Questions & Answers
How can I remove my business partner from the company if he left the country and is not responsive?
I am writing to formally seek your guidance and assistance regarding my Technical Trade License and associated joint bank account.
I hold a Technical Trade License together with my business partner, Mr. K. M., who has been out of the country for the past 2–3 months. During this period, he has been unreachable and has not responded to any calls or communication.
Additionally, my partner has taken an amount of AED 30,000 from me, which has not yet been repaid. We also maintain a joint bank account under the company, which I wish to close.
However, the bank requires both partners’ signatures for cancellation. As my partner is absent and not cooperating, I am unable to proceed.
In view of the above, I kindly request your advice and support on the following:
- The process to remove my partner’s name from the Trade License.
- Guidance on how to proceed with closing or freezing the joint bank account in the absence of my partner’s signature.
I can file a case in India.
Welcome, dear.
A complaint must be filed to remove him and suspend the bank account through legal procedures.
However, you must provide us with a copy of the license and the articles of association via WhatsApp.
For more information in the future, do not hesitate to contact us, and our team will respond.
Hi,
Based on the information provided, it may be possible to initiate legal action to remove your partner from the trade license under Article 677 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which allows for the exclusion of a partner due to abandonment or non-participation.
This process would require documentation of your communication attempts and possibly a formal court order.
Regarding the joint bank account, since both parties' signatures are typically required for closure, you may need to file a legal or police complaint referencing your partner’s unavailability and the AED 30,000 owed to you.
This can support a request to freeze the account or seek judicial permission to proceed unilaterally.
Given the complexity and legal sensitivities involved, I recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your partnership agreement and assist you with the appropriate filings.
Please let me know a convenient time for you, and we will be happy to support you through the next steps.
Kind regards,
Dear Sir/Madam,
To remove your partner’s name from the Technical Trade License, you typically need your partner’s consent and a No Objection Certificate.
The removal is processed through the Department of Economic Development, updating the trade license accordingly. If your partner is unreachable and uncooperative, legal action may be necessary to resolve the issue.
Regarding the joint bank account, banks require signatures from all partners to close or freeze the account. Without your partner’s signature, you may request the bank to freeze the account due to his absence, but this may also require legal intervention.
Filing a case in India to recover the AED 30,000 is a good step alongside seeking legal advice in the UAE for partner removal and bank matters.
If you need assistance with legal procedures, I am here to help.
Best regards.
Hello,
You must take legal action in the UAE.
First, to remove your partner from the trade license, you need to file a civil case with the relevant court in the emirate where your license was issued.
The court can issue an order to remove your partner's name due to their prolonged absence and breach of the partnership.
Regarding the joint bank account, you must also obtain a court order. The bank cannot act without a court directive, especially when it requires both partners' signatures.
Your lawyer will file a separate petition to the court to either freeze the account to prevent further unauthorized transactions or to compel its closure.
This legal process is necessary to protect your business and financial interests.
Start by sending a formal legal notice to your partner at their last known address in the UAE.
The notice must include a request to appear at the Department of Economic Development (DED) or any licensing authority in the emirate to sign the necessary documents to remove their name.
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out.
Your situation involves both commercial license matters and joint banking obligations, which require careful legal handling in the UAE.
Removing a partner’s name from a trade license is only possible through formal procedures before the licensing authority, often requiring either the partner’s consent or a court order.
With respect to the joint bank account, most banks in the UAE will not permit closure without both partners’ signatures unless there is a court judgment or official directive.
Given the complexity of your case, we strongly recommend a consultation to assess the best legal options, including potential civil claims for recovery of the AED 30,000. You may also authorize our office to represent you in these proceedings.
Please book a consultation with FUTURE VISION ADVOCATES & LEGAL CONSULTANCY so we can guide you step by step.
Best regards,
Engage a UAE-based lawyer experienced in commercial disputes.
Attempt a formal notice/communication with your partner.
If no response, file a civil case in the UAE courts for:
- Removal from the trade license
- Authorization to close/freeze the joint bank account
- Recovery of AED 30,000
Indian legal action may be secondary, mainly if assets exist there.
We are honored to represent you legally. If you wish to be represented, please contact us via email or by phone.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation. I understand the challenges you are facing regarding your Technical Trade License and joint bank account with your partner.
With respect to your queries, please be informed as follows:
Removal of Partner from Trade License:
The process of removing a partner from the Trade License in the UAE requires filing an amendment application through the relevant licensing authority.
