Detailed explanation of the basic documents required for the registration of an Abu Dhabi company

GuideAs the capital and economic core of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has become a hot spot for investment in the Middle East with its stable policy environment and diversified industrial ecology. There are significant differences in the requirements for different types of documents, but they are all subject to strict compliance with the UAE Commercial Code and the regulatory norms of the Abu Dhabi Economic Development Authority (ADDED). List of basic registration documents 1. Pre-examination documents of company name Application form for name pre-examination: 3-5 alternative names are required. The names must conform to the naming standards of the UAE Company Law. Religious and politically sensitive words and duplicate names of existing enterprises are prohibited. For example, a technology company was required to change its name because it included "Islamic Finance" and eventually completed its registration through "TechHub Middle East. Proof of Name Inquiry: Pre-check name availability through the Abu Dhabi Economic Development Authority (ADDED) online platform to avoid registration delays due to name conflicts. 2. Subject qualification certificate Shareholder/Director Identification Document: Copy of passport (notarized); Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement within 3 months); Resume (required for some free zones). Letter of appointment of legal representative: to specify the authority and duties of the legal representative, which shall be signed and sealed by shareholders. 3. Corporate governance documents Articles of Association (MOA): The shareholder structure, shareholding ratio, business scope, profit distribution rules, etc. need to be specified in detail. Free Zone Articles of Association must comply with the Free Zone Authority (e. g. ADGM, MASDAR) template, and local companies must follow the ADDED standard format. Shareholder Agreement: Multi-shareholder enterprises need to sign an agreement to clarify the decision-making mechanism, equity transfer restrictions and dispute resolution methods. 4. Certificate of business premises Lease contract: local companies are required to provide a lease contract for office space in Abu Dhabi (there is no mandatory area requirement, but the visa quota must be met); Free Zone companies can use the virtual office address provided by the Free Zone. For example, the ADGM Free Zone allows businesses to use downtown addresses for dlrs 15000 per year. Free Zone Entry Certificate: Enterprises registered in free zones such as MASDAR and KIZAD must submit a confirmation letter issued by the Free Zone Administration. Document Preparation Key Considerations 1. Language and Notarization Requirements All non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic and notarized by Emirati embassies and consulates abroad, or processed through a translation agency certified by the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Justice. A Chinese enterprise in the registration due to self translation of the terms of the contract there is ambiguity, resulting in legal disputes. 2. Cultural compliance review Company names, promotional materials need to avoid religious symbols, alcohol-related words. A liquor import company was asked to change its name to "Beverage Solutions" because it included "Wine". 3, professional institutions to assist It is recommended to entrust the UAE licensed law firm or registered agency to process the documents, which can provide template review and government relationship coordination services. A business reduces the registration cycle from 6 weeks to 2 weeks through an agency. Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI overseas investment filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!