Dubai Company Formation: A List of Required Contracts and Documents

To date, there are at least quite a number of business structures/forms that are legally permissible to do business in Dubai. Here is a list of the required documentation for Dubai Company Formation, referring to the most commonly-used vehicles.

Dubai Company Formation Options

1. Limited Liability Companies

Documents needed for Registration of Business and Trade Name ( Limited Liability Company)

First: Documents required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application, as well as proof of reserved trade name
• Photocopy of applicant’s passport (together with residence permit / visa details for non-GCC states nationals)
• Photocopy of applicant’s naturalization identification for UAE nationals only
• No-objection letter from the applicant’s current sponsor for non GCC nationals
• Photocopy of the director’s passport, and no-objection letter from the director’s current sponsor
• Permission from the court to practice business, for applicants under 21 years
• Approval issued by other Government authorities according to the type of activity
• The Company’s Board of Directors resolution to subscribe to the new company if the partner is an existing corporate entity in UAE or abroad (the resolution must be attested by UAE embassy / consulate or by a GCC state embassy / consulate and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and duly translated into Arabic)

Second: Documents required after getting the Initial Approval

• Initial Approval receipt
• All documents submitted before in order to get the Initial Approval
• Photocopy of office lease including the plot number along with Ijari
• Original photocopy of the Memorandum of Association duly authenticated by the Notary Public

2. Professional Companies / Civil Works Companies

First: Documents required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application, as well as proof of reserved trade name
• Photocopy of applicant’s passport (together with residence permit / visa details for non-GCC states nationals).
• Photocopy of applicant’s naturalization identification for UAE nationals only
• No-objection letter from the applicant’s current sponsor for non GCC nationals
• Photocopy of the director’s passport, and no-objection letter from the director’s current sponsor
• Permission from the court to practice business, for applicants under 21 years
• Approval issued by other Government authorities according to the type of activity

Second: Documents required after getting the Initial Approval

• Initial Approval receipt
• All documents submitted before in order to get the Initial Approval
• Photocopy of office lease including the plot number along with Ijari
• Contract of Professional Business Company duly authenticated by the Notary Public
• Appointment contract of Local Services Agent duly authenticated by the Notary Public in the Emirate for professional licenses of non GCC nationals

3. Branch or Representative Offices of Foreign Companies

Documents needed for Registration of Business and Trade Name (Branch of Foreign Company)

First: Documents required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application, as well as proof of reserved trade name
• Photocopy of the director’s passport, and no-objection letter from the director’s current sponsor
• Photocopy of the national agent’s passport & UAE naturalization identification
• Approval from the Ministry of Economy & Commerce (commercial activities only)
• The Company’s Board of Directors’ Resolution authorizing opening of the branch in Dubai, duly translated into Arabic.
• Power of attorney issued in favor of the director
• Main company’s Memorandum of Association
• Photocopy of the main company’s certificate of Incorporation duly translated into Arabic
• Approval issued by other Government authorities according to the type of activity

Second: Documents required after getting the Initial Approval

• Initial Approval receipt
• All documents submitted before in order to get the Initial Approval
• Photocopy of office lease including the plot number with Ijari
• The original appointment contract of national agent duly authenticated by the Notary Public (Engineering Consultancy Companies are excluded)

4. Free Zone Business Structures

Depending on the nature of the business (branch/subsidiary, establishment/partnership, trading/industrial/services), the documents required may vary. In general the following documents are needed:

• Free Zone application form
• Passport copy
• Visa copy (if an there is an existing UAE Visa)
• Business plan
• Bank statements (where proof of capital amount is required)
• No objection certificate from current sponsor (for UAE residents)

To inquire about Dubai Company Formation and detailed information on steps and procedures, you may visit us here.