trade licenses guide in abu dhabi services/trade licenses guide in abu...likewise, article 329 of...

Trade LicensesGuide

in Abu Dhabi

Content :• Introduction

• Laws Regulating the Practice of Business and Economic Activity in Abu Dhabi

General Procedures to Obtain Licenses

• Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Department of Economic Development

• Industrial Development Bureau

• Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority

• Approval of Licenses

Licensing Procedures in Free Zones

• Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD)

• Abu Dhabi Media Zone twofour54

• Masdar City Free Zone

• Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)

• General Directorate of Customs

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Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry PO Box: 662, Abu Dhabi U.A.Eغرفة تجارة وصناعة أبوظبي ص.ب 662، أبوظبي، اإلمارات العربية المتحدة : +971 2 621 4000 : +971 2 621 5867 : [email protected] : www.abudhabichamber.ae

Trade Licesnses Guide in Abu Dhabi

TLGAD / 1st E

1st Edition 2016

Publisher : Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

3Abu Dhabi Chamber

Introduction

This manual aims at providing a complete resource and a reference to businessmen, investors and

companies in Abu Dhabi on the laws regulating the practice of doing businesses and economic

activities in the emirate as well as the general procedures of obtaining licenses from the related

authorities which grant approvals for practicing businesses in Abu Dhabi.

This manual, and for the first time, includes the procedures of practicing businesses in Khalifa

Industrial Zone (KIZAD), Abu Dhabi Media Zone (twofour54), Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)

and Masdar Free Zone.

Publishing this manual comes within the awareness of the Abu Dhabi Chamber to provide investors

and companies desirous of practicing commercial, industrial and services businesses in Abu Dhabi

with the best services in this regard. It also comes within its efforts to develop the services it offers

for its members, investors and the business community and in a way that increases its contribution

and the role the private sector plays to the comprehensive and sustainable economic development

process in Abu Dhabi.

4 Abu Dhabi Chamber

Laws Regulating the Practice of Business and Economic Activity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Laws:

Article 23 of Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 concerning Commercial Transactions states that:

• No persons other than a U.A.E. citizen may practice trade in the State., unless he has one or more

U.A.E. partners according to the conditions and within the limits stipulated by the Commercial

Companies Law.

With reference to the Federal Law No.2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies and its amendments,

Article 15 states the following:

Without prejudice to commercial activities reserved only to nationals, as may be prescribed herein

or in any other law, it is a requirement for the establishment of a company to have one or more

national partner(s) whose share in the company’s capital is not less than 51%.

Article 9 of the Companies Law defined the forms of companies which are (Joint Liability Company,

Limited Liability Company, Simple Commandite Company, Public Joint Stock Company, and Private

Joint Stock Company).

Likewise, Article 329 of the UAE Commercial Company Law also granted foreign companies the

right of establishing their own branches or offices in the country provided that the agent of the

foreign company shall be a UAE national. If the agent is a company, it shall be a UAE company

and all its partners shall be UAE nationals. The obligations of the agent to the company and third

parties shall be limited to providing such services to the company, without any responsibility or

financial obligations in connection with the business or activity of the branch or office of the

foreign company inside the State or abroad.

Article 92 of the UAE Civil Code defined legal entities in such a way that included private

associations and enterprises incorporated according to the provisions of the law.

Article 6 of the law No. (2) of 2009 concerning the Establishment of the Department of Economic

5Abu Dhabi Chamber

Development states that a natural or legal person may not practice any economic activity or any

branch to such an activity which is governed by a decision from the Department before obtaining

a license to practice this activity provided that he fulfills all the terms stated in the laws concerning

the performing of this activity.

Article 31 of Law No. 27 of 2005 Concerning Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry states

that national or foreign individuals, companies or enterprises practicing business, industrial,

financial or contracting activities in the emirate, or those having branches or offices to practice

permanent or temporary activity, shall have to join the Chamber.

It is a must for any natural or legal person whether he is a national or foreign investor to acquire

a license allowing him to practice requested economic activity to register as a member of the Abu

Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

However, the Membership Certificates of the Chamber are amongst the required documents for

license issuance or renewal in the emirate.

6 Abu Dhabi Chamber

General Procedures to Obtain Licenses:Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and IndustryServices of the Membership Department

1. Registration of a new membership

Description:

• Registering new members and providing all the distinguished services which the Chamber

provides for members and to preserve their legal rights.

Procedures of obtaining the service

• Filling in a Membership Form and signing it by the authorized person.

• A letter issued by the license issuing authority.

• Trade name Form approved by the Department of Economic Development.

• A copy of the passport and family book of the UAE national.

• A copy of the UAE ID Card.

• A copy of the lease contract and attestation (Tawtheeq).

• A copy of the authorized signatory if any.

• A copy of the partnership contract or the approved agency contract attested by the Notary

Public.

