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UAE Certificate of Incorporation Process Guide

Certificate of Incorporation in UAE: A Guide

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A Certificate of Incorporation is a vital document for businesses in the UAE. It allows them to legally run their company and protect themselves from compliance issues. Knowing how to get certificate of company incorporation in UAE is an important part of being an entrepreneur in the country.

What is a Certificate of Incorporation?

A Certificate of Incorporation (COI) is a legal document that is issued on completion of business registration, verifying the legitimacy of the company. It is generally issued along with a trade license. The information in a certificate can change based on the issuing authority but common elements include:
  • Company name
  • Company structure
  • Company incorporation date
  • Business activities
  • Name of issuing authority
  • Free zone location

Certificate of Incorporation UAE Sample

Certificate of Incorporation Sample of Rakez Free Zone

Certificate of Incorporation Dubai Sample

Certificate of Incorporation Sample of Rakez Free Zone

Importance of a Certificate of Incorporation UAE

We are the UAE’s largest business advisory with expert consultants handling business of all sizes across the country. Our team provides an end-to-end business setup service handling everything from licensing to opening a bank account. We’ll handle all the paperwork and the approvals, making the process hassle-free.

Legitimacy

Getting a Certificate of Incorporation enforces a company’s legal right to conduct business activities in the UAE.

Banking services

You will need to submit a Certificate of Incorporation in the UAE for every bank account application. It is also a necessary document for getting a bank loan approved.

Credibility

If you’re trying to apply for a loan or sign contracts with new clients or investors, having a Certificate of Incorporation boosts your credibility.

Compliance

UAE’s federal law requires every business to have a Certificate of Incorporation to maintain compliance.

General business operations

Having a Certificate of Incorporation in Dubai allows you to rent an office space and/or storefronts, sponsor visas, and set up utilities.

How to Get Certificate of Incorporation in UAE: The Steps

A&A Associate can help you get a Certificate of Incorporation and assist with your trade license application. Our expert consultants can help you apply for the license, including preparing all the paperwork.

1. Choose a Business Activity

There are over 2,000 activities permitted in the UAE. The business activity you choose will affect your trade license type.

2. Select a Business Location

You can choose between free zones or the mainland to register a business in Dubai. Then, you can reserve a trade name. Every Emirate has its own trade name database that you can use to make sure your name hasn’t been registered.

Mainland

Free zones

100% foreign ownership (for most activities)

100% foreign ownership 

Ability to participate in government projects

Cannot participate in government projects

Easy expansion of business

Difficult for business expansion

Large number of business activities 

Limited number of business activities 

Licensed by local Department of Economic Development 

Licensed by free zone authority 

3. Apply for a Trade License

You should apply for a trade license with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai or the relevant free zone authority. Mainland license UAE applications in other Emirates should go through the Department of Economic Development (DED).

You’ll need the following documents the application:

  • Owner & shareholder(s) personal identification documents
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Articles of Association
  • Shareholder certificates (if necessary)
  • Initial approval (if relevant)
  • Trade name reservation
  • Office address

You can book a free 30-minute consultation with our expert business setup professionals to start your company and get a Certificate of Incorporation UAE.

4. Get the Certificate of Incorporation

If you’re choosing a free zone company setup, you’ll generally get your Certificate of Incorporation along with your trade license. If you work with A&A Associate, our expert consultants will provide complete support until you get your certificate and start your business.

Additional Services for Certificate of Incorporation

Amendment

To amend a COI, you have to submit an application to the initial licensing authority. This could be the local DED or a free zone authority.

Verification

There are multiple portals available to verify a Certificate of Incorporation including the National Economic Register, and local DED portals.

Attestation

MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) handles international attestations for all legal documents in the country.

Apply for a Certificate of Incorporation With A&A Associate

A&A Associate offers expert services for business setup in Dubai from seasoned consultants who can guide you through the entire process. We can help you apply for a license, get approvals from government entities, handle the visa application, and open a bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Certificate of Incorporation costs around AED 6,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the business jurisdiction. A business setup consultant can give you an exact cost breakdown.
A Certificate of Incorporation does not have to be renewed as it is simply a document that confirms a company’s establishment.
Every Emirate’s Department of Economic Development is in charge of issuing a Certificate of Incorporation for companies set up on the mainland. For getting a Certificate of Incorporation in Dubai, the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) is the licensing authority.
You can amend the details of a Certificate of Incorporation by contacting the relevant licensing authority and submitting an amendment application.
Getting a Certificate of Incorporation can take 1 week to 3 months depending on the business jurisdiction (free zone or mainland). Generally, free zones issue COI faster than the mainland.
It is possible to change the details of a Certificate of Incorporation including the company name, office address, or shareholder information.
A trade license legally permits an entity to conduct business activities while a Certificate of Incorporation validates the legal existence of an entity. Basically, the certificate of incorporation meaning is different from the trade license.
You can get a Certificate of Incorporation by submitting an application to the relevant licensing authority, the DED or free zone authority and paying the fees. This application is part of the business setup process in UAE.

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Nithila Kumar
With over four years of writing experience, Nithila Ashok Kumar has established a strong expertise in the personal finance, tax, accounting, and business industries. Having worked with companies across the USA, UAE, and India, she specializes in simplifying complex information into content that informs and engages readers.

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