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United Arab Emirates entities
Mainland and free zone companies, DIFC and ADGM entities and RAK ICC companies. A major base for trading groups, holding companies, family offices and regional headquarters.
In shortCCYFX onboards UAE mainland LLCs, free zone companies, DIFC and ADGM companies and foundations, and RAK ICC companies. Typical documents include the current trade or commercial licence, the certificate of incorporation or registration, the memorandum and articles and the register of beneficial owners.
Many registries in one country
A UAE company may be licensed on the mainland by the economic department of its emirate, in one of the many free zones, or in one of the two financial free zones: the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Each authority has its own registry, licence and documents.
We ask for the trade or commercial licence and the registry documents issued by the entity’s own authority, and we check that the licensed activities match the payments the company expects to make.
Common entities we onboard
Mainland LLC
A limited liability company licensed by the economic department of an emirate.
Free zone company
Companies established in a free zone, such as DMCC or JAFZA, under that zone’s own rules.
DIFC and ADGM companies and foundations
Companies, foundations and other vehicles in the two financial free zones.
RAK ICC company
International companies registered with RAK International Corporate Centre through a registered agent, often used for holding.
What we ask United Arab Emirates entities to provide
These are in addition to identification for directors and beneficial owners. Certificates should generally have been issued within the last three to six months.
Company
- Current trade or commercial licence
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Registry extract or certificate of incumbency from the relevant authority
Ownership
- Register of beneficial owners or UBO declaration
- Registers of shareholders and directors
- Ownership chart to individuals with 25% or more
- Board or shareholder resolution naming signatories
Activity
- Description of the business and its counterparties
- DFSA, FSRA or other regulatory licence, if regulated
- Office lease or tenancy agreement
- Invoices or contracts for the main payment flows
This page is general information to help you prepare for onboarding. It is not legal or tax advice. Laws and registry practice in United Arab Emirates change, so please confirm current requirements with your corporate service provider or legal adviser.
Onboard your United Arab Emirates entity
Apply online in about ten minutes. We will reply with the documents your structure requires and an indicative timeline for onboarding.