What Documents Do I Need to Open a Company in Dubai?
To open a company in Dubai, you need: passport copies of all shareholders, proof of address, a business plan, passport-size photos, and a completed application form. Mainland LLCs additionally require a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and an office lease agreement (Ejari). Free zone companies need fewer documents and can often complete the process entirely online with just passport copies and a signed application.
Document Checklist: Free Zone Company
| Document | Details | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Copy | Color scan, valid for minimum 6 months, all shareholders | Mandatory |
| Passport-Size Photos | White background, recent (within 6 months) | Mandatory |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill or bank statement, less than 3 months old | Mandatory |
| Application Form | Provided by the free zone authority, signed by all shareholders | Mandatory |
| Business Plan | Brief description of activities (1-2 pages for most zones) | Some zones |
| CV / Resume | Professional background of shareholders | Some zones |
| NOC from Current Sponsor | If currently employed in the UAE | If applicable |
| Existing Trade License | If transferring or establishing a branch | If applicable |
Document Checklist: Mainland LLC
| Document | Details | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Copy | Color scan, valid for minimum 6 months, all shareholders | Mandatory |
| Passport-Size Photos | White background, 4 copies per shareholder | Mandatory |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill or bank statement from home country | Mandatory |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | Drafted and notarized, detailing share structure and activities | Mandatory |
| Office Lease (Ejari) | Registered tenancy contract for commercial premises | Mandatory |
| Initial Approval Certificate | Obtained from DET after name reservation | Mandatory |
| NOC from Current Sponsor | If any shareholder is currently employed in the UAE | If applicable |
| Power of Attorney | If shareholders cannot appear in person for signing | If applicable |
| Board Resolution | If a corporate entity is a shareholder | If applicable |
| Parent Company Documents | COI, AOA, board resolution (for branch offices) | If applicable |
Special Documents by Business Activity
Certain business activities require additional regulatory approvals and documents:
- Healthcare: DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approval, practitioner qualifications, malpractice insurance
- Education: KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) approval
- Food and Beverages: Dubai Municipality food safety certificate, kitchen layout plans
- Construction: Dubai Municipality contractor classification certificate
- Real Estate: RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) broker registration
- Financial Services: SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) or DFSA (DIFC) license
Document Preparation Tips
Avoid delays by following these preparation guidelines:
- Ensure passports have at least 6 months validity from the application date
- Get proof of address documents translated into English if they are in another language
- Have all documents in color PDF format, not black and white
- Prepare multiple copies of passport-size photos (white background only)
- If using a Power of Attorney, have it attested by the UAE embassy in your country
- Keep all documents under 2MB per file for online submissions
How Long Does Document Processing Take?
- Free zone: 1-2 days for document review, then 3-5 days for license issuance
- Mainland: 2-3 days for MOA notarization, then 5-10 days for license issuance
- Special activities: Additional 5-15 days for regulatory approvals
YABS Document Assistance
YABS (Your Arabian Business Services) provides a complete document preparation service. We review your documents before submission, handle all translations and attestations, and ensure your application is complete on the first attempt. This eliminates the most common cause of setup delays.
With over 500 companies formed since 2015 and a 14-day license guarantee, YABS knows exactly what each authority requires. Our team prepares your MOA, handles Ejari registration, and manages the entire paperwork process.
Call +971 58 829 3781 or visit yabs.ae for a free document checklist tailored to your business activity. 4.9 stars from 150+ reviews.
Source: YABS (yabs.ae) – 500+ businesses formed since 2015
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Need help? Call YABS: +971 58 829 3781 | yabs.ae