This generally involves a notarized partnership dissolution or amendment agreement, supported by legal documentation.
If the partner is absent and not cooperating, the matter can be escalated legally through the courts to obtain the necessary order for removal.
Closure or Freezing of Joint Bank Account:
Banks in the UAE typically require all account holders’ signatures to close a joint account. In cases where one partner is uncooperative or unavailable, legal proceedings may be initiated to request the bank to freeze or close the account through a court order.
Filing a Case in India While in the UAE:
Since the matter involves transactions and a license registered in the UAE, the jurisdiction to file and pursue such cases primarily lies within the UAE.
However, depending on your partner’s residency, citizenship, and location, certain claims may also be pursued in India. This requires careful review of the agreements and the applicable laws in both jurisdictions.
We can assist you with the full process, whether in removing the partner from the license, handling the bank account matter, or advising on possible action in India.
Should you wish to proceed, we recommend scheduling a legal consultation to review your documents and provide you with a tailored course of action.
Please let me know a convenient time to discuss further.
Best regards,
Mohammad Salah
Legal Consultant
Since your partner is unresponsive, the best approach is to file a legal case in the UAE to remove his name from the Trade License and request the bank to allow closure or freezing of the joint account.
This will also allow you to recover the AED 30,000 owed. You can pursue a parallel case in India for the repayment if needed.
We can guide you through the process, prepare the filings, and liaise with the authorities to protect your interests.
Do you want us to start preparing the necessary documents and filings?
Thank you for contacting us.
In partnership disputes like yours, there are two separate legal tracks to consider.
First, regarding the Technical Trade License, the removal of a partner cannot be done unilaterally.
It requires either his written consent before the licensing authority or a court order in the UAE to amend the license and restructure the company.
Since your partner is absent and unresponsive, you would need to initiate legal proceedings in the UAE to dissolve or amend the partnership.
We have handled very similar cases where the court granted approval to restructure the license after proving the non-cooperation of one partner.
Second, for the joint bank account, UAE banks are bound by strict compliance rules: both partners’ consent is needed to close or make major changes.
If one partner is absent, you can apply for a court order or interim relief to freeze the account to protect your rights and prevent misuse of funds.
Filing a case in India will not resolve the matter, as both the license and the account fall under UAE jurisdiction.
The best approach is to file a civil/commercial case in the UAE, supported by evidence of your partner’s absence, financial dealings, and non-cooperation.
Our team can guide you through this process, ensuring the license and account issues are addressed together.
This reply is provided by RASHID ALKAITOOB ADVOCATES & LEGAL CONSULTANTS based solely on the information you have shared and does not constitute a final legal opinion.
A binding assessment can only be given after reviewing all case documents. We would be glad if you leave us a positive rating after our support.
For direct assistance, contact us via WhatsApp.
Navigating business and legal issues in the UAE can be complex, especially when dealing with unresponsive partners.
Here’s a general outline of steps you might consider, but please consult with a legal professional in the UAE for advice tailored to your specific situation:
1. Removing a Partner from the Trade License:
- Review the Partnership Agreement: Check if your partnership agreement includes any clauses about removing a partner or handling disputes.
- Contact the Department of Economic Development (DED): They oversee trade licenses in the UAE. You may need to provide evidence of your partner's absence and lack of communication.
- Legal Action: If your partner is uncooperative, you might need to initiate legal proceedings to remove them from the trade license. A lawyer can guide you through this process.
2. Closing or Freezing the Joint Bank Account:
- Bank Policies: Speak with your bank to understand their specific requirements and any possible exceptions for closing or freezing accounts when a partner is absent.
3. Filing a Case in India:
- If your partner is an Indian national or if there are assets or interests in India, you might consider legal action there.
However, the enforceability of an Indian court's decision in the UAE can be complex and may require additional legal steps.
4. Additional Steps:
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of all communications and attempts to contact your partner.
Dear Client,
Greetings from Al Nassar Advocates!
We understood your matter.
Removing a partner from a trade license and closing a joint company bank account without their cooperation both require legal steps under UAE law.
These actions cannot proceed without either partner’s consent or a court order.
Given the urgency and financial exposure, it is essential to address this formally through our office.
Book an office appointment (free consultation) via email so we can advise you on the legal course of action and initiate the necessary steps.
Best regards,
Adv. Rihan Raheem
Senior Legal Consultant
