Hi Sofia,

I'm Nurain Sheikh, Sales Manager at DhanGuard, and this is something I guide business owners through almost every day.

The exact documents can vary depending on your business activity and ownership structure, but for most mainland company formations in Dubai, you'll need to submit a combination of personal, legal, and office-related documents to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Personal Documents

Before starting the application, keep these documents ready:

• Valid passport copies for all shareholders, managers, and authorised signatories.
• UAE residence visa or entry stamp (where applicable).
• Emirates ID if any shareholder or manager is already a UAE resident.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer or sponsor if required.

Company Formation Documents

The DET will also require several incorporation documents, including:

• Trade Name Reservation Certificate confirming your company name has been approved.
• Initial Approval Certificate issued by the DET.
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) outlining the company's ownership structure and operating framework.
• Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement, where applicable for specific professional activities.

If one of the shareholders is an existing company rather than an individual, you'll generally need additional documents such as:

• Certificate of Incorporation.
• Board Resolution approving the investment.
• Power of Attorney (if applicable).
• Attested corporate documents along with certified Arabic translations where required.

Office & Regulatory Documents

A mainland company must also have a registered business address, so you'll need:

• An Ejari-registered tenancy contract for your office or commercial premises.
• Any external approvals required for regulated activities. For example, businesses involved in food trading, healthcare, education, engineering, or financial services may need approvals from the relevant government authorities before the trade licence is issued.

My advice is to prepare all documents before beginning the application. Having complete paperwork significantly reduces processing delays and helps the licensing process move much more smoothly.