Incorporation Process

Additional Information

• • • The Application Form should include 3 Company Name options.(See Company Name Guidelines for detailed information.)
  • • Ensure all supporting documents such as Passport Photos and Passport Copies meet IFZA standards. (See Passport Copy and Passport Photo Reference for more information.)
  • • If the client requires a specific Arabic company name translation be sure to type it on the application form.
    • Professional Partners should sign, stamp and date all forms and supporting documents.
    • Be sure to include relevant and accessible email addresses on the application form.
    • Once security clearance is obtained, the client will be sent via email, an e-legal form and a signatory form to sign.
    • If there is more than one shareholder, the General Manager must sign and return the forms first before processing of the other shareholders can start.
    • The applicant name should be written on the application form exactly as per passport and the full name will appear on the trade license.
    • If the client requires a variation of their name (not as per passport) this will need to be applied for through direct correspondence with IFZA. E.g. No middle name required
    • A UBO form must be completed by every Licensee upon incorporation to inform IFZA of who ultimately controls the FZCO or the Parent Company of the Branch Office
    • Section 1 of the UBO form must be completed and signed by an authorized signatory of the Licensee (the ‘licensee’ is the FZCO or Branch office that holds a license)
    • If there is more than one UBO, each UBO must complete the multiple UBO form to include their individual information
    • If any of the UBO information should change, the Licensee will inform IFZA within 15 days of becoming aware of such change

Renewals Process

Additional Information

• • • • Any amendments should be completed prior to the renewal. If the license has expired you must renew it before any changes can be carried out.
      • If the shareholders did not complete the “Signatory Docusign/E-Legal confirmation” within the first 12 months this must be completed prior to the license being released. Please ensure the correct email ID’s have been provided and to check all inboxes.
      • If the company was issued a Third Party Approval Letter (TPA) this should be provided prior to the license being renewed.

Migration Process

Additional Information

• • • • Licensees will be able to maintain their existing company structure and previous license price.
      • A Certificate of Continuation will be issued for all migrated companies evidencing they are the same legal entity.
      • IFZA can assist Licensees to align their Business Activities to IFZA Dubai’s expanded business activity list.
      • Ensure all supporting documents such meet IFZA standards. See Passport, Photo and EID Reference for more information.
      • Be sure to update IFZA with relevant and accessible email addresses that the signatory form can be sent to.
      • Once security clearance is obtained, the client will be sent via email a signatory form for the General Manager and all shareholders to sign.
      • Company documents will be sent via email as a soft copy with hard copies available for collection from IFZA Dubai Head Office.
      • Fee adjustments may apply on a pro-rata basis.

Visa Process

Additional Information

• • • • • If a client does not have a middle name, this field should be left blank.
        • If a client places an application ‘Inside the UAE’ and is residing in a hotel, the hotel address can be placed in the UAE address field.
        • If a client currently holds, or has held in the past, more than one passport, it is important that this nationality is declared in the ‘Previous Nationality’ field.
        • The ‘Religion’ field must be filled in.
        • Ensure the ‘Father’s Full Name’ and ‘Mother’s Full Name’ fields are completed.
        • An employment contract is sent to the Professional Partner. Partners should work with the client to ensure the employment contract is placed on the Licensee’s letter head OR stamped with the Licensees company stamp on every page.
        • Employment contracts must be signed by the authorized signatory and by the employee.
        • An attested degree certificate will be required for any employee seeking a managerial job title and may be required for shareholders requesting the same.
        • Salary breakdowns are made at the discretion of the client and are required even if there is only one shareholder.
        • A minimum salary of AED 10,000 is required for the sponsoring of dependents.
        • The supporting documents required during application need to be physically provided to IFZA prior to visa stamping.
        • Ensure all supporting documents such as passport photos and passport copies meet IFZA standards. (See Passport, Photo & EID Copy Reference for more information.)
        • The applicant name should be written on the application form exactly as per passport and the full name will appear on the visa.
        • If the client requires a variation of the name (not as per passport) this will need to be applied for through direct correspondence with IFZA. EG. No middle name required

For License amendments and cancellations please email our Support Team at [email protected]. License amendments can be made at any stage during a company’s lifetime and will be quoted based upon the requested changes.

Examples:

• Transfer of shares
• Change of license activities
• Change of company name
• Appointment/resignation of roles on the company board