Company Liquidation Services in Dubai & Across the UAE
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Closing a company in the UAE is a legal process that requires proper documentation, government approvals, financial settlement, and regulatory compliance. If not handled correctly, it can lead to penalties, visa complications, tax issues, or future liabilities.
At Catalyst Taxes, we provide comprehensive Company Liquidation Services in Dubai and across the UAE, helping businesses close operations smoothly and in full compliance with UAE laws. Whether you are shutting down due to restructuring, financial reasons, project completion, or strategic exit, our experts manage the entire process from start to finish.
We ensure your business is closed legally, transparently, and without future risks.
What is Company Liquidation in the UAE?
Company liquidation is the formal legal procedure of closing a registered business entity. It involves cancelling the trade license, settling liabilities, clearing government records, deregistering taxes, and obtaining an official cancellation certificate from the relevant authority.
Liquidation is not simply stopping operations. A company remains legally active — and liable for penalties — until it is properly deregistered with the authorities.
In the UAE, liquidation typically includes:
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Passing a shareholder resolution to close the company
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Appointing an approved liquidator (for certain company types)
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Publishing a legal notice
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Obtaining clearances from government departments
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Settling VAT and Corporate Tax obligations
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Submitting a final liquidation report
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Receiving the Trade License Cancellation Certificate
At Catalyst Taxes, we guide you through each step carefully to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Types of Company Liquidation Services We Offer
Every business structure in the UAE has different closure requirements. Our team handles liquidation for all major company types:
Mainland Company Liquidation
Mainland businesses registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) require structured procedures and, in most cases, appointment of a licensed liquidator. We assist with:
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LLC liquidation
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Civil company closure
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Sole establishment cancellation
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Branch office closure
We coordinate directly with government authorities to ensure timely approvals.
Free Zone Company Liquidation
Free Zone companies follow authority-specific procedures. Requirements vary depending on the Free Zone regulations. We handle liquidation across major UAE Free Zones and manage:
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Authority approvals
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Visa cancellations
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Lease termination coordination
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Clearance certificates
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Final deregistration
Offshore Company Liquidation
Offshore entities require structured documentation and authority communication. We ensure proper deregistration to prevent compliance issues in the future.
Our Step-by-Step Company Liquidation Process
At Catalyst Taxes, we follow a structured, transparent approach to ensure smooth business closure.
- Initial Consultation & Assessment: We evaluate your company’s structure, liabilities, visa status, tax registration, and regulatory standing to create a customized liquidation roadmap.
- Shareholder Resolution: A formal decision to close the company is drafted and executed. Where required, notarization is arranged.
- Appointment of Liquidator: For LLC and certain company types, a licensed liquidator is appointed to oversee the legal closure process.
- Submission to Licensing Authority: All required documents are submitted to the relevant authority (Mainland or Free Zone) for initial approval.
- Issuance of Initial Liquidation Approval: Upon approval, the authority issues a primary liquidation certificate allowing the company to proceed with the notice period.
- Public Notice Publication (45-Day Period): A legal notice is published in an approved newspaper inviting any creditor claims. This is a mandatory requirement for many company types.
- Government & Third-Party Clearances: Clearances must be obtained from the Immigration Department, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, the Federal Tax Authority for VAT and Corporate Tax deregistration, the Customs Department (if applicable), electricity and water authorities, telecom providers, the landlord, and the company’s bank for account closure confirmation.
- Preparation of Final Liquidation Report: The appointed liquidator prepares the final report confirming settlement of liabilities.
- Final Submission & License Cancellation: After review and final approval, the authority issues the official Trade License Cancellation Certificate — completing the liquidation process.
Documents Required for Company Liquidation
While requirements may vary depending on jurisdiction, standard documentation includes:
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Trade license copy
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Memorandum of Association (MOA)
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Shareholders’ passport and Emirates ID copies
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Shareholders’ resolution
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Power of attorney (if applicable)
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Tax deregistration documents
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Lease agreement copy
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Clearance certificates
Our team verifies documentation in advance to avoid rejections and delays.
Tax & Compliance Considerations During Liquidation
With the introduction of VAT and Corporate Tax in the UAE, tax compliance has become a critical component of company closure.
Before liquidation, businesses must:
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File all pending VAT returns
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Apply for VAT deregistration
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Ensure Corporate Tax compliance
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Clear outstanding penalties
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Obtain FTA clearance
Failure to properly deregister can result in future tax liabilities and penalties.
At Catalyst Taxes, we specialize in tax-compliant liquidation strategies, ensuring that your business exits the market cleanly and legally.
Common Challenges in Company Liquidation
Many businesses face complications when attempting to close independently. Some common issues include:
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Active employee visas not cancelled
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Unfiled VAT returns
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Outstanding bank liabilities
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Unpaid utility bills
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Lease disputes
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Missing shareholder documentation
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Delays in clearance approvals
Our proactive approach helps identify risks early and resolve them before they cause delays.
How Long Does Company Liquidation Take in the UAE?
The liquidation timeline generally ranges between 45 to 90 days, depending on:
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Company type
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Jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone)
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Visa cancellation status
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Tax compliance
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Clearance processing time
Our structured process minimizes unnecessary delays and ensures efficient coordination with authorities.
Close Your Company with Confidence
Company liquidation is more than cancelling a license — it is a legal exit strategy that must be handled carefully and professionally.
At Catalyst Taxes, we simplify the complexity of business closure and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations. Whether you are restructuring, exiting the market, or completing a project cycle, we provide reliable support to close your company smoothly.
