Foreign entrepreneurs can establish a business in RAKEZ, but preparing the correct documents is an important part of the company formation process. The documents required can depend on whether the shareholder is an individual or an overseas company, as well as the selected legal entity, business activity and management structure.
For individual foreign shareholders, RAKEZ’s current checklist includes documents such as a colour passport copy, visa or entry-stamp documents where applicable, UBO declaration and other supporting documents depending on the circumstances. Corporate shareholders may need additional company documents, including incorporation records, constitutional documents, corporate resolutions and evidence of good standing.
Understanding these requirements before starting the application can help foreign investors prepare their documentation properly and avoid unnecessary delays caused by incomplete or unsuitable documents.
What Documents Do Foreign Shareholders Need to Set Up a Company in RAKEZ?
The required documents depend primarily on the type of foreign shareholder.
There are two common situations:
- Foreign individual shareholder
- Foreign corporate shareholder
The documentation is different for each.
Documents for Foreign Individual Shareholders
If the shareholder is an individual, the basic documentation may include:
1. Passport Copy
A clear colour copy of the shareholder’s valid passport is required.
RAKEZ’s business setup information specifies a valid passport copy for shareholders and relevant managers or directors. The current setup guidance indicates that the passport should generally have sufficient validity for the application.
2. UAE Visa or Entry Stamp
If the foreign shareholder is already in the UAE, a copy of the UAE residence visa or entry stamp may be required, depending on the circumstances.
A foreign investor who is outside the UAE should not assume that a UAE residence visa is required simply to begin the company formation process. The applicable documentation depends on the applicant’s situation.
3. Emirates ID
If the shareholder is a UAE resident and has an Emirates ID, a copy may be required.
This is generally relevant to applicants who already have UAE residency rather than foreign investors applying from outside the UAE.
4. UBO Declaration
RAKEZ requires a UBO Declaration Form along with the relevant passport copy. UBO means Ultimate Beneficial Owner—the individual who ultimately owns or exercises effective control over the company.
This information is important for corporate transparency and compliance.
5. No Objection Certificate
An NOC may be required in applicable situations, particularly where a shareholder or manager is already a UAE resident under another sponsorship arrangement.
RAKEZ’s current setup guidance lists an original NOC from the current sponsor where applicable.
Therefore, a foreign investor should not assume that every applicant needs an NOC. The requirement depends on the person’s UAE residency and circumstances.
6. Business Plan
A business plan may be required for specific activities or circumstances.
RAKEZ’s current information identifies business plans as applicable to certain activities and, in its setup guidance, to certain higher-risk nationalities or activities.
The business plan should accurately explain the proposed business rather than simply using a generic template.
Documents for Foreign Corporate Shareholders
The requirements become more extensive when an overseas company will own shares in the RAKEZ company.
Depending on the jurisdiction and corporate structure, documents can include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Certificate of Registration
- Valid Trade Licence
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Commercial Register or equivalent
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Certificate of Incumbency
- Corporate or Board Resolution
- UBO declaration
- Passport copies of relevant individuals
RAKEZ’s current checklist distinguishes between UAE corporate shareholders and overseas corporate shareholders and identifies additional corporate documents according to the jurisdiction.
Corporate Resolution for Foreign Companies
When an overseas company is becoming a shareholder, a corporate or board resolution may be required.
The resolution can be used to formally approve matters such as:
- Establishing or investing in a RAKEZ company
- The proposed ownership
- Appointment of a general manager
- Authorisation of the relevant representative
The exact wording and execution requirements should be confirmed for the particular corporate structure.
Do Foreign Company Documents Need Attestation?
This is an important consideration for overseas corporate shareholders.
RAKEZ documentation indicates that foreign company documents may need to be notarised and legalised up to the UAE Embassy level, depending on the document and circumstances. RAKEZ also states that additional attestations or documents may be requested when necessary.
The precise authentication process can depend on the country where the document was issued.
Foreign investors should therefore avoid assuming that an ordinary scanned copy of an overseas corporate document will always be sufficient.
What If the Documents Are Not in English or Arabic?
Documents issued in another language may require an appropriate translation.
RAKEZ’s published documentation states that documents should be in English and/or Arabic, and documents in other languages should be accompanied by a certified or authenticated English or Arabic translation.
For example, if a foreign shareholder’s corporate documents are issued in a language other than English or Arabic, the investor should check the applicable translation and authentication requirements before submitting them.
Documents for the General Manager
The general manager may also need to provide supporting documents.
Depending on the circumstances, these can include:
- Passport copy
- UAE visa or entry stamp
- Emirates ID, if applicable
- NOC, where applicable
- Other documents requested based on the activity or company structure
RAKEZ’s document checklist specifically refers to passport, visa or entry-stamp and other identification documents for shareholders, general managers and directors where applicable.
Does the Business Activity Affect the Documents?
Yes.
Not every RAKEZ company has exactly the same documentation requirements.
Additional documents may apply depending on:
- Business activity
- Legal entity
- Shareholder structure
- Nationality
- Whether the shareholder is an individual or company
- Whether the company is already operating elsewhere
- Regulatory requirements
- Professional qualifications
- Required third-party approvals
For certain activities, RAKEZ may require a business plan, qualification documents, NOCs or other supporting information.
This is why foreign investors should determine the business activity before finalising the document checklist.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Documents for RAKEZ Company Formation
Step 1: Decide the Business Activity
First, identify the exact business activity you want to conduct.
The activity can affect the licence category and supporting documents.
Step 2: Choose the Legal Entity
Determine whether the company will be established with individual shareholders, corporate shareholders, or another applicable structure.