• A copy of the licence issued by the competent authority.

• The approvals issued by the appropriate authorities concerned with economic activities.

2. Membership Renewal

Description:

• Members registered with the Chamber should renew their membership in order to keep

practicing their economic activities.

7Abu Dhabi Chamber

Procedures of obtaining the service



• A copy of the passport and family book of the UAE national.

• A copy of the UAE ID Card.




Public.

• A copy of the licence issued by the competent authority.


3. Cancelling A Membership

Description:

• The memberships which need to be cancelled due to suspension in practicing the economic

activity by the members of the Chamber or due to any other reasons.

Procedures of obtaining the service:

• (The original) of a cancelling letter from the licence-granting authority;

• A copy of the newspaper advertisement;

• The original membership certificate if the same is still valid; and

• Termination of the partnership or services agency if any.

4. Membership Modification Request (Trade Name)

Description:

• Memberships which need to modify their trade name which was approved by the Department

of Economic Development.


• A valid membership.

8 Abu Dhabi Chamber



• Trade name Form approved by the Department of Economic Development.


• A copy of the partnership contract or the approved agency contract.

• An advertisement in the daily newspapers.


5. Membership Modification Request (Changing the legal form)

Description:

• Changing the legal form of a membership whether this change was a result of adding or deleting

a partner or changing the nationality of one of the partners from a foreign nationality into a UAE

one or just changing the legal form of the business / company.





• A copy of the newspaper advertisement.


• The original membership certificate if still valid.


6. Membership Modification Request (Changing the capital amount)

Description:

• Amending the amount of the capital of the establishment / company.



9Abu Dhabi Chamber




Public.

7. Membership Modification Request (Changing an address)

Description:

• Amending the site information of a membership.







Public.

8. Membership Modification Request (addition /deletion of an owner – partner – service agent)

Description:

• Amending the information of owners / partners or service agents of a membership.





• A copy of the newspaper advertisement.



10 Abu Dhabi Chamber

9. Membership Modification Request (Addition / deletion of a trade activity)

Description:

• Amending the membership information of economic activities and this includes deletion and addition of information.






10. Attestation

Description

• Approving and attesting the authenticity of a signature on documents or invoices of a member company of the Abu Dhabi Chamber.


• The original document which needs to be attested (Mandates, contracts and agencies are excepted from this procedures).

11. Attesting a replica / a true copy

Description

• Approving and attesting a true copy of the Chamber’s membership certificate.


• The original membership certificate of the Chamber.

• A copy of the membership which needs to be attested.

12. To Whom It May Concern Certificate (Arabic / English)

Description

• A certificate that contains the membership number, trade name, names of owners or partners,

partnership percentage, validity of the membership and any additional information required by

the customer.

11Abu Dhabi Chamber

Required Documents:

• A letter from the company signed by the authorized signatory.

13. Certificate of Translating the Membership Certificate into English

Description

• A translation of the membership certificate into English at the customer’s request.

Required Documents:


14. A Replacement

Description

• Members are able to request a replacement certificate in case of losing the original.

Required Documents:


15. Businessman Certificate

Description

• A certificate that contains a list of the memberships held by a businessman.

Required Documents:

• A copy of the passport.

• A letter signed by the person concerned.

16. A Statement of Non-ownership of Memberships (Arabic / English)

Description

• A certificate that proves the non-ownership by the person concerned of any membership at the

Chamber.

Required Documents:




17. Transaction Pending Membership-related Procedure (Renewal)

Description

• A certificate that proves that they are still following up the membership procedures but have

not finished yet.

Required Documents:


• The license which was issued by the competent authority.

18. Transaction Pending Procedure Certificate (Renewal)

Description

• A certificate that is given to members and proves that they are still following up the procedures

of renewal but have not finished yet.

Required Documents:


• Lease contract.

• An authorized signatory.

• The license which was issued by the competent authority.

19. Non-bankruptcy Certificate

Description

• A certificate that proves the member is not facing any issues at the court.

Required Documents:


• The Membership Certificate.

20. A Membership Under Liquidation Certificate

Description

• A certificate that is given to members and proves that their memberships are still valid while

13Abu Dhabi Chamber

undergoing cancelation procedures.

Required Documents:



21. A Membership Recommendation Certificate (Arabic / English)

Description

• A certificate that proves the member has a good reputation.

Required Documents:



22. A Recommendation Certificate for Businessmen

Description

• A certificate that proves a businessman has a good reputation.

Required Documents:

• A letter signed by the concerned person.


23. Supreme Petroleum Council Certificate (Addition of an Activity – Modification Request – New Transaction)

Description

• A Certificate directed to the Supreme Petroleum Council that is given to the Chamber’s members

desirous of practicing businesses in offshore and marine oil and gas fields (A permission to practice

businesses in petroleum facilities) whether adding an activity / modifying the basic data of a

membership or issuing a new membership concerning the said activity.

