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Documents required for company registration in the UAE: pre-registration checklist
Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Mar 26, 2026
Company registration in the UAE requires preparing a set of documents. But which ones are required? To help you understand what you need, we have compiled a list of the core documents. Let’s take a closer look.
- What do I need to open a company in the UAE?
- Personal documents
- Corporate documents
- List of documents required from foreign corporate shareholders
- Mainland vs. Dubai Free Zones: Document differences
- Business plan and activity-specific documents
- Checklist of legal documents required for company registration in 2026
- What happens after I submit all paperwork?
- Complete company formation services for business in Dubai from movingo
- Documents FAQ
What do I need to open a company in the UAE?
In order to register a business, you will need to provide two sets of documents: personal and corporate. You will also need the appropriate licenses and certifications, such as a trade license. It is also mandatory to keep financial records that comply with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) reguslation and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Personal documents
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Passport copies
Each shareholder and director must provide a clear copy of a valid passport. Make sure the passport is valid for at least six months. -
Passport photo 33 x 44 mm (if you plan to apply for residency visa too).
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Home country full address.
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Phone number.
Corporate documents
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Trade name reservation
A certificate of trade name registration from the Department of Economic Development (DED), confirming that your chosen company name is unique and complies with the naming guidelines.
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Initial approval certificate
This document indicates that the DED does not object to the establishment of the company, allowing you to proceed with the next steps.
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Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA is a foundational document that outlines the company's activities, the distribution of its share capital, the rights and responsibilities of its shareholders, and its governance structure.
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Lease agreement
A valid lease agreement, also known as an Ejari, is required to prove that the company has a physical office or business address in UAE.
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Completed application form
A completed form providing essential company information. -
Business plan
The company's strategy, goals, and operations are outlined in a detailed plan. -
Copy of existing trade license and registration certificate (if applicable)
This proves that the company has all the necessary permits to do business.
The document preparation phase is the most crucial part of the business registration process. Approximately 15% of businesses have had their applications rejected due to errors in the paperwork they submitted. These delays are caused by people can’t provide the basic documents, which then causes the whole project to be delayed.
Professional third-party services can help with this, as they stay up-to-date with all the relevant changes in legislation and can advise you on what needs to be done and how.
Need help getting any of these documents? We are here to help. Why don't we make a call and discuss your case in more detail?
Professional third-party services can help with this, as they stay up-to-date with all the relevant changes in legislation and can advise you on what needs to be done and how.
Need help getting any of these documents? We are here to help. Why don't we make a call and discuss your case in more detail?
List of documents required from foreign corporate shareholders
The paperwork can be more complex if your new UAE company is owned by a foreign subsidiary. Each of the documents listed below must be apostilled or legalized in the country of origin and then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
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Certificate of incorporation
Proof the parent company exists. -
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
The parent company's constitution. -
Board resolution
This is a formal document stating that the parent company wants to open a branch or subsidiary in the UAE, as well as appointing someone to act on its behalf. -
Certificate of good standing
The goal is to prove that the parent company isn't in legal trouble. -
Power of Attorney (POA)
If you aren't flying in to sign the documents yourself, you will need to authorize someone else legally.
Mainland vs. Dubai Free Zones: Document differences
* Local Service Agent (LSA) in the UAE is a UAE citizen (or a 100% UAE-owned company) who acts as the legal representative for a branch owned by a foreign company, or a "professional" mainland license holder. For certain professional activities (like consulting, accounting, or design) in the Mainland, you can't get a license unless you have an LSA appointed.
Business plan and activity-specific documents
Most businesses in the UAE that engage in activities other than trading will need special permits, depending on the nature of their operations.
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🏥 Healthcare and medicine
Licenses from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for your clinic, pharmacy, or medical equipment retail business. -
🍔 Food and restaurant industry
Certificates from the relevant emirate municipality (e.g., Dubai Municipality) regarding food safety and hygiene standards. -
🚛 Transportation and logistics
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approves for taxi services, freight transport, car rentals, and logistics centers.
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👨🏫Education
Licenses and certificates from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for schools, kindergartens, and training centers. -
🏠 Real estate
Registration and special permits from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) for brokers, developers, and management companies. -
🏖 Tourism
Permits from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for travel agencies, hotels, and event organizers. -
💻 Telecommunications and IT
Approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for activities related to radio equipment and communications.
Checklist of legal documents required for company registration in 2026
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Trade name reservation certificate. - Initial approval certificate: The government's green light to proceed.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): Notarized and signed.
- Lease contract: Ejari for Mainland or Free Zone lease.
- Activity-specific documents and approvals for your industry
What happens after I submit all paperwork?
Registering your company is just the first step. To ensure your business thrives in the UAE, you will also need a few additional documents:
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Establishment card
This will allow you to hire employees. -
e-signature card
The UAE is moving to a completely digital document management system, which means that online document signing is necessary. -
Corporate bank account
To activate your business, you'll need to take your fresh license and all those KYC documents to a bank like Emirates NBD or Wio.
Here's more information about the post-registration process:
Complete company formation services for business in Dubai from movingo
It can be challenging to keep track of all the necessary documents yourself. Don't forget to include bookkeeping and small daily legal tasks in your schedule. However, there is a shortcut. You can trust all the paperwork to a team of professionals who have been working in the UAE market for years and know the ins and outs.
We have already helped over 400 companies start their businesses in the UAE, and we can help you too. Let's give each other a call to discuss your case and find the best solution.
We have already helped over 400 companies start their businesses in the UAE, and we can help you too. Let's give each other a call to discuss your case and find the best solution.
Documents FAQ
First, select a business activity. Then, choose a jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone). Next, reserve a trade name and obtain initial approval from the relevant authority.
Make sure that all documents issued outside of the UAE are notarized and apostilled in their home country, and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Gather passport copies, a concise professional CV, proof of residential address (such as a utility bill), and information about your proposed business activities.
Not every zone needs a business plan, many specialized or financial Free Zones like DIFC and DMCC need a formal business plan.
An NOC is a letter from your current UAE sponsor or employer stating that they do not object to your starting a business. It is typically required if you are already employed in the UAE.
You must provide legalized and notarized copies of the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and board resolution authorizing the new setup.
Delays can result in hefty fines starting from AED 10,000 for delayed tax registration, and even the possible revocation of your business license.
Although some licenses in the Free Zones are cheaper than in the mainland, it still costs around AED 15,000 to start a business in Dubai.
There are many types of business visas available for the UAE, each of which requires a specific set of documents. The general list includes a copy of your passport, photos, and proof of address.
The cost of a basic commercial license usually ranges from AED 10,000 to 20,000, depending on the number of activities and the specific jurisdiction.
The most common mistakes are submitting unverified foreign documents or selecting an "activity" that doesn't match their actual business activities.
No, only a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and a Power of Attorney require formal notarization.
Foreigners must undergo additional security checks and may need to provide a unique identification number (UID) from a previous visit.
Yes, many Free Zones offer "flexi-desk" or "virtual office" packages, which give you a legal address without the need for physical four walls.
Employees are required to have it, but business owners may not need it and can manage the company remotely.
You must apply through the Invest in Dubai portal or the relevant Free Zone authority, ensuring that the name you choose is unique and accurately reflects your business activity.
