Documents Required to Open a Company in UAE
There are different sets of documents required to open a company in UAE. Working with a business setup consultant will make this process easier and help you avoid forgetting key documents.
Types of Company Jurisdictions in UAE
There are three business jurisdictions in the UAE:
- Free zones
- Mainland
- Offshore
All these jurisdictions are regulated by separate entities who may require different documents for company formation in UAE.
| Feature | Free Zone | Mainland | Offshore |
| Regulatory body | Relevant free zone authority | Department of Economic Development | Relevant offshore authority |
| Tax obligations | No corporate or income taxes for qualifying businesses | 9% Corporate tax and 5% VAT registration for revenue over AED 375,000 | No corporate tax or income tax |
| License approval | 1-5 days | 1-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership *(for most activities) | 100% foreign ownership |
| Duties | No international customs | Subject to customs | No international customs |
What Documents are Required to Start a Company in UAE?
UAE business setup documents will generally vary based on the type of license you’re applying for and the location you’re applying in. A business setup consultant in UAE can help you collect all the necessary documents and guide you through the process.
All of these documents will have to be submitted to get a business license in Dubai. There are three main types of licenses:
- Professional: This type of license is for activities related to specialized services like consulting, accounting, legal services, marketing, and medical services.
- Industrial: This license is for activities related to manufacturing, packaging, assembling, and food processing.
- Commercial: This license is for activities related to e-commerce, general trading, and real estate.
1. Trade Name Registration
You will need to register a trade name for your business. This name has to be unique, unoffensive, and related to the type of business you are operating. It costs AED 620 to get a trade name in Dubai, and the document you receive confirming the registration is essential for your license application.
2. Lease Agreement
Another document needed to start a business in UAE is a lease agreement. Businesses need an agreement or an Ejari indicating their company address, rent, and duration of the lease. This can be warehouse space, an office, coworking spaces, or flexi-desks. Virtual addresses are also permitted, but you will need a valid Ejari.
3. Business Plan
For companies applying for business setup in a Dubai free zone, a business plan may be required as part of the initial approval application process. This is because certain business ideas are considered to be more risky, and a detailed plan is necessary to outline the company objectives and compliance with the free zone’s regulations.
4. Memorandum & Articles of Association
A Memorandum of Association (MoA) is a legal document specifying the business name, business activities, owner structure, and financial structure of a company. Articles of Association (AOA) provide the internal operations of a company, including management hierarchy, share distribution, and liquidation process.
The MoA is generally a part of the AoA. These documents must also be issued in Arabic and will need to be attested and notarized as part of the license application.
5. Initial Approval Certificate
Mainland business setup in Dubai requires entrepreneurs to gain initial approval of their business before applying for a trade license. The same is required from most free zone authorities. This approval is meant to act as an NOC from the government.
The cost of getting mainland initial approval in Dubai is AED 120, and you will need to submit documents like a feasibility study, owner passport/visa copy, and the Articles of Association. Having an initial approval certificate allows applicants to secure a lease and apply for additional permits.
6. Personal Identification Documents
The applicant’s ID documents and passport-size photos must be submitted as part of both the initial approval application and the subsequent trade license application. UAE nationals and residents can submit a copy of their Emirates ID while non-GCC nationals and foreigners must submit their passport and visa copy.
Some other miscellaneous company registration documents in UAE are:
- Bank statements
- Power of Attorney
- Board Resolution
- Share capital information
- Trade license application
These documents might also be required to open a business bank account in the country.
Start a Company in the UAE With Momentum
Momentum’s expert business setup consultants offer complete support during the company formation process for clients all across the country. We handle everything from licensing to opening a bank account, and can even help you apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai. Book a free consultation today!