Required Documents:

• A letter from the authority which issued the license.


24. Certificate of Origin (For Members)

Description

• This procedure aims at issuing certificates of origin related to goods that are to be exported

outside the country which are of a foreign origin. The original receipt should be attached with

the documents and signed and stamped. The Chamber reserves the right to ask for any other

documents that proves the origin of the products and goods which need to be exported.


• The information of the certificate of origin should be entered by the customer through the

website of the Chamber.

• Fees shall be doubled in case of membership expiration.

25. Certificate of Origin for non-members

Description

• This procedure aims at issuing certificates of origin for non-members related to personal goods

of foreign origins that are to be exported outside the country. It may include attesting personal

goods and statement of export for animals.


• Filling in a form of a statement of export for personal goods / animals and signing it.

26. Requesting Information

Description

• Giving businessmen information on fees of economic activities and memberships.


• Approaching the centers of customer services or through the website / email or any other

communication means.

15Abu Dhabi Chamber

Department of Economic DevelopmentFirst: Trade Name ReservationSteps:

• Visit to the Information Center (Reception) to get the needed information. You can also call us

or check the online services available on our website: http://adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess

• Fill the trade name application form.

• After completing all the required documents, visit one of the DED’s customer service centers for

the submission of the transaction.

• Along with the original versions, all the required documents must be provided in soft copies

(PDF format).

Documents required for trade name issuance:

• Submit and sign the trade name application.

• Copy of valid passport.

• Copy of a civil register (for UAE citizens)

• Copy of valid Emirates ID.

• Copy of the concerned persons’ signature authentication attested by the notary public.

General rules for trade name issuance:

• Translating trade names from Arabic to English and vice-versa should be translated literally and

must not translate the trade activity; such as:

(Al-Saqer Al Thahbi Contracting -)

(Golden Falcon Contracting –)

• The trade name must take into consideration the facility’s activity and legal form.

• The trade name must not include any symbols such as dots, commas or similar symbols (for

example: .. or ,,).

• The partnership company’s trade name shall include names of one or more of the partners or it

may be a special trade name.


• In the case of the commandite partnership or the partnership limited by shares, the trade name

shall comprise the name of one or more partner (s), a new name or a name derived from the

company’s activity. The name of the silent partner/shareholder may not be used.

• 7. The limited liability company’s trade name shall comprise the name(s) of one or more of the

partner(s) or it should be derived from company’s activity, along with the term “Limited Liability

Company).

• The name of the public or private joint-stock company shall be derived from its activity along

with the term “private joint-stock company” or “public joint-stock company”. For this type of

companies, no natural person’s name may be used.

• The name of a sole proprietorship must be accompanied with the name of its owner followed by

the term “Sole Proprietorship” (Limited Liability Company).

• The name of a holding company contains the name of the company along with the term

“Holding”.

• The names of the foreign or GCC company branches as well as the facilities registered in the

UAE’s free zones shall be identical to the name of the parent company.

• Upon the reservation of the trade name, the word to be inspected must be returned to its root

(plural, masculine form, feminine form).

• No trade name may be reserved for a facility whose license has been cancelled, whether officially

or administratively, unless after the lapse of one year from the date of cancellation.

• Additional fees shall apply if the trade name is one of excluded names.

Trade names which cannot be permitted:

Any name that comprises the various versions of the Almighty God, sectarian names or terms,

names with religious connotations or symbols, names of the ruling family, names or emblems of

any emirate or local, regional or international organizations, foundations or establishments.

• Any name that violates the public order and morals.

• Any name that misleads customers in terms of the business type, importance, volume or other

characteristics.

• Any name that matches the globally trending trade names (such as Twitter, Google, Instagram,

etc.)

17Abu Dhabi Chamber

• The trade name may not be assigned unless the license is obtained.

The following trade names are permitted under certain conditions:

• The trade name that features the name of a tribe or clan, unless such name is related to the

facility’s owner (name and surname).

• The names of any of the UAE’s seven emirates may be approved only for the governmental and

semi-governmental companies.

• Subject to the approval of the Executive Council, the name of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi may be

approved only for governmental and semi-governmental companies.

• Subject to the approval of the Executive Director of the Commercial Affairs Sector, the term

(holding) may be included in the trade name of governmental, semi-governmental, limited liability,

private or public joint-stock companies. In such case, the activities shall be limited to those of

private companies and establishments.

• A trade name may not be approved if it matches or resembles any local or international trade

mark registered with the Ministry of Economy; registration of such names may be carried out only

by the owners or agents of the relevant trademarks.

• Names of the governmental facilities and projects in any of the UAE’s emirates.

