The following documents are required to complete your KYB verification as a business based in the United Arab Emirates.
Core business documents
Document | What it confirms |
Trade License / Certificate of Incorporation | That your company is legally registered — issued by the DED (mainland) or relevant Free Zone Authority |
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA) | How your company is governed — filed with DED or Free Zone Authority |
Shareholder structure document | Ownership breakdown — Share Register (Free Zone) or MoA/AoA (mainland) showing percentage holdings |
Proof of registered business address | Bank statement not older than 90 days — must show company name, address, and at least one transaction |
Proof of nature of business | Confirms active operations — invoices issued to clients or service agreements with vendors or customers |
UBO and director verification
For every individual owning or controlling 20% or more of the company, the following are required:
Government-issued ID — Passport or Emirates ID
Proof of address — bank statement or utility bill not older than 90 days
Liveness check — real-time selfie verification
All directors and control persons must also submit identity and address proof.
Documents that may be requested
Depending on your business profile and transaction activity, our compliance team may request:
Board Resolution or Control List — confirming authority of signatories
Good Standing Certificate — confirming the company is active
Latest financial statements
Ejari or tenancy contract — for address verification
Sector-specific licenses for regulated businesses
Import/Export permits (if applicable)
Tax Registration Certificate
Submission requirements
All documents must be clear, valid, and legible
Submit as scanned PDF or image files
Ensure company name, address, and director details match exactly across all documents
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
KYB requirements may vary depending on your business type, Emirate, and transaction profile. Our compliance team may request additional documents at any stage of the review process.
Detailed document breakdown
Trade License / Certificate of Incorporation
Official document issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone Authority confirming registration, entity type, and incorporation date.
Where to obtain: DED (mainland) or relevant Free Zone Authority (e.g., DMCC, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ)
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA)
Governing documents outlining the company's purpose, shareholding, structure, and operational rules.
Where to obtain: Filed with DED (mainland) or Free Zone Authority
Shareholder structure document
Ownership structure showing all shareholders and their percentage holdings.
Accepted documents: Share Register (Free Zone) or MoA/AoA (mainland)
Proof of registered business address
Confirms the company's registered address.
Accepted document: Bank Statement not older than 90 days showing company name, address, and at least one transaction
Alternatives (specific cases): Ejari or tenancy contract
Proof of nature of business
Confirms the entity is conducting legitimate and active operations.
Accepted documents: Invoices issued by the company, Service Agreements or Contracts with clients or vendors
UBO and beneficial ownership information
Identity and address verification for all individuals owning or controlling 20% or more of the company, as per UAE Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020.
Identity: Passport or Emirates ID
Address proof: Bank Statement or utility bill not older than 90 days
Liveness check required for each UBO
Director and control person information
Identity and address proof for all directors and control persons.
Required documents: Passport or Emirates ID; bank statement or utility bill not older than 90 days
Representative information (if applicable)
If an authorised representative is acting on behalf of the company:
Required documents: Passport or Emirates ID; proof of address; Board Resolution or Power of Attorney confirming authority
Additional documents (risk-based)
Depending on your profile, our compliance team may request:
Good Standing Certificate confirming the company is active
Latest financial statements
Ejari or tenancy contract for address proof
Sector-specific licenses for regulated businesses
Import/Export permits (if applicable)
Tax Registration Certificate
Emirate-specific licensing authorities
Registration and licensing in the UAE differs by Emirate and whether the entity is Mainland or in a Free Zone. Submit the equivalent document from your registration authority.
Emirate | Mainland authority | Free Zone authority |
Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi DED → Commercial License | ADGM → Certificate of Incorporation |
Dubai | Dubai DED → Trade License | DMCC, DSO, DIFC → Certificate of Incorporation |
Sharjah | SEDD → Trade License | SAIF Zone, Shams → Certificate of Incorporation |
Ajman | Ajman DED → Trade License | AFZA → Certificate of Incorporation |
Umm Al-Quwain | UAQ DED → Trade License | UAQ FTZ → Certificate of Incorporation |
Fujairah | Fujairah DED → Trade License | FFZA → Certificate of Incorporation |
Ras Al Khaimah | RAK DED → Trade License | RAKEZ → Certificate of Incorporation |
Document checklist
Document | Purpose | Where to get it |
Trade License / Certificate of Incorporation | Confirms legal registration | DED or Free Zone Authority |
MoA & AoA / Formation documents | Confirms governance and structure | DED or Free Zone Authority |
Shareholder Register / MoA | Confirms ownership percentage | Company records or Free Zone Authority |
Proof of registered business address | Confirms registered address | Bank statement not older than 90 days |
Proof of nature of business | Confirms active and legitimate operations | Invoices, service agreements, or contracts |
Identity proof of each UBO (20% or more), director, and authorised signatory | Verifies identity of key individuals | Passport or Emirates ID |
Address proof of each UBO, director, and authorised signatory | Confirms residential address | Bank statement or utility bill (not older than 90 days) |
Board Resolution / Control List | Confirms authorised signatories | Company Secretary or internal records |
Good Standing Certificate | Confirms company is active | DED or Free Zone Authority |
Financial statements | Confirms financial standing | Company or Free Zone Authority |
Sector-specific licenses (if applicable) | Confirms regulated activity | DED or relevant regulator |
KYB requirements may vary depending on your business type, Emirate, and transaction profile. Our compliance team may request additional documents at any stage of the review process.