Updated for 2025 – Complete Checklist
Setting up a business in the UAE requires submitting a set of documents for licensing, registration, immigration, and bank account opening. While exact requirements may vary based on your business activity and whether you are setting up in Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, the core documentation remains similar.
Below is the complete and updated list of documents required for business setup in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Passport Copies
You must provide clear, valid passport scans of:
- All shareholders
- All directors (if different from shareholders)
- Appointed manager
- Authorized signatories
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Passport-Sized Photographs
Recent, high-resolution, white-background photos are required for:
- Shareholders
- Manager
- Authorized signatory
These are used for licensing and visa processing.
UAE Entry Stamp or Visa Copy
If you are inside the UAE, you must provide:
- Latest entry stamp
- Visit visa or residence visa copy (if applicable)
If outside the UAE, some free zones accept applications without this.
Emirates ID (If You Are a UAE Resident)
Required for:
- Existing residents
- Residents applying for additional licenses
If you’re setting up a company on a residence visa, this becomes mandatory later in the process.
Business Name Options (3–5 Names)
You must submit several trade name choices that comply with:
- UAE naming rules
- No offensive words
- No religious references
- No globally known brand names
Business Activity List
A detailed list of activities your company will operate in, such as:
- Trading
- Consultancy
- E-commerce
- Manufacturing
- Real estate services
This determines your license type and approvals.
Initial Approval Form (DED or Free Zone)
To confirm:
- Shareholders
- Structure
- Activities
- Manager name
This is issued before license registration.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Prepared according to the company structure:
- LLC
- Sole proprietorship
- Limited partnership
For mainland setups, the MOA must be notarised.
Articles of Association (AOA)
Defines internal rules of the company, including:
- Capital
- Shares
- Management authority
This document is mandatory for both mainland and free zone companies.
Board Resolution (For Corporate Shareholders)
If another company is investing as a shareholder, you must provide:
- Board resolution approving the new company
- Attested copy of commercial license
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of the parent company
These documents must be attested & legalized (up to UAE Embassy).
Office or Flexi-Desk Lease Agreement
Depending on setup:
- Mainland: Ejari / Tawtheeq office contract
- Free Zone: Office lease or flexi-desk contract
This is mandatory before final license issuance.
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Not always required.
NOC is needed when:
- A UAE resident (on a sponsor’s visa) becomes a shareholder
- You work full-time in UAE and want to open a business
It must be issued by your employer or sponsor.
Manager’s Appointment Letter
Required for appointing the company manager included in the license.
Bank Reference Letter (Sometimes Required)
Some banks or free zones may request:
- Personal bank reference
- Corporate bank reference (if corporate shareholder)
This helps during corporate bank account opening.
Additional Documents (Based on Activity)
Some business activities require external authority approvals.
For Media Activities
- TwoFour54 approval
- Media Zone certificates
For Health & Medical Activities
- DOH / DHA approvals
- Professional certifications
For Engineering/Architecture
- Municipality engineer classification
- Educational certificates
For Food Trading/Restaurant Setup
- Civil Defense approval
- Food safety & hygiene approvals
For Finance, Crypto, or Legal Firms
- ADGM or FSRA approvals
- Compliance documents
- CV and qualifications
Summary Checklist – Required Documents
Here is the simplified checklist to set up a business in the UAE:
Individuals
✔ Passport copy
✔ Photograph
✔ Visa or entry stamp copy
✔ Emirates ID (if resident)
✔ Trade name choices
✔ Business activity list
✔ NOC (if applicable)
Corporate Shareholders
✔ Certificate of incorporation
✔ MOA & AOA of parent company
✔ Board resolution
✔ Valid business license
✔ All documents attested
Company Setup Documents
✔ Initial approval form
✔ MOA/AOA
✔ Lease agreement
✔ Manager appointment
Note: This content is for informational purposes only.
