Set up a company in the Netherlands from the United Arab Emirates

If you live in the United Arab Emirates

1. A stamped copy of your passport

   Take your passport (United Arab Emirates) to a notary in the United Arab Emirates. The notary makes a copy and stamps it to confirm it is real. the United Arab Emirates does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (attestation), then the Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Dubai. Documents in English need no translation; Arabic documents need a sworn translation into Dutch, English, French or German. The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.

   For advisers

   Certified true copy of a valid passport, legalised in the country of residence.

2. Proof of where you live

   A recent bank statement, utility bill or official letter with your name and home address in the United Arab Emirates, not older than three months. No stamps needed.

   For advisers

   Proof of residential address, dated within three months.

3. The signing form (power of attorney)

   We send you a short form that lets the Dutch notary sign the incorporation deed on your behalf, so you do not have to travel. Sign it in front of a notary in the United Arab Emirates. Sign the power of attorney before a UAE notary public (or a free-zone notary); the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attests the notary’s signature. Then it needs the same official stamp as your passport copy: official legalisation stamps.

   For advisers

   Notarial power of attorney on the Dutch notary's model, signature certified and legalised.

4. A short ownership statement

   A one-page form from us where you confirm who owns and controls the new company and whether you hold a public position. Sign, scan, send. No stamps needed.

   For advisers

   Declaration of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) and politically exposed persons (PEP) on the notary's model.

If a company from the United Arab Emirates becomes a shareholder

1. A fresh extract from the company register

   An official printout that shows the company exists, who the directors are and who may sign. It must be less than three months old. Where to get it: Mainland: Department of Economic Development of the emirate (trade licence). Free zones: the free-zone authority (trade licence, Certificate of Incumbency (a signed list of who runs and owns the company), Memorandum of Association). Have a local notary certify the printout. the United Arab Emirates does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (attestation), then the Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Dubai. Documents in English need no translation; Arabic documents need a sworn translation into Dutch, English, French or German. The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.

   For advisers

   Certified extract from the commercial register (max. three months), legalised.

2. The company's founding documents

   The articles of association (the rules of the company) and the certificate of incorporation. A copy certified by the notary in the United Arab Emirates is enough.

   For advisers

   Articles of association and certificate of incorporation, certified copies.

3. Proof of who may sign for the company

   If the register extract already shows who may sign, this is done. If not, a short board decision (resolution) that names the person who signs the Dutch documents, signed by the directors.

   For advisers

   Evidence of signing authority: register entry or board resolution.

4. A drawing of who owns the company

   A simple chart from the company down to the people who ultimately own it, with percentages. One page. We give you a template.

   For advisers

   Ownership structure chart down to the natural persons who ultimately own the company (UBO chain).

The person who signs for the company and every owner with 25% or more also sends a stamped passport copy and proof of address, following the route of the country where they live.

Good to know: Many UAE documents are bilingual; only Arabic-only documents need translation. Free-zone companies must show the ultimate owner behind the licence; a Certificate of Incumbency (a signed list of who runs and owns the company) from the zone is the fastest proof. Allow four to six weeks for the full chain.