How to Transfer Your License Between UAE Free Zones Complete Guide (2026)

Transferring a company license between UAE free zones has become a major trend among entrepreneurs who want more flexibility, lower renewal costs, and better business support. With more than 45 free zones across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and UAQ, businesses often realize that their current free zone might not match their long term needs anymore.

Maybe your free zone increased renewal fees.
Maybe your activity is restricted and you need additional approvals.
Maybe the visa quota is too small.
Or maybe you simply want a more banking friendly free zone.

Whatever the reason, UAE free zone license migration helps you move your company to a better environment without shutting down your business permanently or restarting your corporate identity from scratch.

This comprehensive guide explains how to transfer your license between UAE free zones, what the process looks like, the required documents, timelines, costs, and how Nines Consultancy can handle the entire migration smoothly.

What Is a UAE Free Zone License Transfer?

A free zone license transfer (sometimes called free zone migration or business relocation) is the process of shifting your existing company from one free zone authority to another. Unlike a complete liquidation and re formation, the transfer maintains your shareholder structure, business type, and identity.

In simple terms, you are relocating your business to a better free zone.

Examples include:

• Moving a Dubai South company to IFZA
• Migrating from Sharjah Media City to SPC Free Zone
• Shifting a RAKEZ license to SHAMS
• Relocating from Ajman Free Zone to UAQ Free Zone

However, not all free zones allow direct migration. Some require a cancellation and new setup. That’s why professional guidance is essential to avoid compliance issues.

Why License Transfers Matter in the UAE

The UAE is one of the most dynamic business environments in the world. Regulations evolve frequently due to:

• Ministry of Economy updates
• FTA corporate tax and VAT laws
• Free zone specific policies
• Banking compliance changes
• New visa quota rules
• Business activity restructuring

Because of these shifts, the free zone that once seemed perfect may not remain ideal.

Top Reasons Businesses Transfer Their License

1. Lower Renewal and Setup Costs

Some free zones offer competitive renewal packages or long-term discounts.
Example: IFZA, SPC, UAQ FTZ, SHAMS.

2. Better Visa Quotas and Office Requirements

Some free zones allow more visas per flexi desk or shared office.

3. Improved Banking Compatibility

Certain authorities are more trusted by UAE banks.

4. Expanded Activity Permissions

A business may transfer to:

• Add consultancy activities
• Add trading or e-commerce
• Add media or digital services
• Start import/export

5. Faster Approvals and Compliance

Modern free zones offer:

• Fast UBO filing
• Faster immigration services
• Quick establishment card issuance
• Easier corporate tax registration

6. Better Location or Facilities

Warehouse, co-working, and business center facilities differ across free zones.

Step by Step Guide to Transferring a License Between UAE Free Zones

This is the most accurate and updated process applicable across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, and UAQ.

Step 1. Eligibility Check and Initial Assessment

Nines Consultancy begins by checking:
• Whether your current free zone permits outgoing transfer
• Whether the target free zone accepts your activity
• Whether your business structure matches their regulations
• Whether visas need to be cancelled or transferred
• Whether you qualify for direct migration or full cancellation and setup

You can check our other services as well:
• Free Zone Company Setup UAE
• Mainland Company Formation
• Corporate Tax Registration

Step 2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Current Free Zone

The NOC confirms:

• No outstanding dues
• No pending legal cases
• Office lease settlement
• Visa status clarity
• Compliance with all authorities

The process usually takes 3 to 7 working days.

Step 3. Apply for Initial Approval in the New Free Zone

Initial approval typically includes:

• Name reservation
• Activity approval
• Shareholder passport verification
• Business plan submission (if required)
• UBO screening

Different free zones have different requirements.
For example:

• DMCC requires specific documents for trading.
• IFZA has simplified approval.
• SPG and SHAMS require KYC verification.

Step 4. Prepare Migration Document Package

You must prepare a complete set of corporate documents, including:

• Current trade license
• Share certificates
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Company profile
• Board/shareholder resolution
• Emirates ID copies
• Passport copies
• Establishment card copy
• Audit report (if requested)

Nines Consultancy organizes, formats, and submits the entire package.

Step 5. Clear Obligations with Current Free Zone

Before the transfer is accepted, the free zone requires:

• All invoices paid
• Visa cancellations or transfers
• Lease termination
• Establishment card cancellation
• Customs clearance (for trading companies)
• FTA VAT status check

Step 6. License Cancellation or Migration Certificate Issuance

There are two possibilities:

Option A: Direct Migration

Only a small group of free zones allow this. In this case, the company remains technically active during the transfer.

