Overview
A sole establishment (EST) licensed on the mainland must also be formally closed when the owner stops trading. That means settling obligations with the Federal Tax Authority, completing labour and visa clearances and cancelling the trade licence with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
We manage the full establishment liquidation for you, so the process runs in the right order and the business is closed with no loose ends.
Who needs this service?
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Owners of mainland establishments (ESTs) closing their business
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Sole proprietors moving to a different structure
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Businesses that have stopped trading and want to stop annual renewals
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Owners leaving the UAE
What’s included
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Review of your establishment status and outstanding obligations
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Preparation of the final accounts and liquidation report
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VAT and Corporate Tax deregistration with the FTA
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Guidance on labour, visa and Emirates ID cancellations
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Liquidation filings and trade licence cancellation with DED
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Guidance on bank account closure and lease termination
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Follow-up until the licence cancellation is confirmed
Documents we typically need
- Trade licence of the establishment
- Passport and Emirates ID of the owner
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) and termination details
- Bank statements and accounting records
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration details
- Employee visa and labour card details
- Any NOC or clearance letters requested
How it works
- AssessmentWe review your establishment, accounts and obligations.
- ReportingWe prepare the liquidation documents and final report.
- Authority clearancesWe deregister with the FTA and complete other clearances.
- Licence cancellationWe complete the DED cancellation and close the file.
Key UAE facts
- Authorities involved: DED (now Dubai Economy and Tourism), the Federal Tax Authority, and labour and immigration departments.
- FTA: VAT and Corporate Tax registrations should be cancelled as part of the closure.
- Timing: depends on the state of your records and authority processing times.
- Our price: AED 12,000 for the complete EST process.
Mainland EST Liquidation — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an EST and an LLC?
An establishment (EST) is typically a single-owner business, while an LLC has two or more shareholders. The closure steps are similar, but the documents differ.
What does the AED 12,000 cover?
The price covers the complete EST liquidation process with DED and the FTA. Authority fees, fines or outstanding dues are separate and discussed with you upfront.
How long does the process take?
It depends on your records, any outstanding obligations and authority processing times. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your case.
What if my establishment is registered for VAT?
VAT registration must be cancelled with the FTA as part of the closure. We handle this as part of the process.
You may also need
Close your establishment properly
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