YOUR GATEWAY TO MIDDLE EAST
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YOUR GATEWAY TO MIDDLE EAST
Business Setup Guide UAE
A comprehensive overview of the jurisdictions and steps required to establish your business in the United Arab Emirates.
Important Note on Attestation
Documents originating from outside the UAE (e.g., degree certificates, marriage certificates, corporate documents) must be notarized in the home country, attested by the UAE Embassy there, and finally attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
Individual Shareholders
Required for individuals setting up a company.
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- UAE Visa copy / Entry stamp (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Passport size photograph (white background)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if currently employed in UAE)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or tenancy contract)
- Brief business plan (required by some Free Zones)
- Educational certificate (attested, if applying for professional license)
Corporate Shareholders
Required when a foreign company is setting up a branch or subsidiary.
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) (attested)
- Board Resolution approving the setup in UAE (attested)
- Power of Attorney for the Manager/Director (attested)
- Certificate of Good Standing (attested)
- Passport copies of the Directors and the appointed Manager
- Audited financial reports of the parent company (last 2 years)
Important Note on Attestation
Documents originating from outside the UAE (e.g., degree certificates, marriage certificates, corporate documents) must be notarized in the home country, attested by the UAE Embassy there, and finally attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
FAQS
Everything else you need to know.
Everything founders typically want to know before setting up a business in the UAE. Answered with clarity, not jargon. If you still have questions, our consultants are just a conversation away.