• If the trade name features the name of any other person, such trade name may not be approved

unless the approval of concerned person or his/ her heirs is secured.

• The surname (Abu/ Abou, Bou/ Bu, Om/ Omm, Bin etc…) may not be approved unless it constitutes

a part of the license owner’s name. Such surnames, however, may not be approved if used singly.

• Terms that make no change to the trade names (such as Corner, Home, House, New etc…) may

not be added.

Special Conditions:

• All the required documents must be in Arabic.

• The trade name application may only be submitted by its owner or his/ her lawful attorney of

such owner.

• Any person above the age of 21 is entitled to obtain a trade name unless such person is

prevented from such entitlement by law.


• Subject to court approval, any person above the age of 18 is entitled to obtain a trade name

unless such person is prevented from such entitlement by law.

• The Department may cancel a trade name application from the register if it has been confirmed

to the Department that such trade name has been obtained in a manner that violates the law

or the bylaws applicable by the Department of Economic Development, or through methods

that enable obtaining a trade name similar to a one that was previously reserved.

Electronic Archiving Conditions:

All the documents and requirements must be attached in a CD or flash memory pursuant to the

following conditions:

• All documents must be in PDF format.

• The copies must be clear (neither dark nor glossy).

• Each document shall be named (tenancy contract, partnership contract …. Etc).

• The average size of the documents must be 70 kilobytes.

Second: Issuing Licenses of Companies and Branches1. ce of a license for a sole proprietorship (owned by a UAE citizen):

Visit the information center (reception) to get the needed information and the trade name

application. You may also call us or check our online services available on our website: http://

adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess

Fill in the trade name application form.

After the completion of required documents, visit one of DED’s branches or customer service

centers to submit the transaction.

Along with the original versions, all the required documents must be provided in softcopies (PDF

format).

19Abu Dhabi Chamber

Required Documents:

• Trade name issuance application bearing the signatures of the concerned persons.



• Copy of civil register extract.

After procuring the trade name, the following documents must be provided for the issuance of the license:

• Commercial license issuance application bearing the signatures of the concerned persons.

• Trade name certificate.




• Copy of valid tenancy contract attested by the Municipality.

• Copy of the signature authentication attested by the notary public.

• An approved photo or photocopy of the trade name sign board, which carries the calligrapher’s

signature, seal and board measurements.

• No objection certificate issued by the competent authorities in the event where the activities

require the approval of such authorities.

Conditions:


• The license application may only be submitted by the facility’s owner or his/ her lawful attorney.

• The establishment’s owner must above the age of 21.

• Along with the original versions, all the required documents must be provided in softcopy (PDF

format).

2. Issuance of a license for sole proprietorship (owned by a GCC citizen):

• Visit the information center (reception) to get the needed information and the trade name


application. You may also call us or check our online services available on our website: http://adbc.

abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess

• Fill in the trade name application form.

• After the completion of required documents, visit one of DED’s branches or customer service


• Along with the original versions, all the required documents must be provided in softcopies

(PDF format).

Required Documents:

• Trade name issuance application bearing the concerned persons’ signatures.




• Commercial license issuance application bearing the concerned persons’ signature.










Conditions:



21Abu Dhabi Chamber

• The facility’s owner must above the age of 21.


format).

3. Issuance of a license for a sole proprietorship (owned by a foreign investor):








(PDF format).

Required Documents:





• Commercial license issuance application bearing the concerned persons’ signatures.





• Copy of the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval for foreign investors.


• Copy of the service agency contract.







Conditions:

• After the issuance of the trade name and before obtaining the preliminary approval, the

Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval must be obtained for foreign investors.





format).

4. Issuance of a license for a sole proprietorship (Under Mubdia’a Program) for Businesswomen:

• Obtain the approval of Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (Abu Dhabi Chamber)








(PDF format).

23Abu Dhabi Chamber

Required Documents:• Trade name issuance application bearing the concerned persons’ signatures. • Copy of valid passport. • Copy of valid Emirates ID.


• The approval of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.







• Approval of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.

• Copy of valid tenancy contract attested by the Municipality (A house or the ownership of the

House)






Conditions:

• Before initiating the licensing procedures, Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council’s no objection

certificate must be obtained.

• Owner of the license must practice her business from home.

• Recruiting laborers under the Mubdia’h establishment license is not allowed.



• The license application may only be submitted by the facility’s owner or her lawful attorney.



format).

• The Mubdia’h establishment license activities are limited to 19 activities (Please refer to Abu

Dhabi Business Women Council).

5. Issuance of a license for a branch of local proprietorship from Abu Dhabi:




• Fill in the trade name application form (The name should follow the origin)




(PDF format).

Required Documents:





• Copy of valid main license.





25Abu Dhabi Chamber









• Copy of valid license for the parent facility.

Conditions:





format).

