What are the eligibility criteria for filing for bankruptcy in Dubai?
Filing for bankruptcy in Dubai is governed by the UAE Federal Law No. 9 of 2016 concerning bankruptcy (the "Bankruptcy Law"). To initiate bankruptcy proceedings, individuals and companies must meet specific eligibility criteria. Below, we outline the key requirements:
1. Financial Distress:
To be eligible for bankruptcy in Dubai, the debtor (individual or company) must demonstrate that they are facing financial distress, which means they are unable to meet their financial obligations as they fall due. Financial distress may result from various factors such as insolvency, liquidity problems, or excessive debt.
2. Debtor's Domicile or Residence:
For individuals, they must either be domiciled in the UAE or have their main residence in the country. For companies, eligibility is based on their place of incorporation or registration in the UAE.
3. Outstanding Debt Threshold:
The Bankruptcy Law establishes a minimum threshold for the amount of outstanding debt required to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. For individuals, the threshold is 100,000 UAE Dirhams (AED). For companies, the threshold is 100,000 AED or the value of the debtor's assets, whichever is higher.
4. Inability to Pay Debts:
The debtor must prove that they are genuinely unable to pay their debts. This may involve providing evidence of outstanding debts, financial statements, and other relevant financial documents that demonstrate the inability to meet obligations.
5. Exclusion of Certain Debts:
It's important to note that not all types of debts are eligible for bankruptcy discharge. Certain obligations, such as government fines, alimony, court-ordered compensation, and debts arising from fraud or intentional wrongdoing, are typically not dischargeable through bankruptcy.
6. Reorganization Attempt:
Before filing for bankruptcy, companies are generally required to make a genuine attempt to reorganize their financial affairs and reach an agreement with creditors through preventive composition proceedings, as outlined in the Bankruptcy Law. If these efforts fail, they may proceed with bankruptcy.
7. Consent of the Debtor:
In some cases, the debtor's consent is required to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. However, if the debtor fails to cooperate or provide their consent without justifiable reasons, the court may still proceed with bankruptcy.
8. Proof of Claims by Creditors:
Creditors must have valid claims against the debtor. They should be able to provide evidence of the debts owed to them.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for initiating bankruptcy proceedings in Dubai. It's important to note that bankruptcy is a legal process with specific rules and regulations that must be followed diligently. Consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in bankruptcy cases in Dubai is crucial to determining eligibility and navigating the process successfully.
Additionally, debtors in Dubai are encouraged to explore alternatives to bankruptcy, such as debt restructuring or negotiation, before opting for bankruptcy. These alternatives may help alleviate financial distress without the need for formal bankruptcy proceedings.
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