When starting a business, having the required documentation for company formation in the UAE prepared in advance is crucial. Whether you’re setting up in a Free Zone, on the Mainland, or opening a branch office, the UAE government and free zone authorities require specific paperwork. At Broeck Consultancy, we make sure your required documentation for UAE business formation is accurate, complete, and compliant—saving you time and avoiding delays.
For a full overview of the UAE’s business setup options, see our Business Setup Services page.
The following UAE company formation documentation is typically required for all business types:
Completed application form from the relevant authority.
Trade name reservation certificate with alternative name options.
Valid passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and managers.
Passport-size photos with a white background.
Proof of residential address (utility bill or tenancy contract).
Specimen signatures of all shareholders and managers.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for UAE residents already on an existing visa.
Emirates ID copy (for residents).
Having these required documents for company formation in the UAE ready ensures your business setup moves forward quickly. For more details on choosing the right jurisdiction, visit our Free Zone vs Mainland guide.
When applying for a Free Zone licence, the required documentation for UAE business setup may include:
All general documents listed above.
Business plan (in certain free zones).
Visa or entry stamp copy for shareholders and managers.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Declaration Form and passport copy.
Office lease agreement or flexi-desk rental within the Free Zone.
For corporate shareholders, the required documentation includes:
Board resolution authorising formation and appointing a manager.
Certificate of incorporation or commercial licence.
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA).
Certificate of Good Standing.
All corporate documents notarised and attested.
Want to learn more about a popular Free Zone option? Check our RAKEZ Free Zone overview.
When registering a mainland company, the required documentation for company formation in the UAE includes:
All general documents.
Initial approval certificate from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Ejari tenancy contract for office space.
Local sponsor agreement (if applicable).
MoA notarised by a UAE notary public.
If you’re unsure whether a mainland licence suits your goals, read our Mainland Company Formation guide.
If you are opening a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company, the required documentation for UAE branch formation includes:
Parent company’s commercial licence or certificate of incorporation.
Parent company MoA/AoA.
Board resolution approving the branch and appointing a general manager.
Power of Attorney (PoA) for the general manager.
Audited financial statements (last 2 years).
All foreign documents notarised and attested.
We’ve explained the full process in our Branch Office Setup article.
All required documentation for UAE business setup not in Arabic must be translated by a certified UAE translator.
Documents issued outside the UAE must be notarised and attested in their country of origin and at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
All documents should be valid and up to date during the application process.
If you need help with attestation, see our Document Attestation Services.
Our team helps you:
Identify all required documentation for company formation in the UAE based on your business type.
Review, prepare, translate, and attest all documents.
Submit applications and follow up with authorities to speed approvals.
Ensure compliance with both mainland and free zone requirements.
Preparing the required documentation for company formation in the UAE is the first and most important step in starting your business. At Broeck Consultancy, we handle every detail so your documents meet UAE regulations the first time—avoiding delays, rejections, and unnecessary costs.
Contact us today to start your UAE business journey with confidence and the right documentation in place. You can also explore our full UAE Business Setup Guide for more in-depth resources.
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