Option B: Cancellation + Migration Certificate

Most free zones issue:

• License cancellation approval
• Good standing certificate
• Migration or closure certificate

This confirms that the business can be re-established under the new free zone.

Step 7. Final Approval and Issuance of New License

Once approved, the new free zone issues:

• New trade license
• New establishment card
• New immigration file
• New office lease agreement
• Updated share certificate
• Updated MOA

Your business is now officially transferred and ready to operate.

UAE Free Zone License Transfer Costs

Costs vary based on free zone, activity type, and visa status.

Typical Cost Range

1. NOC Fee

0 to 1,500 AED

2. Cancellation Fee

1,500 to 4,000 AED

3. New License Setup Fee

Starts from 7,500 AED (service license)
Trading and industrial activities are slightly higher.

4. Flexi Desk or Office Lease

2,500 to 12,000 AED per year depending on emirate.

5. Immigration Charges (If Required)

Depends on visa transfers and establishment card issuance.

To avoid hidden costs, Nines Consultancy provides a free cost comparison between multiple free zones. Contact now for Exact Prices, WhatsApp: +971 52 975 7543

UAE Free Zone License Transfer Timeline

Total estimated transfer time: 2 to 4 weeks

Breakdown:

• NOC from old free zone: 3 to 7 working days
• Document preparation: 2 to 4 working days
• New free zone approval: 3 to 7 working days
• License issuance: 5 to 10 working days

Some free zones may fast track the process for an additional fee.

Documents Required for UAE Free Zone License Transfer

Here is the full checklist:

• Passport copies of shareholders
• UAE residence visa copies
• Emirates ID copies
• Board/shareholder resolution
• Existing trade license
• MOA and AOA
• Share certificate
• Establishment card
• Lease cancellation document
• NOC from free zone
• Visa status report
• UBO declaration
• Audit report (if requested)

Nines Consultancy handles document preparation end to end.

Benefits of Transferring Your License Between UAE Free Zones

1. Lower Renewal and Setup Costs

Save thousands each year by choosing a more cost-effective free zone.

2. Expanded Activity List

Some free zones offer more flexible commercial, e-commerce, service, and consultancy activities.

3. Higher Visa Quota

Ideal for companies hiring more staff.

4. Better Banking Acceptance

Certain free zones have stronger relationships with UAE banks.

5. Modern Infrastructure

Access to co-working spaces, warehouses, business centers, and industrial zones.

6. Tax & Compliance Convenience

Some free zones have faster corporate tax and VAT services.

7. Long Term Stability

Choose a free zone that matches your 5 to 10-year business plan.

Why Choose Nines Consultancy for License Transfers?

Transferring a free zone license is a sensitive process with multiple compliance checkpoints. A single missing document or improper cancellation can delay your business for months.

Nines Consultancy ensures:

• Accurate document preparation
• Compliance with both free zones
• Fast NOC coordination
• Cost comparison across 15+ free zones
• Smooth immigration and visa restructuring
• Step by step process handling
• Dedicated PRO services
• Banking support and documentation

We work closely with all major free zones including:

IFZA, SPC, SHAMS, DMCC, DSO, Dubai South, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, UAQ FTZ, KEZAD, TwoFour54, and more.

For a seamless transfer, speak to our specialists today.

Call/WhatsApp: +971 52 975 7543

FAQs

1. Can I transfer my license between any free zones in the UAE?

Not every free zone allows outgoing transfers, and not every free zone accepts incoming ones. Some require complete cancellation first. Nines Consultancy checks eligibility for you.

2. Do I need to cancel my license before transferring?

Most free zones require cancellation followed by a migration certificate. A few allow direct migration. It depends on your free zone.

3. How long does a free zone license transfer take?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on approvals, visa clearances, and document verification.

4. Will my bank account remain active after migration?

Yes, but the bank may request updated corporate documents. Some banks may also run a new compliance review.

5. Do I need a new office lease in the new free zone?

Yes. Every free zone requires at least a flexi desk agreement to issue the license.

6. Is VAT registration transferred automatically?

No. The business must update its information with the FTA after the transfer.

Transfer Your Free Zone License Smoothly and Confidently

Moving your business to a new UAE free zone can dramatically improve your cost efficiency, visa structure, activity flexibility, and banking convenience. The key is choosing the right authority and managing the process without compliance delays.

Nines Consultancy ensures a fast, secure, and fully compliant license transfer between any free zones in the UAE.

Call Us: +971 52 975 7543
Chat on WhatsApp: +971529757543
Book your free consultation today.