Company liquidation in Dubai and the UAE, closed properly.

On the Dubai mainland the creditor notice period alone is 45 days, so most voluntary liquidations take two to four months from the resolution to the cancelled licence. Free zones vary: JAFZA states 21 working days to process a termination, and DMCC aims to complete a summary winding up within 6 months.

The liquidator submits a letter accepting the role together with its licence and auditor registration certificate, so in practice it is a registered auditing firm.

On the Dubai mainland, yes: the notice runs in two local Arabic newspapers, and creditors have 45 days to submit claims. Free zones differ. DMCC publishes the notice itself for 14 calendar days, and JAFZA publishes the newspaper notice on the company’s behalf.

The company is not closed. Non-renewal fines keep building, and the company stays registered for VAT and corporate tax with filing obligations. On the Dubai mainland, a licence that has been expired for more than two years needs an undertaking from the local partner for the company’s debts before it can be cancelled.

Yes. A VAT deregistration application is due within 30 business days of the obligation arising, with the final return and payment within 28 days of deregistration. For corporate tax, the company must apply within 3 months of its dissolution or liquidation, with its licence cancellation document and final financial statements.

It depends on the free zone. DMCC, for example, allows an insolvent voluntary winding up, in which creditors appoint a committee to oversee the liquidator. We look at the balance sheet first and tell you which route applies.

Much of it can, through a power of attorney and our team. Some steps need a shareholder or manager in person, for example JAFZA asks the owner to sign the deregistration form in person. We tell you up front which steps need you.