6. Issuance of a license for a branch of a sole proprietorship from another emirate:




• Fill in the trade name application form (The name should follow the origin)




(PDF format).

Required Documents:

• Fill in and sign the trade name issuance application.





• The owner’s resolution for opening a branch in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

• Copy of valid license for the parent facility.













• Copy of valid license for the parent facility from the other emirate.

• Copy of the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval for the foreign investors.

• Copy of the service agency contract if the facility is owned by a foreign investor.

Conditions:





format).

27Abu Dhabi Chamber


• All the documents and requirements must be attached in a CD or flash memory pursuant to the




• Each document shall be named (tenancy contract, partnership contract …. etc).


Third: Issuing licenses of companies (Limited Liability, Limited Partnership, Simple Commandite Company)

A Briefing on limited liability companies:

• The number of partners may not exceed a maximum of fifty nor be less than a minimum of two.

Every partner shall be asked according to his share of the capital.

• The number of directors may not be less than one according to the decision of the partners in

the memorandum of association.

• The company’s memorandum of association must include the following:

- Full names, nationalities, domiciles and addresses of the partners.

- Company’s name, address and trade name if any and the purpose of its inauguration.

- The company’s headquarters location and its branches in any.

- The company’s capital, the share each partner is committed to contribute, whether in cash or in

kind, the estimated value for such share and the method and date of contribution.

- The company’s start and expiry dates (if any).

- The method of the company’s management and the names and powers of the authorized

signatories.


- The company’s fiscal year start and end dates.

- Percentages of profit and loss distribution.

- Terms of share waiving in the company if any.

- The capital share held by Emirati partners (whether natural persons or corporate entities) must

be at least 51% of the total shares.

1. Issuance of a license for a limited liability company:

• Visit the information center (reception) to get the needed information. You may also call us or

check our online services on our website: http://adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess





(PDF format).

Required Documents:











• Copy of valid tenancy contract attested by the municipality.

29Abu Dhabi Chamber






• Copy of the memorandum of association attested by the notary public.

• Copy of the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval if the investor is a foreigner.

Conditions:

• After the issuance of the trade name, the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval

must be obtained for the foreign investors.

• All the required documents must be in Arabic. If any documents are not in Arabic, such

documents must be translated into Arabic by legal translators and attested (attestation of the

ministry of foreign affairs and the embassy for the companies incorporated abroad).



• Along with the original versions, all the required documents are to be provided in softcopy (PDF

format).

• Terms and conditions apply.

2. Issuance of a license for a commandite partnership:

A briefing on the commandite partnership:

• The partnership limited by shares shall comprise one or more joint partner(s) and will be

responsible personally and jointly of the commitments of the company and they obtain the title

of a trader and one or more silent partner(s) who will not be responsible of the commitments of

the company except for the size of their shares in the capital of the company and will not obtain

the title of a trader.

• All the joint partners of a partnership limited by shares must be UAE citizens.

• Any natural or legal person may be a commandite partner in the simple commandite company.


• The commandite partner may not interfere in the businesses of the management which is linked

to a third party otherwise he would be responsible of all the commitments which result from his

actions.

The commandite partnership’s memorandum of association must include the following:

• Specifying the joint partners and silent partners.

• Name, nationality, domicile and birth date of each silent partner.

• Company’s name, address and trade name if any and the purpose of its inauguration.

• The company’s headquarters location and its branches in any.

• The company’s capital, the share each partner is committed to contribute, whether in cash or in

kind, the estimated value for such share and the method and date of contribution.

• The company’s start and expiry dates (if any).

• The method of the company’s management and the names and powers of the authorized

signatories.

• The company’s fiscal year start and end dates.

• Percentages of profit and loss distribution.

• Terms of share waiving in the company if any.

• The share of a silent partner may not be work.


check our online services on our website: http://adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess





(PDF format).

Required Documents:

• Trade name issuance application bearing your signature.


31Abu Dhabi Chamber













• No objection certificate issued by the competent authorities in the event where the activity

requires the approval of such authorities.


• Copy of the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval for the foreign investors.

Conditions:

• After the issuance of the trade name, the Directorate of Naturalization and Residence’s approval

must be obtained for he foreign investors.





• The concerned persons must be above the age of 21.

• The license application must be signed by the joint partner (UAE citizen)



format).


3. Issuance of a license for a partnership company:

A briefing on the partnership company:

• The partnership company shall comprise of two or more partners of natural persons. They

shall be responsible personally and in partnership of all their money and the commitments of the

company.

• All the partners of a partnership company must be UAE citizens.

• To announce the bankruptcy of the company requires the bankruptcy of all partners by law.

• The name of a partnership company should consist of the name of one or more of the partners

followed by the term “and partners” or what can deliver this meaning. However, the name of the

company should end with “A Partnership Company”.

