Documents Needed to Start a Business in Dubai Mainland or a Free Zone

Launchingyour business in Dubai hinges on a critical first decision: mainland or freezone? While each path offers distinct advantages, both require a specificdocumentation process.

Here’s aguide on the essential documents you'll need. With it, you can prepare yourapplication with confidence and avoid delays to ensure your venture'sfoundation is as solid as the city's ambition.

Core Documents Required for All BusinessSetups

Regardlessof the chosen jurisdiction for your new business registration in UAE, certainfundamental documents are universally required for all company founders andshareholders.

1. Passport  Copies: Clear, coloured copies of the     passport for all proposed shareholders and the company manager. The     passports must be valid for at least the next six months.

2. Passport-Sized   Photographs: Recent photographs with a white     background are needed for each shareholder and manager.

3. No-Objection  Certificate (NOC): If a shareholder or manager is     already employed in the UAE and holds a residence visa, they must obtain a     No-Objection Certificate from their current employer. This document states     that the employer has no objection to the employee starting their own     business.

4. Entry  Stamp or Visa Copy: A copy of the UAE entry stamp or     current residence visa (if applicable) is required for all involved     parties.

5. Business   Plan/Activity Description: A detailed     description of your proposed business activities. This is crucial for the     authorities to approve your commercial license application and classify     your business correctly.

Documents Specific to Dubai Mainland Setup

A Mainland company, licensedby the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows you to conduct businessdirectly within the UAE market without restrictions. The setup process involvesadditional documentation.

1. Initial Approval Certificate: This is the first official document     obtained from the DED, granting preliminary permission to start the     company formation process. The documents listed above are typically     submitted to acquire this certificate.

2. Trade  Name Reservation Certificate: A document     proving you have officially registered and reserved your chosen trade name     with the DED.

3. Memorandum  of Association (MOA): This is a critical legal document     for Mainland companies. It outlines the company's structure, shareholder     details, and their respective capital contributions. The MOA must be     notarised by a UAE notary public.

4. Local  Service Agent Agreement (For non-GCC Nationals): If the company is 100% owned by non-GCC nationals, a Local     Service Agent (LSA) agreement is required. The LSA, a UAE national,     assists with government relations but has no ownership stake or liability     in the business.

5. Approval   from External Government Departments: For     certain business activities (e.g., healthcare, education, transportation),     additional approvals from relevant government bodies like the Dubai Health     Authority (DHA) or the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)     are mandatory before the DED can issue the final license.

6. Tenancy   Contract & Ejari: A legally attested tenancy contract     for your physical office or retail space is required. This contract must     then be registered with the Ejari system, the official portal for rental     agreement registration in Dubai.

Documents Specific to Free Zone Setup

Free Zonesare designated areas offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, andstreamlined processes. Each Free Zone has itsown authority and slightly varying requirements, but the core documents areconsistent.

1. Application  Forms: Completed application forms     provided by the specific Free Zone authority. These forms capture details     about the business activity, shareholders, and capital.

2. Business  Plan: Free Zones often require a more     detailed business plan, especially for consulting or service-based     activities, to understand the nature and viability of the proposed     enterprise.

3. Share  Certificate Proof of Source of Funds: Some     Free Zones may request documentation, such as bank statements, to verify     the source of the capital being invested into the company.

4. Board  Resolution (For Corporate Shareholders): If     a company is acting as a shareholder, a board resolution approving the     investment in the new Dubai entity is required. This must be notarised and     attested.

5. Office  Space Agreement: Instead of a standard tenancy     contract, Free Zones provide a flexi-desk or office package agreement.     This document serves as proof of your company's physical address within     the zone.

Document Legalisation and Translation

Alldocuments not originally in Arabic must be translated by a certified legaltranslation service in the UAE. Furthermore, documents such as corporate boardresolutions or educational certificates for visa purposes often requireattestation. This process typically involves:

• Notarisation  in the country of origin

• Authentication by the relevant government department (e.g., the U.S. Department of State)

• Final  attestation by the UAE Embassy in that country

• Ministry  of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation upon arrival in the UAE

Preparingthe correct documentation is the most critical step in forming your Dubaibusiness. While the lists may seem extensive, the process is well-defined. Tomake the process easier for you, our team of business setup consultants in Dubai offerscomprehensive solutions for company formation and compliance. We provide astraightforward process with clear pricing and no unexpected costs. For furtherdetails, book a call with ustoday.

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