (AED 1,500-5,000 depending on free zone)
- Receive updated certificate of incorporation showing new shareholder
- Update bank mandate and signatory authority at bank
Tax Implications of UAE Free Zone Share Transfers
- UAE: No capital gains tax on share sale proceeds (for selling owner)
- UAE stamp duty: None
- Home country tax: Seller may be subject to capital gains tax in their home country on UAE company share sale proceeds — take advice before selling
- UAE corporate tax: Transfer pricing rules may apply if transfer is between related parties at non-arm length price
Can a Non-UAE-Resident Buy a UAE Free Zone Company?
Yes — the new buyer does not need to be a UAE resident. The same rules apply as for registering a new UAE free zone company as a non-resident.