• Visit the information center (reception) to get the required information. You may also call us or

check our online services on our website to print the applications and forms: http://adbc.abudhabi.

ae/CitizenAccess





(PDF format).

Required Documents:





• The license application may only be submitted by the concerned person or his/ her lawful

attorney.

• All the concerned persons must be above the age of 21.

33Abu Dhabi Chamber














Conditions:




• The license application may only be submitted by the concerned person or his/ her lawful

attorney.

• The concerned persons must above the age of 21.


format).


The partnership’s memorandum of association must include the following:

• Name, surname, nationality, domicile and birth date of each partner.

• The partnership’s name and objective.

• Partnership’s head office and branches.


• The partnership’s capital, the share each partner is committed to contribute, whether in cash or

in kind, the estimated value for such share and the method and date of contribution.

• The Partnership’s start and expiry dates (if any).

• The method of the partnership’s management and the names and powers of the partnership’s

authorized signatories.

• Partnership’s financial year start and end dates.

• Percentages of profit and loss distribution.

• Terms of share waiving in the company if any.


(PDF format).

4. The Cooperative Society:


check our online services on our website to print the applications and forms: http://adbc.abudhabi.

ae/CitizenAccess





(PDF format).

Required Documents:







35Abu Dhabi Chamber






• Copy of the society’s articles of association.

• The license application may only be submitted by the concerned person or his/ her lawful attorney.

• All the concerned persons must be above the age of 21.

Conditions:

• After the issuance of the trade name, the Ministry of Social Affairs’ approval shall be obtained.

• Cooperative societies are restricted to UAE citizens.




• The license application may only be submitted by the concerned persons or their lawful

attorneys.

• The concerned persons must above the age of 21.


format).



All the documents or requirements must be attached in a CD or flash memory pursuant to the




• Each document shall be named (tenancy contract, partnership contract …. etc).



5. A briefing on the one-person limited liability company:

• A natural or legal UAE citizen may establish or claim the ownership of a limited liability company

and may the owner of the company’s capital may not ask for any of its commitments except fpr

the share of the capital the is stated in the Articles of Association.

• The terms and conditions that govern limited liability companies apply to the one-person.

Fourth: Issuing Licenses of Companies’ Branches1. Issuance of a license for a branch of a local company (Abu Dhabi)

• Visit the Information Center (reception) to obtain the necessary information and the Trade

name form, or call, or check our electronic services: https://adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess

• Filling a trade name registration form (the name follow the original name).

• After obtaining the required documents, visit any Customer Service Center or branch of the

Department to submit the application.

• All required documents shall be submitted as electronic copies in PDF. Originals shall be

presented for verification.

Required Documents:

• Trade Name Registration Form duly signed.

• Copies of valid passports.

• Copies of Valid UAE ID Card.

• Copies of Family Book

• A copy of a valid license for the mother company.

37Abu Dhabi Chamber

After obtaining the trade name and the initial approval, the following documents are required:

• Commercial License Application Form duly signed.

• Certificate of Trade Name




• Copies of Family Book.

• A copy of the valid lease contract attested by the Municipality.

• A copy of the signatures authentication duly attested by the Notary Public.

• An approved photo or photocopy of the trade name sign board, which carries the calligrapher’s signature, seal and board measurements.

• No objection letter from the competent authorities in case that the activity may not be practiced except with an authorization from the competent authorities.

• A copy of the mother company’s Articles of Association.

Conditions:

• All required documents shall be in Arabic language.

• The License Application Form shall be submitted by the owner of the establishment or by a

legally authorized representative.

• The owner of the establishment must be at least 21 years of age.

• All required documents shall be attached as electronic copies in PDF format. Originals shall be


• Terms and Conditions apply.

2. Issuance of a license for a branch of a local company from another Emirate









Required Documents:






• The decision of the Board of Directors to open a new branch.

After obtaining the trade name and the initial approval, the following documents are required to issue the license:







• A copy of the signatures authentication duly attested by the Notary Public.

• An approved photo or photocopy of the trade name sign board, which carries the calligrapher’s signature, seal and board measurements.

• No objection letter from the competent authorities in case that the activity may not be practiced except with an authorization from the competent authorities.

• A copy of the mother company’s license in the other emirate.

• A copy of the mother company’s Articles of Association.

Conditions:

• All required documents shall be in Arabic language.


39Abu Dhabi Chamber



• Practicing the activities which are listed in the main license or some of them in the new branch.



3. Issuance of a license for a branch of a GCC company (1)








Required Documents:

• Duly signed Trade name registration Form.


• Copies of Valid UAE ID Card (UAE national).


• A copy of the (Commercial Register) of the mother company.

• The decision of the Board of Directors of the mother company to open a branch in the Emirate

of Abu Dhabi.

