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Business Licence Cancellation Services in Dubai

Legal Assistance with DED and Free Zone Termination

Commercial permit cancellation is the official process of terminating a business licence in Dubai. It applies to mainland companies registered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), as well as to businesses operating in Free Zones or under Municipality permits.

This procedure is required when a company ceases operations, completes the liquidation process, or no longer intends to hold an active trade licence. Licence cancellation protects business owners from future government penalties, tax liabilities, and legal claims related to the company.

EGSH assists in closing your business legally and correctly. We prepare your cancellation documents, submit the application to DET or the relevant Free Zone authority, and track the permit termination until your commercial licence is officially cancelled.

Legal Assistance with DED and Free Zone Termination

How to Cancel a Commercial Licence in the UAE

Structured Legal Support for a Smooth Cancellation Process

01

Book an Appointment at EGSH

Schedule a consultation to review your business closure case and document list.

02

Prepare and Submit Documents

We prepare your cancellation application and submit it to the DET or Free Zone.

03

Settle Government Fees and Clearances

Pay the required cancellation fees and obtain all final approvals and clearances.

04

Receive Official Cancellation Certificate

Obtain your commercial licence cancellation certificate, confirming the closure.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday — Saturday: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Required Documents for Commercial Permit Cancellation

Ensure Your Documents are Valid and Complete

Business Closure Decision

Provide the notarised shareholder or board resolution for company closure and licence cancellation (for LLCs and multi-shareholder companies).

Clearance Certificates

Submit clearance certificates from DET, utilities, MOHRE (for mainland companies), and other relevant authorities. Some Free Zones issue clearances internally.

Visa and Establishment Card Cancellation

Cancel all employee visas and the company’s establishment card before applying for licence cancellation to avoid penalties.

Audit and Financial Reports

Provide the latest audit report and proof of settled financial obligations to confirm that no debts remain against the company.

About EGSH

Business Compliance Experts with Proven Experience

EGSH is an officially authorised Government Services Centre in Dubai, providing end-to-end support for business licensing, cancellation, and compliance procedures. We work directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Free Zones, and other UAE government authorities to ensure your company closure is completed legally and without delays.

Our clients benefit from professional document preparation, step-by-step guidance, and whole process handling. With EGSH, you do not need to visit multiple government departments—our specialists complete all submissions, approvals, and fee payments on your behalf, ensuring accurate and compliant business permit cancellation in the UAE.

Business Compliance Experts with Proven Experience

Why EGSH

EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Our Mission

To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.

Our Vision

To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.

Our Values

Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.

Related Business Services in the UAE

Trade Licence Amendment
Change business name, activity, or address on your Dubai trade licence.
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Renew your trade licence in Dubai through EGSH.
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Register your Commercial Trade Licence in Dubai through EGSH.
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How to cancel a trade licence in Dubai legally?

Cancellation of a trade licence in Dubai typically requires the company to undergo liquidation, settle all outstanding government dues, and submit a cancellation request to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The process involves deactivating the trade licence, cancelling the visa and establishment card, and obtaining a certificate of trade licence cancellation. EGSH prepares your documents, submits the cancellation request, and ensures full legal closure of your business.

How to cancel a commercial licence in Dubai?

The commercial licence cancellation procedure in Dubai applies to mainland and Free Zone companies. It requires a notarised business closure decision, cancellation of all employee visas and the establishment card, and clearance certificates from DET, MOHRE, and other government bodies. Companies must also settle all outstanding fees, including VAT and customs, if applicable. The final step is submitting the business licence termination request to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the relevant Free Zone authority. EGSH manages the whole process: we prepare the cancellation documents, submit your request, and track the official cancellation of your commercial licence.

How much does it cost to cancel a business licence in Dubai?

The cost of cancelling a trade licence in Dubai depends on your company’s structure and legal form. For mainland companies, standard Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) government fees include: — AED 1,020 for licence cancellation, and — AED 2,520 for company dissolution. In addition, businesses must settle: — clearance certificate fees from DET, MOHRE, Dubai Customs, and the utility providers, — visa and establishment card cancellation fees, — legal notice publication fees (if required), and — any outstanding fines or government dues. The total cost of business licence termination in Dubai typically ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 8,000 or more, depending on the company’s activities, employee visas, and pending obligations. Free Zone licence cancellation costs vary according to the zone’s authority. EGSH provides a full cost estimate before starting your cancellation process and ensures all government payments (including DED licence cancellation fees and clearance fees) are settled correctly to avoid delays or penalties.

How to close a business in Dubai correctly?

