UAE Free Zone Company Secretary Requirements 2026
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)