How to get a Certificate of Incorporation in the UAE: Company Formation Guide 2025

If you’re setting up a company in the UAE, your very first milestone is the Certificate of Incorporation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire incorporation process — from selecting the right jurisdiction and collecting required documents to receiving the Incorporation Certificate and defining the next steps.

What is a certificate of incorporation?

A Certificate of Incorporation is the core legal document that confirms company formation. It is like a birth certificate of your business that gives you legal recognition. Without it, you won’t be able to proceed with most official processes, such as opening a corporate bank account or applying for a corporate tax.

It is important not to mix up a Certificate of Incorporation and a Trade Licence. Your incorporation certificate proves that the company legally exists. Your Trade License defines permitted business activities and grants the right to operate.

Key components

Now, let’s take a look at the key elements of the Incorporation certificate.

Mainland vs free zone: how to choose where to set the company?

Before applying for your Certificate of Incorporation (CoI), you need to decide where to register your legal entity — on the mainland or in a free zone. This choice is crucial since it defines not only where your office space is located, but also the jurisdiction, the scope of business activities you can carry out, your tax system, and the setup cost.

What is a free zone?

A free zone is a special economic area with its own regulatory authority, rules, and incentives. It generally allows 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and benefits like tax exemptions. Well-known examples are ADGM in Abu Dhabi and DIFC in Dubai.

What is the mainland?

A mainland (onshore) basically is everything in the UAE that is not a free zone. Business entities operate here under federal and local laws, allowing you to do business across the entire UAE market — both B2B and B2C.

Comparison table: mainland companies vs free zone companies

Let’s break down the differences between jurisdictions and highlight their key benefits.

As you can see, the jurisdiction choice shapes everything from your business scope to the market access. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: if you want full access to the UAE market and/or government contracts or tenders, mainland may be the right fit. If you’re looking for a cost-effective setup, global trading with foreign companies, a free zone could be the smarter choice.

Sources:

• UAE government portal. Doing business in free zones.
• UAE government portal. Doing business on the mainland

Step-by-step process: how to get a certificate of incorporation in the UAE

Once you’ve chosen an economic zone, you can begin the application process for business incorporation.

Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Define your company structure

This determines liability, governance, and shareholder rules.
⏱ Timeframe: depends on your decision-making.

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Step 2: Reserve your company trade name

Check that it complies with UAE naming rules — it is unique, ethical, and has no government references.
⏱ Timeframe: 1 day for search and reservation.

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Step 3: Prepare documents for initial approval

Essential documents: application form, trade name reservation, and passport copies of shareholders.
⏱ Timeframe: 2–3 days to gather.

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Step 4: Submit application and get initial approval

Authorities review your application.
⏱ Timeframe: a few days to a few weeks, depending on jurisdiction.

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Step 5: Find and rent office space

Mainland requires an Ejari/registered lease; free zones may allow flexi-desk or shared offices.
⏱ Timeframe: 3–7 days, depending on availability.

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Step 6: Prepare the final documentation

This includes your Memorandum of Association (MOA), office rental agreement, shareholder resolutions, supporting paperwork, and additional approvals if needed.
⏱ Timeframe: 1–7 days for drafting and signing.

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Step 7: Submit the final application

Upload the full pack for final review.
⏱ Same-day filing: portal review typically 1–3 days.

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Step 8: Pay fees

Fees depend on jurisdiction.
⏱ Timeframe: same-day payment.

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Step 9: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation

⏱ Timeframe: 1–3 days in free zones; up to 1–2 weeks on the mainland.

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Congratulations! You got a Certificate of Incorporation!

Source: MOET Establish Companies in the UAE

How long does it take to get a certificate of incorporation?

If you avoid errors and delays, the whole registration process can take from a few days to 2 weeks. Based on real experience, it often stretches to 3–4 weeks or months due to missing documents, office lease delays, or back-and-forth with authorities.

Important note

There are over 50 jurisdictions in the UAE, and the exact steps vary depending on the chosen economic zone. Always check the rules and the list of necessary documents on the official website of the local relevant authorities.

Okay, what’s next? Tax compliance in UAE

Right after your company’s incorporation, the business becomes subject to the UAE tax code – namely Corporate Income Tax and, potentially, VAT. The jurisdiction and the substance of the business will determine the taxes you need to pay and the financial reporting obligations of your company.

Compliance deadlines and reporting

After incorporation, you must create an account on EmaraTax and:

• Register for corporate tax.
• Register for VAT if thresholds are met.
• File financial reports and tax returns on time:
  • VAT returns are quarterly.
  • Corporate tax returns are annual, with clear filing deadlines set by the FTA.
    Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties and restrictions.

How Skrooge can help you

Skrooge integrates tax automation services directly into your business setup. From corporate tax registration to VAT filings and financial reporting, our digital platform ensures you never miss a compliance deadline. With automated reminders and expert support, Skrooge makes it easier to stay on top of tax compliance, while you focus on business development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Certificate of Incorporation

Let’s break down the most common mistakes when applying for a Certificate of Incorporation, what they can cost you, and how to avoid them.

Why choose Skrooge.ai for your business?

Conducting a business in the UAE can feel overwhelming, and getting a Certificate of Incorporation is only the first step. The real hassle starts after company registration: tax compliance, reporting deadlines, fines, and sanctions for every small mistake. That’s exactly where the Skrooge team steps in. Wherever you incorporate, with us:

• You don’t have to spend days exploring rules and laws across local authorities — rely on Skrooge’s expert guidance in every UAE jurisdiction.
• You don’t have to fear missed deadlines and penalties — automated reminders keep you on schedule for filings, corporate tax, VAT registration, and reporting.
• You don’t have to worry about lost emails or invoices — Skrooge integrates with your bank feeds, email inbox, and automatically organizes every invoice, receipt, and statement.
• You don’t have to hire multiple providers — Skrooge delivers end-to-end service from incorporation to ongoing tax compliance.

No wasted time, no lost invoices, no deadline stress. Just a smoother, smarter way to run your company in the UAE — backed by AI automation and our professional team that knows the system inside out.

FAQ

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.