Transferring shares in the UAE involves several key steps, depending on the jurisdiction (mainland or free zone) and the type of company (LLC, private shareholding, etc.).

1. Understand the Regulations
- Review the company’s Articles of Association (AOA) or any shareholders’ agreement to understand the procedures and restrictions for transferring shares.
- Ensure compliance with the UAE Commercial Companies Law and specific free zone regulations if applicable.
2. Obtain Necessary Approvals
- Secure approval from the company’s board of directors or shareholders, as required.
- If the company operates in a regulated sector, additional approvals from relevant authorities may be necessary (e.g., the Ministry of Economy or sector-specific regulators).
3. Prepare Legal Documentation
- Draft a Share Transfer Agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the transfer.
- Prepare a board resolution approving the transfer.
- Obtain a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the company, if required.
4. Notarize the Transfer Documents
- Visit a public notary or relevant authority to have the Share Transfer Agreement and other related documents notarized (required for mainland companies).
5. Update the Company License
- For free zone companies, submit the transfer documents to the relevant free zone authority to update the company’s records.
- For mainland companies, update the details with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
6. Pay the Transfer Fees
- Pay the applicable government and processing fees, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and company structure.
7. Amend the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Amend the company’s MOA to reflect the new shareholding structure.
- Have the amended MOA notarized.
8. Update the Share Register
- Record the details of the new shareholder(s) in the company’s official share register.
9. Notify Relevant Authorities
- Notify the tax authorities (e.g., Federal Tax Authority) of the updated ownership structure if the company is VAT-registered.
- Update the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration, if required.
10. Final Confirmation
- Receive the updated trade license or certificate of incorporation showing the new ownership structure.
- Distribute copies of the updated documents to all parties involved.