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Get Professional Assistance for Share Transfer in Dubai, U.A.E.
We will assist you with Share Transfer LLC and JAFZA Share Transfer at a reasonable cost.
Who We’ve Worked With
How Share Transfers Works
In Dubai, shareholders of a private or public company are allowed to transfer their shares to another individual or legal entity, provided the transfer is made at a fair market price. These transfers can occur multiple times, and, in specific situations, the company itself may repurchase shares from a shareholder. All such transactions must be documented and registered with the UAE Trade Register.
Types of Share Transfers in the UAE
Internal Transfer
Movement of shares between existing shareholders of the company.
Individual Shareholder Entry
Transfer of shares to a new person who becomes a shareholder for the first time.
Corporate Shareholder Entry
Transfer of shares to a new company, allowing it to join as a shareholder.
Transfer Company Shares Without Delays or Errors
We manage the paperwork, approvals, and filings across both Mainland and Free Zone setups so you stay compliant from start to finish.
Share Transfer Requirements in Dubai
Shareholder Criteria
- Minimum: 1
- Maximum: Unlimited
- Type: Natural or legal persons
- Nationality/Jurisdiction: No restriction
Mandatory Documents
- Identity Proof – Passport or Emirates ID of all involved individuals.
- Address & Company Verification – Recent address proof for individuals and Trade Register extract for legal entities (within 3 months).
- Authorizations – Power of Attorney (if remote), signed consent from the company and other shareholders.
- Corporate Records – Latest approved Annual Report.
- Shareholder Resolution – Minutes of the general meeting approving the transfer.
- Legal Documentation – Signed Share Transfer Deed.
When is Share Transfer Required?
Share transfers can occur for several reasons, including:
- An existing shareholder exits the company
- A new investor or partner joins the company
- Inheritance due to a shareholder’s passing
- The company is acquired by a new owner
- Redistribution of shares among current shareholders
Key Steps in Share Transfer (UAE)
Review MOA or Articles of Association
- Check for any restrictions or approval requirements regarding share transfers.
- Look for clauses like pre-emption rights or consent from existing shareholders.
Get Shareholder Consent
- Inform all shareholders about the proposed transfer.
- Secure written consent where required (especially in LLCs).
Prepare Share Transfer Agreement (STA)
- Include names of both parties, number of shares, sale value, terms, and effective date.
- Get the STA notarized.
Valuation (If Needed)
- For large companies or in case of disputes, an independent valuation may be required.
Review MOA or Articles of Association
- Check for any restrictions or approval requirements regarding share transfers.
- Look for clauses like pre-emption rights or consent from existing shareholders.
Get Shareholder Consent
- Inform all shareholders about the proposed transfer.
- Secure written consent where required (especially in LLCs).
Prepare Share Transfer Agreement (STA)
- Include names of both parties, number of shares, sale value, terms, and effective date.
- Get the STA notarized.
Valuation (If Needed)
- For large companies or in case of disputes, an independent valuation may be required.
Update MOA
- Amend the MOA to reflect new ownership.
- Notarize the amended version.
Notify Regulatory Bodies
- Inform the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) if the business is VAT-registered.
- Update any industry-specific authorities.
Finalize the Process
- Ensure the changes are reflected in the share register and commercial license.
- Issue updated share certificates.
Update MOA
- Amend the MOA to reflect new ownership.
- Notarize the amended version.
Notify Regulatory Bodies
- Inform the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) if the business is VAT-registered.
- Update any industry-specific authorities.
Finalize the Process
- Ensure the changes are reflected in the share register and commercial license.
- Issue updated share certificates.
Procedures for Share Transfer in Free Zone and Mainland Entities
For Free Zone Companies
- Notify the Free Zone Authority in writing.
- Submit:
– Share Transfer Agreement
– Updated MOA
– Copies of IDs/passports of new and existing shareholders
– Any supporting documents requested by the Authority - Pay the applicable fees.
- Receive the updated trade license and ownership certificate.
For Mainland Companies (LLC)
- File the transfer request with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Provide:
– Share Transfer Agreement
– Updated MOA with new ownership
– Emirates IDs and passports
– NOC from local sponsor (if applicable)
– Proof of payment - Pay DED fees.
- Receive an updated trade license with the revised shareholder structure.
Why Choose IMC for Share Transfer in Dubai?
End-to-End Assistance
We handle the full process from document checks to final license update, so you don’t have to worry about missing a step.
Mainland & Free Zone Expertise
Whether your company is registered with DED or in a Free Zone, we know the specific procedures and will help you comply with local rules.
Timely Execution
We understand the importance of deadlines and move the process forward efficiently to avoid any operational delays.
Share Transfer Advisory Support
We guide you on structuring transfers, shareholder rights, and valuation issues, especially in sensitive transactions like exits or ownership changes.
Other Key Services
Comprehensive PRO services in Dubai covering government liaison, approvals, and business documentation.
Documentation Clearing and Attestation Services
Fast and reliable assistance with document attestation, clearance, and legalization for business and personal use.
Full support for trade name approval, licensing, renewals, and amendments with Dubai’s Economic Department.
Ejari registration and renewal services to meet tenancy contract compliance requirements in Dubai.
End-to-end residence visa processing in Dubai, covering applications, renewals, and related approvals.
Reliable local sponsor/agent services in Dubai to meet mandatory company ownership and licensing requirements.
Efficient paralegal support in Dubai for drafting, reviewing, and managing legal and corporate documents.
Additional PRO support, including ICV certification, deregistration, liquidation, and bank account opening.
End-to-end guidance for buying existing businesses or closing companies in Dubai legally and efficiently.
Outsourcing PRO Services vs In-house
Flexible outsourced PRO solutions in Dubai that reduce costs and time compared to hiring in-house staff.
FAQs
Yes, shares can be transferred to individuals or legal entities, subject to the company’s Memorandum of Association and any required shareholder approvals.
Key documents include the Share Transfer Agreement, updated MOA, copies of shareholder IDs, NOC from the sponsor (if needed), and minutes of the shareholder meeting approving the transfer.
Yes, approvals are required from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland companies or the respective Free Zone Authority for free zone entities.
Yes, shares can be transferred to foreign individuals or companies under Free Zone rules. However, the incoming shareholder may need to meet specific residency or visa requirements to manage the company actively.
Yes, the trade license must be updated to reflect the new ownership structure once the transfer is completed.
Yes, remote share transfers are possible with a valid Power of Attorney and notarized documents, depending on the jurisdiction and authority involved.
In most Free Zones, including DMCC and DAFZA, shareholders may transfer all or part of their shares, provided the original shareholder consents and the process follows applicable regulations.
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