Step 3: Identify the Shareholder Type
Determine whether the shareholder is:
- An individual
- A UAE company
- An overseas company
- A combination of individuals and companies
Step 4: Prepare Identification Documents
Individual shareholders should prepare the relevant passport and UAE immigration documents where applicable.
Step 5: Prepare Corporate Documents
If an overseas company will be a shareholder, collect the relevant incorporation, registration, constitutional and corporate authority documents.
Step 6: Check Authentication Requirements
Review whether the foreign corporate documents require notarisation, legalisation or other authentication before submission.
Step 7: Prepare UBO Information
Identify the ultimate beneficial owner and prepare the required UBO declaration and supporting identification documents.
Step 8: Check Additional Requirements
Confirm whether the selected activity requires a business plan, qualification certificate, NOC or another approval.
Step 9: Submit the Application
Once the documentation is prepared, submit the registration and licensing application through the applicable RAKEZ process.
RAKEZ also provides Portal 360 for submitting and tracking service requests and accessing service guides and checklists.
Common Document Mistakes Foreign Investors Should Avoid
Submitting an Expired Passport
Make sure the passport being submitted meets the applicable validity requirements.
Using an Incomplete Corporate File
Overseas companies may need several corporate documents rather than only a trade licence.
Forgetting the UBO Declaration
UBO information is an important part of the company documentation process.
Ignoring Document Legalisation
Foreign corporate documents may require authentication or legalisation depending on their origin and use.
Using Uncertified Translations
Documents issued in languages other than English or Arabic may require an appropriate certified or authenticated translation.
Choosing the Activity After Preparing Documents
The business activity can affect the documents required. It is better to identify the activity first and then prepare the relevant documentation.
Assuming Every Foreign Investor Has the Same Requirements
A foreign individual shareholder and an overseas corporate shareholder can have substantially different documentation requirements.
Individual vs Corporate Foreign Shareholder Documents
| Document | Foreign Individual | Foreign Corporate Shareholder |
| Passport copy | Generally required | Required for relevant individuals |
| UAE visa/entry stamp | If applicable | If applicable for relevant individuals |
| Emirates ID | If applicable | If applicable |
| UBO declaration | Required where applicable | Required |
| Trade licence | Not applicable | May be required |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Not applicable | May be required |
| MOA/AOA | Not applicable as shareholder’s company document | May be required |
| Corporate resolution | Not normally applicable | Generally applicable |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Not applicable | May be required |
| Certificate of Incumbency | Not normally applicable | May be required |
| Business plan | For specific activities | For specific activities |
The exact checklist should always be confirmed for the proposed legal entity and activity because RAKEZ may request additional documents or attestations where necessary.
Why Prepare the Documents Before Starting the Application?
Preparing documents in advance can make the company formation process more organised.
For foreign investors, this is particularly useful when documents need to be obtained from another country. Corporate documents may require notarisation, legalisation, translation or updated versions before they can be submitted.
Early preparation can help identify documentation issues before the application reaches the licensing stage.
How a Business Setup Consultant Can Help
Foreign shareholders may have to coordinate documents from multiple jurisdictions, especially when an overseas company is investing in the RAKEZ entity.
A UAE business setup consultant can help with:
- Identifying the applicable document checklist
- Reviewing shareholder documents
- Checking corporate documents
- Coordinating document preparation
- Identifying potential NOC requirements
- Reviewing UBO information
- Coordinating translation or authentication requirements
- Preparing the company formation application
- Supporting licensing formalities
The objective is to ensure that the documentation matches the selected activity, legal entity and shareholder structure.
Final Thoughts
The RAKEZ business setup documents for foreign shareholders depend on whether the investor is an individual or a corporate entity, as well as the selected activity and legal structure.
For individual foreign shareholders, passport, immigration documents where applicable, UBO information and other supporting documents may be required. For overseas corporate shareholders, the documentation can extend to incorporation records, constitutional documents, corporate resolutions, good-standing evidence and other corporate records.
Foreign investors should also check whether documents require notarisation, legalisation or certified translation before submission.
Preparing the correct documents at the beginning can make the RAKEZ company formation process more straightforward and help ensure that the application reflects the actual ownership and business structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents does a foreign shareholder need for RAKEZ company formation?
A foreign individual shareholder may need a valid passport copy, UAE visa or entry-stamp documents where applicable, UBO declaration and other supporting documents depending on the activity and circumstances. Additional requirements can apply to UAE residents or regulated activities.
2. Can an overseas company become a shareholder in a RAKEZ company?
Yes, corporate shareholders can be part of a RAKEZ company structure, subject to the applicable requirements. An overseas corporate shareholder may need documents such as incorporation records, constitutional documents, corporate resolutions and evidence of good standing.
3. Do foreign company documents need to be attested for RAKEZ?
Foreign corporate documents may need to be notarised and legalised up to the applicable UAE Embassy level. The exact authentication requirements depend on the document and jurisdiction, so they should be confirmed before submission.
4. Is a UAE residence visa required for a foreign shareholder?
A UAE residence visa is not necessarily required simply because someone is a foreign shareholder. Documentation can depend on whether the shareholder is already in the UAE, their immigration status and the company structure.
5. Do foreign shareholders need a UBO declaration?
RAKEZ requires UBO information as part of its company documentation requirements. The UBO declaration is accompanied by the relevant passport copy.
6. Can RAKEZ request additional documents?
Yes. The required documents can vary according to the activity, legal entity, shareholder structure and other circumstances. RAKEZ may request additional documents or attestations when necessary.
