First time in UAE history: Transfer your company TO Dubai without shutting down. Move between free zones, mainland, or from abroad. No liquidation required. Company re-domiciliation preserves your business identity.
Understanding
A groundbreaking change in UAE business law announced in 2026: companies can now transfer their legal registration without closing down.
If you wanted to move from a free zone to mainland, or between emirates, you had to close your existing company (liquidation), settle all affairs, and start a completely new entity. This meant losing your company history, renegotiating all contracts, reopening bank accounts, and essentially starting from scratch.
Under the amended Commercial Companies Law, re-domiciliation allows your company to transfer its registration between UAE jurisdictions (and even from abroad) while remaining the same legal entity. Think of it like moving houses - same household, different address.
Key Advantage:
Your company's incorporation date, legal history, contracts, bank accounts, and reputation all transfer with you. You're not starting over - you're relocating.
Advantages
Benefits of company transfer UAE vs closing and reopening.
Transfer your company to UAE without dissolving the original entity. Maintain legal continuity.
Keep your company's track record, incorporation date, and business reputation intact.
Continue existing bank accounts and credit relationships without starting from zero.
Move from free zone to mainland, between emirates, or into financial free zones seamlessly.
Typically faster than closing one company and opening another. Less paperwork and hassle.
Existing contracts, agreements, and licenses can continue under the transferred entity.
Options
Multiple company migration UAE pathways available under 2026 law.
Transfer your free zone company to Dubai mainland to trade directly with UAE customers without restrictions.
When to Consider:
Your business is growing beyond international clients and needs direct mainland market access.
Key Benefit:
Unlimited UAE market access while preserving company identity
Move your mainland company to a free zone to access 0% corporate tax benefits and simplified compliance.
When to Consider:
Your business primarily serves international markets and qualifies for QFZP tax status.
Key Benefit:
Potential tax savings and reduced operational complexity
Transfer your company registration from one emirate to another (e.g., Sharjah to Dubai, Abu Dhabi to Dubai).
When to Consider:
Relocating operations or seeking better business environment in different emirate.
Key Benefit:
Better infrastructure, ecosystem, or strategic location
Move from one free zone to another within UAE (e.g., IFZA to DMCC, Ajman FZ to Dubai FZ).
When to Consider:
Current free zone no longer suits your needs, or you need better sector-specific facilities.
Key Benefit:
Better services, lower costs, or sector specialization
Transfer licensed financial services companies into DIFC or ADGM for enhanced regulatory standing.
When to Consider:
Expanding into regulated financial services or seeking common law jurisdiction benefits.
Key Benefit:
Enhanced credibility and access to DIFC/ADGM financial ecosystem
Relocate your existing foreign company (UK, US, Singapore, etc.) to Dubai while maintaining corporate identity.
When to Consider:
Seeking UAE tax benefits, strategic location, or escaping unfavorable foreign jurisdictions.
Key Benefit:
0-9% tax, strategic MENA location, business-friendly environment
Process
Verify your company qualifies for re-domiciliation. Check source and destination jurisdiction compatibility.
Pass board resolution approving re-domiciliation. All shareholders must agree to the transfer.
Gather certificate of incorporation, memorandum, articles, financial statements, and no-objection certificates.
Submit re-domiciliation application to new UAE licensing authority (DED, free zone, DIFC, ADGM).
Obtain clearance certificate from current licensing authority confirming no outstanding liabilities.
New authority issues updated commercial license. Company officially re-domiciled to new jurisdiction.
Notify banks, clients, suppliers, and authorities of company re-domiciliation. Update all documentation.
Requirements
Company must be in good standing with current licensing authority. No outstanding violations or penalties.
100% shareholder approval typically required for re-domiciliation. Special resolution must be passed.
All debts, taxes, and obligations must be settled or transferred. Clean financial record required.
Current commercial license must be active and valid at time of re-domiciliation application.
Business activities must be permissible in the destination jurisdiction. May need activity adjustment.
Must meet any minimum capital requirements of destination jurisdiction if applicable.
Comparison
| Aspect | Fresh Company Setup | Re-domiciliation |
|---|---|---|
| Company Continuity | New entity created, history lost | Same entity continues, history preserved |
| Incorporation Date | New incorporation date (2026) | Original incorporation date retained |
| Banking | Open all new bank accounts | Can transfer existing accounts |
| Contracts | Must renegotiate all contracts | Existing contracts remain valid |
| Timeline | 4-8 weeks for new setup | 6-10 weeks for transfer |
| Cost | AED 15,000-50,000+ | AED 30,000-80,000+ |
Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Source Authority Clearance Fee | AED 2,000-5,000 |
| Destination Authority Application | AED 5,000-15,000 |
| New Commercial License | AED 10,000-30,000 |
| Legal Documentation | AED 3,000-10,000 |
| Government Processing Fees | AED 2,000-8,000 |
| Professional Service Fees | AED 10,000-25,000 |
| Total Range | AED 30,000-80,000+ |
Costs vary based on source and destination jurisdictions. Get personalized quote below.
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