Free Zone Company Liquidation in the UAE

Closing a free zone company properly protects shareholders and directors from continuing fees, penalties and liabilities. A company that is simply abandoned continues to accrue licence charges and may face penalties, including for Corporate Tax and VAT deregistration failures.

Dawn Consultancy liquidates free zone companies across the UAE. We act as liquidator, prepare the liquidator’s report and final accounts, handle Corporate Tax and VAT deregistration and manage the process with the free zone authority through to final deregistration. Our liquidator’s reports are accepted by Meydan Free Zone, where we issue them regularly.

Free zones we handle

DMCC, DAFZA, DSO and DIFC
JAFZA, IFZA and Meydan Free Zone
RAKEZ and RAK ICC
SAIF Zone and other Sharjah free zones
Other UAE free zones on request

The liquidation process

Assessment. We confirm the free zone’s requirements, outstanding obligations and whether we are an approved liquidator for your zone.
Shareholder resolution. We prepare the resolution to liquidate and appoint the liquidator.
Notification and publication. The free zone is notified and, where required, a notice is published for creditors.
Settlement of obligations. Assets are realised, creditors and employees settled, and visas cancelled.
Final accounts and audit. Accounts are prepared up to the liquidation date and audited where required.
Tax deregistration. Corporate Tax and VAT deregistration applications are filed with the Federal Tax Authority.
Liquidator’s report. We issue the report confirming the company has settled its liabilities.
Deregistration. The free zone cancels the licence and issues the deregistration certificate.

Common issues we resolve

Missing or incomplete accounting records
Outstanding Corporate Tax registration or late filing penalties
VAT returns not filed or VAT deregistration not completed
Owners based outside the UAE, requiring a power of attorney with legalisation
Bank accounts that must be closed before deregistration
Outstanding employee visas or lease obligations

Why choose Dawn Consultancy

Experience across multiple free zones and mainland jurisdictions
Liquidation, audit and tax deregistration handled by one team
Clear fixed fees, with government fees passed through at cost
Regular progress updates, especially for owners outside the UAE

Frequently asked questions

How long does a free zone liquidation take?

It depends on the zone, the condition of the records and outstanding obligations. A straightforward liquidation can often be completed within a few months; complex cases take longer.

Do I need to deregister for Corporate Tax?

Yes. A company that ceases to exist must apply to deregister for Corporate Tax, and for VAT if registered, and settle any outstanding returns and liabilities. Failing to do so can result in penalties.

Can the liquidation be managed if the owners are outside the UAE?

Yes. Many of our clients are overseas. We manage the process locally, and the documents requiring signature can be executed abroad with a legalised power of attorney.

Is an audit needed before liquidation?

Most free zones require audited accounts up to the liquidation date. We confirm the requirement for your zone at the start.

Speak to our team

Send us your trade licence and tell us your free zone, and we will confirm the process, timeline and fixed fee.

Call +971 55 441 1036, email info@dawnconsultancy.com or visit us at Office 1509, Citadel Tower, Business Bay. Contact us to arrange a consultation.

Free Zone Company Liquidation in the UAE | Dawn Consultancy