How to Transfer Your UAE Free Zone Company to Another Zone 2026

How to Transfer a UAE Free Zone Company to Another Zone — 2026 Guide

Transferring your UAE company from one free zone to another (called “redomiciliation” or “company migration”) is possible in some cases. However, it is not always straightforward — this guide explains your options and the process.

Can You Transfer Between Any UAE Free Zones?

Direct redomiciliation between two different UAE free zones is not universally available. The options are:

1. Full company migration (redomiciliation) — Only certain zone pairs allow this. For example, RAKEZ accepts redomiciliation from some other zones. Check with both the origin zone and the destination zone.
2. New company + dissolution — The most common approach: set up a new company in the destination zone, transfer operations, then dissolve the old company.
3. Shared services — Some business groups operate companies in multiple zones simultaneously for different activities.

When to Consider Moving to a Different Zone

• Your current zone is significantly more expensive than alternatives
• Banking is difficult from your current zone and you want to move to a bank-friendly zone
• Your activity has changed and your current zone no longer supports it
• You want to add more visas but your current zone package doesn’t allow it
• You’re scaling up and need a dedicated office in a more prestigious location

Step-by-Step: New Company + Dissolve Old Process

1. Set up the new company in the destination free zone (takes 3–14 days)
2. Update all client contracts and invoices to use the new company
3. Transfer business bank account to the new company (banks will need new company documents)
4. Apply for visa under the new company (once new UAE visa is ready, old visa must be cancelled)
5. Cancel visas under old company
6. Close the bank account under the old company
7. Formally dissolve the old company (see our dissolution guide)

Cost of Moving Zones

Expect to pay:

• New zone setup fees (year 1 full cost)
• Visa transfer costs (typically AED 1,500–3,000 per visa)
• Old zone dissolution fees (AED 500–5,000)
• Total: typically AED 15,000–30,000+ depending on zones and number of visas

Use our comparison table to evaluate the cost of your destination zone before deciding.