Introduction
Having the right documents ready before starting your business setup in the UAE saves time and avoids costly delays. Requirements vary depending on your chosen structure (mainland, free zone, or offshore), but there is a core set of documents that almost every authority requires.
This checklist covers everything you need for 2026.
Universal Documents (All Structures)
Personal Documents
- Passport copies (clear, colour, valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, less than 3 months old)
- CV or professional profile summary
Business Documents
- Completed application form (provided by the authority)
- Business plan or company profile
- Proposed trade name (2-3 alternatives)
- Business activity description
Mainland-Specific Documents
- Initial approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Ejari (office lease agreement registered with RERA)
- NOC from current sponsor (if changing visa status)
- Special approvals (for regulated activities such as food, education, healthcare)
Free Zone-Specific Documents
- Free zone application form
- Shareholder resolution or sole establishment declaration
- Office lease agreement (or flexi-desk agreement)
- No Objection Certificate from current employer (if on employment visa)
Offshore-Specific Documents
- Certificate of registration application
- Declaration of beneficial ownership
- Registered agent letter
- Reference letter from an existing bank
- Evidence of business activities in other jurisdictions
Multi-Shareholder Companies
If your company has more than one shareholder, you will also need:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) — drafted and signed by all shareholders
- Shareholders agreement (recommended)
- Power of Attorney (if a shareholder cannot be present during signing)
- Board resolution appointing directors and authorised signatories
Post-Licence Documents (For Visa and Banking)
After your trade licence is issued, you will need:
- Trade licence copy
- Establishment card (mainland)
- Entry permit application documents
- Medical fitness test results
- Emirates ID biometric registration
- Bank account application package (see our [corporate banking checklist](/insights/corporate-banking-documents-checklist-uae))
Document Attestation
Some documents from your home country may need to be:
- Apostilled (if from a Hague Convention country)
- Attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and then by MOFA in the UAE
- Translated into English or Arabic by a certified translator
Common Mistakes
- Submitting expired passports or documents
- Names not matching across documents
- Missing attestation or apostille
- Incomplete MoA for multi-shareholder companies
- No proof of address or outdated address proof
How Star One Helps
We prepare, review, and submit all documents on your behalf. Our team ensures everything is complete, accurate, and properly attested before submission.
Start your business setup with a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in the UAE to submit documents?
Not always. Many free zones accept digital submissions initially. However, you will need to visit for visa processing.
How long do documents remain valid?
Most documents should be less than 3-6 months old. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months.
Can Star One prepare the MoA?
Yes. We draft Memorandums of Association and all corporate documents as part of our setup service.
Related services
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Common questions
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Star One's advisory team brings together over 12 years of UAE business formation experience, helping entrepreneurs from the UK, US, South Africa and beyond establish successful companies in Dubai.
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