UAE Company Deregistration and Liquidation Process 2026 — Complete Guide
Closing a UAE free zone company requires a formal deregistration and liquidation process. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
Why Companies Deregister in UAE
- Business closure: Shutting down operations permanently
- Moving to another free zone or jurisdiction
- Company dormant: No business activity; keeping the company costs money
- Natural person relocation: Founder leaving UAE and no longer needing UAE entity
UAE Free Zone Company Deregistration Steps
- Cancel all UAE visas sponsored by the company: All employee and investor visas must be cancelled BEFORE company deregistration
- Close UAE business bank account: Get closure confirmation letter
- Deregister from UAE VAT (if registered): File deregistration application on EmaraTax; final VAT return
- File final UAE CT return: Within 9 months of final financial year end (or company closure date)
- Apply for deregistration with free zone authority: Submit deregistration form with required documents
- Free zone approval: Authority reviews and approves deregistration (2-8 weeks depending on zone)
- Certificate of Deregistration issued: Company is officially dissolved
Documents Needed for UAE Company Deregistration
- All shareholder signatures on a deregistration/liquidation resolution
- Proof all visas have been cancelled
- Bank account closure letter
- Final audited financial statements (if required by free zone)
- No-objection letters from relevant authorities (customs, etc.) if applicable
UAE Company Deregistration Cost
- Free zone authority fee: AED 1,500-5,000 for deregistration processing
- Visa cancellation: AED 500-1,000 per visa cancellation
- Total: AED 3,000-10,000 depending on number of visas and free zone