For each individual shareholder you usually need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport photo, proof of address and, if you live in the UAE, your residence visa and Emirates ID. A company that owns shares needs its certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, a board resolution and details of its owners, usually notarised and attested for use in the UAE.
Individual shareholders and managers
- Passport copy, valid for at least six months
- Passport-size photo on a white background
- Proof of residential address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, if you are already resident
- Proposed trade names and the business activities you want
- Qualification certificates, only for activities that require them
- Power of attorney, if someone else will sign on your behalf
Corporate shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation and valid trade licence
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company and naming the signatory
- Register of directors and shareholders, or a certificate of incumbency
- Declaration of the ultimate beneficial owners (UBO)
- Passports of the directors and signatories
Attestation and translation
Documents issued outside the UAE, especially company documents, usually have to be notarised in the country of issue, legalised, and attested in the UAE. Documents in a language other than Arabic or English need a legal translation. Start this early, because it is the step that most often adds weeks.
After the licence is issued
- For residence visas: passport, photo, and later the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics in person. See residence visas for company owners.
- For the bank account: licence, memorandum, shareholder IDs, proof of address, business profile and source of funds. See bank account opening.
- For tax: licence, owner details and financial year for corporate tax registration within three months. See corporate tax and VAT registration.
Can I set up remotely?
Often, yes. Many authorities let you apply, sign and receive your licence online. Some steps still need you in the UAE, such as the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics for a residence visa, and many banks ask to meet signatories.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attest my passport?
No. A clear passport copy is normally enough for individual shareholders. Attestation is mainly needed for corporate documents and for qualification certificates issued abroad.
Do I need a UAE address to set up?
You need a registered office for the company, such as a flexi desk or office. You do not need to live in the UAE to own a company.
Which documents take the longest?
Attested documents for corporate shareholders, because they pass through authorities in the country of issue and in the UAE.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Government fees and rules change; your advisor confirms what applies to your company.
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