UAE Free Zone Document Checklist — What You Need to Register
Use this checklist to prepare all documents before starting your UAE free zone company application. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays.
In this guide:
Individual Applicant Documents
- Passport: Clear colour copy of all pages; validity must be 6+ months remaining
- Passport photo: Recent white background photo; 4×6 cm standard
- Previous UAE visa (if applicable): Copy of last UAE residency visa (cancelled or active)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If employed in UAE on work/residency visa; required by most free zones
- Bank statement: 3-6 months personal bank statement; not always required but good to have
- UAE address: Some free zones require a UAE address for correspondence (they provide virtual one)
Corporate Applicant Documents (If Shareholder Is a Company)
- Company incorporation certificate: Attested and apostilled from home country
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA): Attested; shows ownership structure
- Company good standing certificate: From home country company authority
- Board resolution: Authorizing establishment of UAE subsidiary
- Parent company bank statement: 3-6 months; some free zones require this
Business Information Required
- Business activity selection: Choose 1-5 activities from the free zone activity list
- Company name: 3 preferred names (in case first choice taken); no country names, no religious references
- Share capital: Declare nominal share capital (AED 1,000 minimum; usually nominal)
Documents You Receive After Setup
- Trade licence: Official UAE business registration
- Certificate of incorporation: Entity registration certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): Your UAE company constitution
- Share certificate: Proof of ownership