• Authorized Signatory of the company in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

• A copy of the Articles of Association of the mother company.

• Kindly make sure the documents are duly attested.











• No objection letter from the competent authorities in case that the activity may not be practiced

except with an authorization from the competent authorities.

• Authorized Signatory of the company in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to a copy of the

passport.


• The decision of the General Assembly of the mother company to open a branch in the Emirate

of Abu Dhabi.

• Certificate of Registration in the Ministry of Economy.

• In case no foreign investor is present, the Company shall not be registered in the Ministry of

Economy.

Conditions:









41Abu Dhabi Chamber

4. Issuance of a license for a branch of a GCC company








Note: the mother company must be owned completely by GCC citizens.

Required Documents:








• Authorized Signatory of the company “Appointment of a Manager” in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

in addition to a copy of the passport.



of Abu Dhabi.

• The commercial register of the license of the mother company.

Kindly make sure the documents are duly translated and attested.









• Copies of Signature authentication attested by the Notary Public.





• Service Agent Contract attested by the Notary Public.


• In case any of the mother company’s partners is a foreign partner, the Company shall be

registered in the Ministry of Economy.

Conditions:









5. Issuance of a license for a branch of a foreign company




43Abu Dhabi Chamber





Required Documents:


• Copy of a valid passport.

• Copy of Valid UAE ID Card (UAE national).

• Copy of valid Family Book.

• Commercial Register of the mother company.


of Abu Dhabi.

• Authorized Signatory of the company “Appointment of a Manager”.


• Kindly make sure the documents are translated and duly attested.

• The contract of appointing a UAE service agent.




• Certificate of Initial Approval

• Copies of valid passports for UAE citizens.

• Copies of valid Emirates Id for UAE citizens.

• Copies of Family Book for UAE citizens.










Conditions:










6. Issuance of a license for a branch of a Free Zone Company (1)








Required Documents:



45Abu Dhabi Chamber

• Copies of valid Emirates ID for UAE citizens.

• Copies of valid Family Book for UAE citizens.



of Abu Dhabi.



• The mother company’s undertaking to bear all its legal and administrative liabilities in the

Emirate.















• Kindly note that if the Company is established in the free zone and it is owned by a foreign

person, or is a branch of a foreign company, it shall be considered as a branch of a foreign company.


Conditions:










7. Issuance of a license for a branch of a Free Zone Company (2)








Required Documents:




• Copies of valid Family Book for UAE citizens.



of Abu Dhabi.


47Abu Dhabi Chamber


• The mother company’s undertaking to bear all its legal and administrative liabilities in the

Emirate.





• Copies of valid Emirates Id for UAE citizens.









• Kindly note that if the Establishment or Company in the free zone is owned 51% or 100% by a

UAE citizen, it shall be considered as a national company.

Conditions:










Electronic Documents Conditions:

All the required documents shall be attached in a CD or a Flash Memory as follows:

• The documents shall be in PDF format.

• The copy shall be clear, neither dark nor bright.

• The documents shall be labeled (Lease Agreement, Partnership Agreement…).

• The average size of documents is 70 Kilobytes.

Fifth: Issuance of a license for a public joint stock companyA brief on Public joint-stock companies:

• A Public Joint Stock Company is a company whose capital is divided into equal and negotiable

shares. The founders shall subscribe to part of such shares while the other shares are to be offered

to the public under a public subscription. A shareholder shall be liable only to the extent of his

share in the capital of the company.

• Every Public Joint Stock Company shall have a trade name, which may not be a name of a

natural person unless the objective of the company is to invest an invention patent

• Five or more persons may form a Public Joint Stock Company.

• The founders shall subscribe to shares from 30% to 70% of the issued capital of the company,

prior to the invitation to the Public Subscription to the remaining shares of the company.

• The founders shall choose from their number a committee consisting of at least three members to

complete the incorporation procedures and to register the company with the relevant authorities.

• The Founders Committee may delegate one of its members or a third party to follow and

complete the incorporation procedures with the Authority and the competent authority in this

regard.

• The Company’s capital must be sufficient for the fulfillment of the objectives for which it is to

be incorporated. In all events, the company’s capital must be at least thirty million Dirhams.

49Abu Dhabi Chamber

• Taking into consideration the specialty of the main purposes of the company.

• Emirates Investment Authority shall be entitled to subscribe to shares in any public Joint Stock

Company incorporated in the State and offering its shares for public subscription, within the limit

of 5% of the shares offered for public subscription.

• The nominal value of each stock of the company should not be less than 1 Dirham and does not

exceed 100 Dirhams.

