DBM Services
Company Liquidation in Dubai & the UAE
Company liquidation is the legal process of closing a UAE company properly — cancelling the license, visas and registrations so no fines follow you. DBM manages the entire process end-to-end with a fixed, transparent fee.
Walking away from a UAE company without closing it is the most expensive mistake an owner can make: license renewal fines, immigration penalties and frozen bank accounts keep accumulating in your name — and can block you from future visas and businesses in the UAE.
Proper liquidation clears you completely. For a mainland (DED) company this means appointing a registered liquidator, publishing the required notice, clearing labour, immigration, customs and utility accounts, cancelling visas and obtaining the final license cancellation certificate. Freezone companies follow a simpler license-cancellation route through their authority.
DBM has closed companies for hundreds of owners — cleanly, quickly and with every clearance documented. You get a fixed all-in quote upfront: typical total costs including government fees run around AED 8,000–15,000 for a freezone cancellation and AED 12,000–25,000 for a mainland liquidation, depending on visas, fines and bank closure requirements. No surprises at the end.
Why It Works
Fixed Transparent Fee
One itemised quote covering liquidator, notices, clearances and government charges — agreed before we start.
No Lingering Liabilities
Every registration cancelled — license, establishment card, visas, labour file, VAT/corporate tax deregistration — so nothing accrues fines later.
Mainland & Freezone
DED liquidation with registered liquidator report, or fast-track freezone license cancellation through any UAE freezone authority.
Visa & Employee Wind-Down
Employee visa cancellations, end-of-service settlements and immigration clearances handled correctly and humanely.
Bank Account Closure
We coordinate corporate account closure and final statements banks require for the liquidation file.
Deregistration Done Right
FTA deregistration (VAT & corporate tax) filed on time — missing it triggers penalties even after closure.
How the Process Works
- 1
Free Assessment
We review your license type, visas, fines and bank status, and give you a fixed all-in quote with a realistic timeline.
- 2
Board Resolution & Liquidator
We prepare the shareholder resolution and, for mainland companies, appoint the registered liquidator and file the intent to liquidate.
- 3
Notice Period & Clearances
The statutory notice runs (45 days for mainland LLCs) while we collect clearances — immigration, labour, customs, utilities, freezone or DED.
- 4
Visa Cancellations & Final Audit
All visas under the company are cancelled, the bank account is closed and the liquidator issues the final report.
- 5
Cancellation Certificate
The license is formally cancelled and you receive the certificate — your proof the company is closed with zero outstanding liabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does company liquidation cost in Dubai?
Typical all-in costs including government fees are around AED 8,000–15,000 for a freezone license cancellation and AED 12,000–25,000 for a mainland liquidation, depending on visa count, outstanding fines and whether a liquidator report is required. DBM quotes a fixed itemised fee upfront after a free assessment.
How long does it take to liquidate a company in the UAE?
Freezone cancellations usually complete in 2–4 weeks. Mainland liquidation takes roughly 45–60 days because of the mandatory 45-day public notice period for LLCs, plus clearances and the final liquidator report.
What happens if I just stop renewing my license instead of liquidating?
Fines accumulate every year in your name — license renewal penalties, immigration fines if visas remain active, and possible bank account freezes. These follow you personally and can block future UAE visas and company registrations. Proper liquidation is always cheaper than abandonment.
Can I liquidate a company that has unpaid fines?
Yes — fines must be settled or negotiated as part of the process, and DBM frequently arranges fine reductions before cancellation. We calculate the full settlement picture in the free assessment so you know the real total before deciding.
Do I need to cancel employee visas before liquidation?
Visa cancellation is part of the liquidation process itself — all visas under the company, including your own investor visa, are cancelled during the clearance stage. We sequence it so you have time to arrange your next residency if you are staying in the UAE.
Do I need to deregister from VAT and corporate tax when closing?
Yes. If the company is registered with the Federal Tax Authority, you must file for VAT and corporate tax deregistration within the deadlines — missing them triggers penalties of AED 1,000 or more even after the license is cancelled. DBM files both as part of the liquidation.
Ready to Get Started with Company Liquidation?
Get a free consultation and an itemised, no-surprises quote — usually within the hour.