Registering a company in the UAE — the steps and documents required
A company is registered with the licensing authority of the emirate or free zone you choose. Here are the steps and documents, and how to verify any company's registration before dealing with it.
Steps to register a company in the UAE
- 1
Choosing the legal form
A limited liability company, a sole establishment, a branch or another form.
- 2
Defining the activity and authority
The Department of Economy in the emirate or one of the free zones.
- 3
Reserving the trade name
And obtaining initial approval.
- 4
Preparing the articles of association
And notarising them according to the authority's requirements.
- 5
Paying the fees and issuing the license
And obtaining the commercial register.
- 6
Completing the residency and account
And tax registration when needed.
Documents usually required
The list varies by authority, activity and nationality, but you will often need:
- A valid passport for each partner and manager
- A photo with a white background
- A proof of address or residency, if available
- The office lease contract, if required
- Additional approvals for regulated activities
How do you verify a company's registration?
Before dealing with any company, you can look up its license and commercial register with the authority that issued it, which is the Department of Economy in the emirate or the free zone authority. Ask the company for its license number and licensing authority, then verify it directly.
This also helps you confirm that the registered activity matches the service you are contracting for.
Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything.
Thirty minutes with a formation adviser — we understand your venture and map the right path and the real cost. No obligation.
Common questions, clear answers.
Where is a company registered in the UAE?
With the Department of Economy in the emirate for the mainland, or with the chosen free zone authority.
How long does registration take?
From a few days to a few weeks, depending on the authority, the activity and the completeness of the documents.
Do I need a lawyer to register?
It's not mandatory, but it helps in drafting the articles of association and the shareholders' agreement, which are what protect your share in a dispute.
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