Business Registration and Licensing in Dubai, UAE

I. Sole Establishment

A sole establishment is owned by a single individual to operate a commercial, professional, industrial, agricultural, or real estate activity. The owner assumes full financial liability.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application along with proof of reserved trade name.
• Copy of applicant’s passport (with residence visa for non-GCC nationals).
• Copy of applicant’s Emirates ID for UAE nationals.
• No-objection certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor (for non-GCC nationals).
• Copy of director’s passport and NOC from the director’s sponsor.
• Court permission if applicant is under 21 years old.
• Approvals from relevant government authorities depending on the activity.

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• All previously submitted documents.
• Copy of office lease with plot number.
• Appointment contract of Local Service Agent (notarized for non-GCC nationals).

II. Civil Company / Professional Firm Setup

At Zionuae Chartered Accountants, we assist you in establishing professional firms by offering strategic advice, local service agent selection, business plan support, and complete documentation assistance.

Key Highlights:

• UAE national appointed as Local Service Agent.
• No direct involvement of the agent in the business operations.
• Compensation is agreed upon as a lump sum, profit percentage, or turnover-based.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application with trade name proof.
• Passport copy with visa details for non-GCC nationals.
• Emirates ID copy for UAE nationals.
• NOC from current sponsor (for non-GCC nationals).
• Copy of director’s passport and NOC.
• Court approval if under 21 years.
• Government approvals based on the business activity.

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• Previously submitted documents.
• Copy of office lease with plot number.
• Notarized contract of professional business/civil works company.
• Appointment contract of Local Service Agent (notarized for non-GCC nationals).

III. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLCs allow foreign investors up to 49% ownership while the UAE national holds 51%. Profit-sharing can be flexible. LLCs are popular due to legal ownership benefits and operational control.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Trade name reservation and licensing application.
• Passport copy with visa details for non-GCC nationals.
• Emirates ID for UAE nationals.
• NOC from the sponsor (for non-GCC nationals).
• Director’s passport and sponsor NOC.
• Court approval if under 21 years old.
• Board resolution (if a corporate entity is a partner).
• Approvals from concerned authorities.

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• Previously submitted documents.
• Office lease agreement with plot number.
• Notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA).
• Corporate documents attested and translated (if a partner is a corporate entity).

IV. Branch and Representative Office

We handle end-to-end procedures for establishing branch and representative offices. Branches may conduct business activities, while representative offices are limited to promoting the parent company.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application with trade name proof.
• Director’s passport and sponsor NOC.
• National agent’s passport and Emirates ID.
• Approval from Ministry of Economy (for commercial activities).
• Board resolution to open a branch (translated in Arabic).
• Power of Attorney in favor of the director.
• Main company’s MOA and incorporation certificate (translated).
• Approvals from relevant authorities.

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• All previously submitted documents.
• Office lease agreement with plot number.
• Notarized appointment contract of the national agent (excludes Engineering Consultancies).

V. Joint Venture

Joint ventures require 51% local equity but profit sharing is flexible. Zionuae offers expertise in structuring, partner engagement, and documentation of JV entities in the UAE.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Trade name reservation and licensing application.
• Passport copy of applicant.
• Emirates ID for UAE nationals.
• Court permission if under 21 years.
• Approvals from relevant government authorities.

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• All documents submitted earlier.
• Office lease copy with plot number.
• Details of Directors (names, DOB, occupation, signatures).
• Declaration of Board Members accepting appointments.

VI. Public & Private Shareholding Company

Zionuae supports formation of both private and public shareholding companies. From feasibility study to licensing, our expert consultants ensure compliance and strategic setup.

Documents Required for Initial Approval

• Registration and licensing application with trade name proof.
• Four copies of the MOA & AOA (notarized).
• Two copies of the project feasibility study.
• Relevant government authority approvals.
• Ministry of Economy resolution (private shareholding).
• Approval from Securities and Commodities Authority (public shareholding).

Documents Required After Initial Approval

• Initial approval receipt.
• All previously submitted documents.
• Office lease copy with plot number.
• Notarized MOA copy.