The founders shall draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company, including the following particulars:

• The name and the head office of the company;

• The objective for which the company is incorporated;

• The full name, nationality, date of birth, place of residence and address of each founder;

• The amount of the capital and the number of the shares, the nominal value per share and the

amount paid from the value of each share;

• An undertaking by the founders to procure to complete the incorporation procedures;

• An estimate of the amount of expenses, charges and costs expected to be spent on the

incorporation process, to be paid by the company by virtue of its incorporation;

• A statement of the contributions in kind, the name of the provider thereof, their initial value,

the conditions of such provision and the rights of pledge lien attached thereto, if any.

• The term of the company. Under a special Decision, such term may be extended or shortened if

the object of the company so requires.

• The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the company shall be compliant

with the Law and the Decisions issued in execution hereof and shall include the provisions,

jurisdictions and powers of the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of the company. The

Authority may issue the form of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of

the company. The companies shall comply with such a form.

Issuance of a license for a public joint stock company:

• Visit the Information Center (reception) to obtain the necessary information and the Trade Name

registration form, or call, or check our electronic services: https://adbc.abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess


• Filling a trade name registration form.

• After obtaining all the required documents, visit any Customer Service Center or branch of the


• All required documents shall be submitted as electronic copies in PDF format. Originals shall be


Required Documents:

• Commercial License Application Form

• Trade Name Certificate

• Initial Approval Certificate

• Copies of the valid passports of founders.

• Copies of the Family Book of concerned UAE citizens.

• Copies of Valid Emirates ID Cards of concerned persons.

• A copy of the commercial license / Commercial Register if the owner is legal person (company).


• A copy of the signature authentication duly attested by the Notary Public.





• A copy of the Memorandum of Association duly attested by the Notary Public.

• Letter of approval from the Executive Council to establish the company.

• The decision of the Minister of Economy, to establish the company.

• A copy of the registration certificate from the Securities and Commodities Authority.

• A certificate from one of the banks operating in the country, stating that the subscribed capital

has been deposited.

• Obtaining the approvals of the other authorities in accordance with the nature of the type of

company’s purposes (UAE Central Bank for the activities related to the financial sector – Insurance

Authority for the activities related to Insurance … etc.)

51Abu Dhabi Chamber

• All documents shall be in Arabic. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into

Arabic by a legal translator and duly certified (certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

Embassies, for companies incorporated abroad).

• All required documents shall be attached as electronic copies. Originals shall be presented for

verification.

• Terms and Conditions apply.

Sixth: Issuance of a license for a private joint stock company:A brief on private joint-stock companies:

• A Private Joint Stock Company is a company where the number of the shareholders is at least

two shareholders, but not exceeding two hundred shareholders. The capital of the company shall

be divided into shares of the same nominal value, to be paid in full without offering any shares for

public subscription.

• A single legal person may incorporate and hold a Private Joint Stock Company. The holder of

the company’s capital shall only be liable for its obligations to the extent of the capital as set out

in its Memorandum of Association. The name of the company shall be followed by the expression

“Sole Proprietorship - Private Joint Stock”.

• The issued capital of the company shall not be less than AED 5,000,000 (AED five million) and

shall be paid in full.

• The founders shall choose from among them a committee consisting of at least two members to

complete the incorporation procedures and to register the company with the relevant authorities.

• The Founders Committee may delegate one of its members or a third party to follow and

complete the incorporation procedures with the Ministry and the Competent Authority according

to such conditions laid by the Authority in this respect.

Issuance of a license for a private joint stock company:

• Visit the information center (reception) to get the needed information. You may also call us

or check our online services on our website to print the applications and forms: https://adbc.


abudhabi.ae/CitizenAccess





(PDF format).

Required Documents:

• Trade name issuance application.


• Copy of valid passports of the founders.

• Copy of civil register extract for the concerned persons holding the UAE nationality.

• Copy of valid Emirates ID for the concerned persons.

• Copy of the commercial license/ commercial register if the partner is a corporate entity.







• Copy of the memorandum of association and the articles of association attested by the notary

public.

• Copy of the Executive Council’s resolution approving the company’s incorporation.

• A resolution by the Minister of Economy for the incorporation of the company.

• A certificate by a bank operating in the UAE stating the deposition of the subscribed capital.

Conditions:

• The Executive Council’s approval.

• Approvals of the competent authorities according to the objectives of the company (The UAE

53Abu Dhabi Chamber

Central Bank’s approval for the finance-related activities _ The Insurance Authority’s approval for

the insurance-related activities)

• The number of founders shall be not less than three (whether natural persons or corporate

entities).

• The Company’s capital must be sufficient for the fulfillment of the objectives for which it is

to be incorporated. In all events, the company’s capital must be at least two million Dirhams, of

which not less than 25% are paid-up.

• The company’s capital must be of equal shares the par value of each is between 1 and 100

Dirhams.

• Shares of such companies may not be offered for public subscription.

• The number of the directors may not be less than three or more than fifteen.

• The company’s main ob