UAE Free Zone Company Document Checklist — What You Receive After Incorporation 2026
After your UAE free zone company is incorporated, you receive a set of documents. Here is what every document is, why it matters, and where you will need it.
Documents You Receive from the Free Zone
1. Trade Licence (Business Licence)
The most important document. Contains:
- Company name and trade licence number
- Registered activities on the licence
- Issue date and expiry date (1 year from issue)
- Free zone name and address
- Owner / shareholder details
Where you will need it: Opening bank accounts, client contracts, government applications, VAT registration, CT registration, visa applications, entering commercial contracts, applying for external licences.
2. Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
Proves the company exists as a legal entity. Contains:
- Company registration number
- Incorporation date
- Type of entity (FZE, FZCO)
Where you will need it: International bank accounts, foreign country company registration, legal contracts, investor documentation.
3. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The constitutional document of the company. Contains:
- Company name and registered address
- Shareholder names and share percentages
- Company objects (activities)
- Share capital amount
Where you will need it: Banks, investors, foreign company registration, legal agreements.
4. Share Certificate
Proves ownership of shares. Each shareholder receives one. Contains:
- Shareholder name
- Number of shares held
- Percentage ownership
- Date of issue
Where you will need it: Proving ownership when selling shares, investor documentation.
5. Power of Attorney (POA) — If Applicable
Authorises a named person (often a PRO or business agent) to act on behalf of the company for specific matters.
Documents You Apply for Later
- Good Standing Certificate: Issued by the free zone on request (AED 200-500). Proves company is in good standing (not suspended or in arrears). Required for international banking and foreign registrations.
- Incumbency Certificate: Lists current directors and shareholders. Required for some banking and foreign registration purposes.
- Apostille of company documents: Required for international use. See our apostille guide.