Overview of UAE Corporate Liquidation Legislation
Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies and individual Free Zone regulations, closing a business in the UAE requires structured legal liquidation.
Before receiving a final License Cancellation Certificate from DET or your Free Zone Authority, companies must complete tax deregistration under our 9% Corporate Tax Guide and settle all employee obligations under MoHRE Article 51 Gratuity Rules.
Select Company Jurisdiction
Dubai DET Mainland Company Liquidation Process
Mainland LLC liquidation requires a notarized Board Resolution, appointing a licensed liquidator, publishing a 45-day newspaper notice, cancelling MoHRE visas, and FTA tax deregistration.
Estimated Duration: 45 to 60 Days
Estimated Regulatory Fees: AED 5,000 – 15,000 (Liquidator & DED fees)
Mandatory Clearance Checklist
- ✅ MoHRE Clearance: Cancel all work permits & pay gratuity.
- ✅ FTA Tax Deregistration: Submit final VAT & Corporate Tax returns.
- ✅ Bank Account Closing: Settle liabilities & obtain closing letter.
- ✅ DEWA / Lease Clearance: Cancel Ejari tenancy contract & utility meters.
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (Company Liquidation)
Cancelling a Dubai DET mainland trade license involves appointing an official liquidator, publishing a 45-day newspaper announcement, cancelling all employee work permits with MoHRE, closing corporate bank accounts, and deregistering for Corporate Tax and VAT with the FTA.
Free Zone company liquidation (e.g. DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, SHAMS) typically takes 15 to 30 days once all employee visas are cancelled and facility clearances are obtained under our Free Zone Setup Guide.
Yes. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires all companies to submit Tax Deregistration applications for VAT and 9% Corporate Tax under our Corporate Tax Guide before the trade license can be formally cancelled.
All employee residency visas and MoHRE work permits must be cancelled or transferred to new sponsors prior to issuing the final License Cancellation Certificate.
DET & FTA VerifiedOfficial Liquidation Source
• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET Business Cancellation): ded.ae
• Federal Tax Authority (FTA Tax Deregistration): tax.gov.ae