Here is the essential document checklist, categorized for clarity, to ensure your application sails through the DET or Free Zone Authority approval stages.
- Corporate Documents (Must Be Attested/Legalized)
These foundational documents verify the existence and authority of the foreign Parent Company and must undergo the multi-step Attestation process (Notarization, UAE E legalization, and final MOFA stamp in the UAE).
To ensure a smooth process, prepare the following documents from the parent company :
2 .Personal Documents (For Key Personnel)
These documents are required for the individuals who will manage and own the UAE business subsidiary.
- Passport Copies: Clear, color copies of the passports for all directors, shareholders (individuals), and the appointed General Manager of the new subsidiary.
- UAE Visa/Entry Stamp: Copy of the manager's current UAE entry stamp or residence visa page (if applicable).
- Manager's CV & Educational Certificates: A detailed CV and copies of educational certificates for the appointed General Manager are often required, especially for professional and service activities, and for their Employee Visa application.
| Features | Freezone | Mainland |
| Ownership | 100% Foreign Ownership | 100% Foreign Ownership (for professional services) |
| Market Access | Can trade within Free Zone and outside UAE. | Unrestricted trade across the entire UAE mainland |
| Government Contracts | Can work as a subcontractor | Can bid directly on government contracts |
| Office Requirement | Optional (Flexi-desks or shared offices) | Mandatory (Must have a physical commercial space) |
| Visa Eligibility | High (Tied to office size or package) | High (Tied to office size) |
| Typical Clients | B2B, international clients, other FZ companies | Government, local UAE market, large corporations |
| Approx. Annual Cost | AED 10,000 - 20,000 | AED 15,000 - 30,000+ |
Features | Freezone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
Ownership | 100% Foreign Ownership | 100% Foreign Ownership (for professional services) |
Market Access | Can trade within Free Zone and outside UAE. | Unrestricted trade across the entire UAE mainland |
Government Contracts | Can work as a subcontractor | Can bid directly on government contracts |
Office Requirement | Optional (Flexi-desks or shared offices) | Mandatory (Must have a physical commercial space) |
Visa Eligibility | High (Tied to office size or package) | High (Tied to office size) |
Typical Clients | B2B, international clients, other FZ companies | Government, local UAE market, large corporations |
Approx. Annual Cost | AED 10,000 - 20,000 | AED 15,000 - 30,000+ |
Office Rental Fees: The annual lease payment for your workspace.
Mainland: Requires a dedicated physical office with an Ejari (registered tenancy contract).
Free Zone: May range from an affordable Flexi-Desk or Co-working Space to a dedicated office, depending on the package.
Free Zone: May range from an affordable Flexi-Desk or Co-working Space to a dedicated office, depending on the package.
Free Zone: May range from an affordable Flexi-Desk or Co-working Space to a dedicated office, depending on the package.
Free Zone: May range from an affordable Flexi-Desk or Co-working Space to a dedicated office, depending on the package.
Free Zone: May range from an affordable Flexi-Desk or Co-working Space to a dedicated office, depending on the package.
Ejari Registration Fees (Mainland Only): The governmental fee for registering the tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department.
Local Attestation: Fees in the parent company's home country.
UAE Embassy Attestation: Fees charged by the UAE Embassy in the home country to legalize corporate documents.
MOFA Attestation: Final fees charged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE to complete the legalization chain.
