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Articles of Incorporation
I need Articles of Incorporation for a new limited liability company in the UAE, detailing the company's name, purpose, registered office address, share capital, and the names and addresses of the initial shareholders and directors. The document should comply with UAE company law and include provisions for the management structure and decision-making processes.
What is an Articles of Incorporation?
Articles of Incorporation establish a company's legal existence in the UAE, working like a birth certificate for your business. This foundational document outlines crucial details about your company, including its name, registered office address, share capital structure, and the scope of business activities permitted under UAE commercial law.
When filed with the Department of Economic Development, Articles of Incorporation create your company's legal identity and protect shareholders through clear ownership rules. UAE law requires this document for all mainland companies and free zone entities, though specific requirements vary by jurisdiction and business type. It serves as proof of your company's legitimate status when dealing with banks, government agencies, and business partners.
When should you use an Articles of Incorporation?
You need Articles of Incorporation when starting any business in the UAE, from small trading companies to large corporations. This document becomes essential before opening a corporate bank account, applying for business licenses, or registering with government authorities. Many entrepreneurs prepare it during their initial company setup phase, working with local legal advisors to ensure compliance.
The Articles prove particularly valuable when seeking investment, as UAE investors and partners typically require them for due diligence. They're also crucial for expanding operations, entering government contracts, or establishing branch offices. Having properly structured Articles helps avoid future disputes about company ownership, management rights, and business scope limitations.
What are the different types of Articles of Incorporation?
- Business Articles Of Incorporation: Standard format for commercial companies in UAE mainland, detailing basic corporate structure and operations
- Articles Of Incorporation Association: Specialized version for professional associations and industry groups with membership structures
- Not For Profit Articles Of Incorporation: Tailored for charitable organizations and NGOs, focusing on social objectives rather than profit
- Articles Of Incorporation For Partnership: Designed for professional partnerships, emphasizing partner relationships and profit-sharing arrangements
- Business Articles Of Organization: Simplified version commonly used in UAE free zones with specific trading activities
Who should typically use an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Founders: Initiate and sign the Articles of Incorporation when establishing their UAE business entity, defining ownership stakes and management rights
- Legal Consultants: Draft and review the Articles to ensure compliance with UAE commercial law and free zone regulations
- Corporate Service Providers: Guide clients through document preparation and submission to relevant authorities
- Department of Economic Development: Reviews and approves Articles for mainland companies, ensuring alignment with local business requirements
- Free Zone Authorities: Process and validate Articles for companies establishing in their respective zones
- Shareholders: Bound by the Articles' terms regarding voting rights, profit distribution, and transfer restrictions
How do you write an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Details: Prepare legal business name, trade name, and proposed activities aligned with UAE licensing categories
- Capital Structure: Determine share capital amount, types of shares, and distribution among shareholders
- Ownership Information: Gather passport copies, Emirates IDs, and contact details of all shareholders
- Management Structure: Define roles of directors, managers, and authorized signatories
- Business Location: Confirm registered office address and branch locations if applicable
- Documentation Review: Use our platform to generate legally-sound Articles, ensuring compliance with UAE corporate laws
- Internal Approvals: Obtain signatures from all shareholders and required witnesses before submission
What should be included in an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Name: Full legal name in Arabic and English, matching trade license requirements
- Business Objectives: Detailed description of permitted commercial activities under UAE law
- Capital Structure: Share capital amount, types of shares, and allocation among shareholders
- Management Powers: Authority limits, decision-making procedures, and board composition
- Shareholder Rights: Voting mechanisms, profit distribution, and transfer restrictions
- Registered Office: Official company address in the UAE
- Duration: Company term length or perpetual existence statement
- Dissolution Terms: Procedures for company liquidation and asset distribution
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to UAE Commercial Companies Law jurisdiction
What's the difference between an Articles of Incorporation and an Articles of Association?
Articles of Incorporation are often confused with Articles of Association in the UAE. While both are foundational company documents, they serve distinct purposes and are used at different stages of business formation.
- Legal Status: Articles of Incorporation establish the company's existence and basic identity with UAE authorities, while Articles of Association govern internal operations and relationships between shareholders
- Timing: Incorporation documents come first during company formation, followed by Articles of Association after basic approval
- Content Scope: Incorporation focuses on core details like name, capital, and business activities; Association documents detail day-to-day management rules
- Modification Process: Incorporation changes require regulatory approval, while Association amendments often need only shareholder agreement
- Public Access: Incorporation details are public record, while Association rules can remain more private
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