By the Pro24 DMCC Advisory Team — DMCC-focused business setup specialists in JLT, Dubai. Last reviewed August 2026.
Nine out of ten DMCC delays come from one avoidable thing: incomplete paperwork. Get your documents right up front and a licence can be issued in as little as 7–10 working days. Here is the complete checklist of documents required for DMCC company setup, split by stage so nothing gets missed.
Stage 1 — Company formation
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photographs
- A brief CV or professional profile for each shareholder
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, usually within 3 months)
- Proposed company names (2–3 options) and chosen business activities
- Completed DMCC application and shareholder/director forms
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA and board resolution
Stage 2 — Licence & workspace
- Signed flexi desk or office lease agreement (required before licence issuance)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) prepared and signed
- Any external/regulatory approvals for regulated activities (e.g. precious metals, financial services, crypto)
Stage 3 — Visas
- Establishment card (issued after the licence)
- Passport copies and photos of each visa applicant
- Entry permit, medical fitness test and Emirates ID application
- Educational certificates (attested) for certain roles
See our DMCC visa quota guide for how many visas your office allows.
Stage 4 — Corporate bank account
- Trade licence, certificate of incorporation and share certificates
- MOA and, where applicable, board resolution to open the account
- Passport and Emirates ID of authorised signatories
- Proof of address and a short business plan / expected turnover and counterparties
- Sometimes: bank reference letters and audited financials (for established firms)
More detail in our DMCC bank account guide.
Preparation tips that save weeks
Make sure every passport has at least six months’ validity, that names match exactly across all documents, and that corporate documents are properly attested for use in the UAE. Confirm your activity list before filing — a single mismatched activity can trigger an extra approval and reset your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in Dubai to submit documents?
Much of the process is online, but at least one signatory usually needs to attend in the UAE for the medical, Emirates ID biometrics and, for many banks, the account interview.
Do corporate shareholders need extra documents?
Yes — an attested certificate of incorporation, MOA and a board resolution authorising the new company are typically required.
How current must proof of address be?
Usually within the last three months, and it must show your name and residential address.
Want a personalised document checklist for your activity? Ask our DMCC team. Official reference: DMCC (dmcc.ae).
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