To close a company licence in the UAE, you must complete the whole company closure process in accordance with UAE law. This includes: — Issuing a notarised shareholder resolution for liquidation; — Cancelling employee visas and the establishment card through MOHRE and GDRFA; — Publishing a liquidation notice in two local newspapers (for mainland companies); — Obtaining clearance certificates from the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai –Customs, utilities, and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), if applicable; — Settling all outstanding government dues, fines, and fees. For the mainland licence Dubai closure, the process is regulated by DET. Free Zone business closures follow the specific liquidation process of each Free Zone authority. Only after completing these steps can you submit your trade licence cancellation request and obtain the final liquidation certificate. EGSH fully manages your business liquidation in Dubai, preparing all necessary legal documents, handling government clearances, and completing the cancellation of your business licence in compliance with UAE regulations.

How to remove a partner from an LLC in Dubai?

To remove a partner from an LLC in Dubai, the company must first amend its Memorandum of Association (MOA) through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This process involves: — Preparing a partner withdrawal resolution, signed by all shareholders and notarised by the Dubai Courts; — Amending the MOA to reflect the updated ownership structure and capital shares; — Paying the applicable DET licence amendment fees and partner removal charges; — Updating the commercial licence and issuing a new licence reflecting the revised shareholder details; — Settling any outstanding partner liabilities or obligations as part of the business licence amendment. EGSH prepares all legal documents for partner removal, submits the amendment application to DET, and ensures your company’s commercial licence is updated correctly.

What happens if the trade licence is not renewed or cancelled?

If a trade licence is not renewed or properly cancelled in Dubai, the company remains legally active and accumulates government penalties for non-renewal. DET will impose late renewal fines and eventually suspend the licence (trade licence deactivation), preventing the company from conducting any legal business activities. Uncancelled licences may also trigger: — Additional business liquidation Dubai penalties; — Suspension of employee visa renewals and new visa applications; — Freezing of the company’s corporate bank accounts; — Legal restrictions on the company’s owners and authorised signatories. To avoid these legal and financial risks, businesses must either renew their trade licence in Dubai or complete the cancellation process before the next licence expiry date. EGSH ensures your company is fully closed and cleared from DET records, preventing further fines, penalties, and government actions.

How long does it take to cancel a trade licence in Dubai?

Trade licence termination typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the completeness of the documents and the required clearances. EGSH monitors the cancellation process to ensure timely completion.

Do I need to cancel the tenancy contract after the business closure in Dubai?

As part of the company closure process, you must cancel the tenancy contract for your business premises and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or clearance letter from the landlord. This confirmation is required to close your company file with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and to remove your company from the Dubai Economy register. EGSH assists in coordinating the cancellation of the tenancy contract and securing all required property clearances as part of the commercial licence cancellation process.

What is the difference between company liquidation in Dubai mainland and the Free Zone?

Company liquidation in Dubai varies by jurisdiction. For mainland companies, the process follows the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) liquidation rules, which include the publication of public notices, obtaining clearance certificates from government bodies, and the cancellation of full licences. In Free Zones, company liquidation is managed by the authority of each zone. Free Zone liquidation typically involves zone-specific clearance procedures, no public notice, and direct approval from the Free Zone authority. The documents, fees, and timelines differ between mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions. EGSH advises on the applicable procedure, prepares all necessary documents, obtains the required clearances, and manages your company’s liquidation in Dubai in accordance with the correct legal process.

What is the grace period after licence cancellation in Dubai?

After the cancellation of a commercial licence in Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) grants a grace period of up to 30 calendar days. This period allows businesses to complete any final clearances, settle outstanding government payments, and close pending obligations, such as cancelling a tenancy contract, deregistering for VAT, or closing a bank account. The grace period applies from the effective date of licence cancellation, after which the company is entirely removed from the DET register. Any missed obligations during this period may result in additional administrative actions or fines. EGSH monitors all deadlines during your company’s closure and ensures that all financial and legal obligations are completed before the grace period ends, preventing future compliance risks.

Still have any questions?

Why Choose EGSH for Licence Cancellation

Reliable, Efficient, and Fully Compliant

Government Authorisation

EGSH is an officially authorised service centre, accredited to provide Dubai Municipality services in full compliance with applicable regulations.

One-Stop Registration Service

All steps — consultation, document submission, payment, and application tracking — are handled in one place.

Secure and Confidential Transactions

All personal and corporate information is processed securely and is fully compliant with UAE data protection laws.

Expert Support in Several Languages

Our team offers services in English, Arabic, and other languages to ensure clear communication.

Personalised Assistance

Each client receives individual attention from an experienced specialist.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

Book your visit at a convenient time—our office is open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to accommodate your schedule.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

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Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

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Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

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Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

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This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

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I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

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Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

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I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

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I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

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We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

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I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

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I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

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Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

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Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

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I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.

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I received really attentive and fast service from Sarah, got all the documents even earlier than promised. Thank you! 😁

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One of the best people to work with. These guys are really smart and professional. Thanks to Ms Zara

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Zara helped me with my services and the process was very easy and she was very helpful