When individuals start taking interest in business, they want to understand the company formation process first. If you are one of those, you would definitely be concerned to know which documents you will provide and which documents you will get after the process completion. Whether you set up a company through a free zone or a mainland, you will get official documents after the process completion including the certificate of incorporation UAE. Whether you call it the UAE incorporation certificate or company incorporation certificate UAE, its significance will stay the same. It proves your business has been legally formed and registered.
This blog explains how to obtain certificate of incorporation in UAE with support from the Aurum team and what is its significance in overall business setup in UAE process.
What is a UAE Incorporation Certificate?
A UAE incorporation certificate is an official document issued by the relevant authority, after your company registration is approved and completed. It confirms your business is legally registered as an entity in the UAE and can operate under that registered status. You can expect a stamped digital file (PDF) that you can download and share when required. It is a simple document, but it carries a lot of weight because it is used for verification.
The certificate shows:
- Company legal name
- Incorporation/registration number
- Date of incorporation
- Legal structure
Why You May Need the Certificate of Incorporation UAE
Individuals come to know about the importance of the certificate of incorporation UAE when a bank, client, or platform asks for it. It is commonly needed during corporate bank account opening, vendor onboarding, payment gateway registration, or when you sign contracts with larger companies. It is also useful for internal recordkeeping because it shows the exact formation details issued by the authority.
Certificate of Incorporation vs Trade License in a Free Zone
It is important to separate these two. The company incorporation certificate UAE confirms that your business has been legally established. The trade license confirms which business activities your company is permitted to carry out. Both are important, and you may receive them around the same stage, after approvals and payments are completed.
If you are planning a setup in Ras Al Khaimah, read our blog Trade license in Ras Al Khaimah so you can understand the process in detail.
Getting Certificate of Incorporation in RAKEZ
You are not supposed to apply for this certificate separately. You receive it once your company formation is approved. So, the Aurum team focuses on your incorporation process correctly.
Step 1: Finalise Your Business Activity First
The whole process starts with the activity. Free zones have activity lists and license categories. Whatever activity you choose, it affects the application process, approvals, and the supporting documents you need.
Step 2: Select the Legal Structure
Next, you have to choose your legal structure under the RAKEZ free zone. There are various options like single-owner structures, multi-owner structures, or branch setups. Your selected structure will be printed on your UAE incorporation certificate, so it must reflect how you want to operate and how many owners the company will have.
Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name
After that, you submit your proposed company names for reservation with help of the Aurum team. The authority checks availability and naming rules. If it is not against the rules, you get approval for the name.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
For RAKEZ free zone application, you should be ready with passport copies for shareholders and the manager, plus visa/Emirates ID copies. Our team will guide you on which documents are applicable for you. Some cases require extra declarations or details depending on the shareholding structure. Here is the basic documents list, contact us to learn more about the exact requirements.
- Clear passport copy
- Visa page / Emirates ID (if you have them)
- Business plan
- A photo
- Contact details and ownership percentages
If a shareholder is a company (corporate shareholder), you should expect extra paperwork. It is better to prepare these early rather than waiting for the authority to request them.
Step 5: Submit the Application and Complete any Facility Requirement
Once your documents are ready, the application is submitted through the Aurum team. According to your requirements, you may also need to confirm a facility option among these: flexi-desk, shared desk, office, or warehouse solution.
Step 6: Receive Your Incorporation Documents
After approval, you pay the setup and license fees. Once payment is confirmed, the RAKEZ authority issues your company documents. After approval, your incorporation pack is released, which includes the certificate of incorporation UAE, the trade license, and other required documents.
How Aurum Can Help with Business Setup in UAE
Though the incorporation process is straightforward, you might need support of an expert consultant. Aurum supports business setup in UAE by helping you choose the right activity, prepare documents correctly, and keep you in the loop until you receive the license.
AURUM is the representative office of RAKEZ in Dubai who provides guidance for a structured setup journey under the RAKEZ free zone.