UK and Commonwealth entrepreneurs are familiar with the Company Secretary role. Here is how it applies to UAE free zone companies in 2026.
In this guide:
Do UAE Free Zone Companies Need a Company Secretary?
- UAE requirement: UAE Federal law and most free zone regulations do not formally require a Company Secretary equivalent
- Exceptions: DIFC and ADGM (English common law jurisdictions) have Company Secretary requirements more similar to UK
- Practically: Most UAE free zone companies do not have a formal Company Secretary
Who Performs Company Secretary Functions?
- Owner/director: In small free zone companies, the owner typically performs admin functions
- PRO agent: Many free zone companies use a PRO agent for regulatory filings, renewal reminders, and document management
- Corporate service provider: Specialized companies provide company secretary-like services for AED 3,000-8,000/year
Registered Agent (Some Free Zones)
- DIFC: Companies must maintain a registered agent
- ADGM: Registered agent requirement for some company types
- Standard free zones: No registered agent requirement typically
Common Company Admin Tasks (Who Does It)
- Licence renewal: Owner (via portal) or PRO agent
- Document filing: Owner or PRO agent
- UBO update: Owner (mandatory within 15 days of change)
- Power of attorney: Notarized by owner; used to authorize PRO or lawyer
- Annual returns: Not typically required for most free zones (unlike UK)