How to Obtain a UAE Free Zone Certificate of Incorporation 2026
A Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) is one of the most important company documents. Here is how to obtain and use your UAE free zone Certificate of Incorporation.
In this guide:
What Is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- Definition: Official document issued by the free zone authority confirming the legal existence of your company
- Contents: Company name; registration number; date of incorporation; registered address; type of entity
- Use cases: Bank account opening; contracts; government registrations; business visa applications
How to Get Your Certificate of Incorporation
- Automatic: Most free zones issue CoI as part of the incorporation package; sent digitally
- Free zone portal: Download from your free zone’s business portal at any time
- Request copy: If you need a fresh certified copy, submit request to free zone authority
- Fee: Typically AED 200-500 for a certified/attested copy
Attested / Apostilled Certificate of Incorporation
- Apostille: UAE is a Hague Convention country; UAE-issued documents can be apostilled by MOFA
- When needed: Some banks and overseas authorities require apostilled CoI
- Process: Submit CoI to UAE MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation); MOFA attaches apostille; AED 150-300 fee; 1-3 days
Common Uses of Certificate of Incorporation
- Bank account: Banks ask for certified copy of CoI
- Overseas clients: International enterprise clients request CoI to verify company is legally registered
- Government tenders: UAE government tenders require CoI
- Partner agreements: Some JV agreements require CoI for verification