Full Analysis of Essential Materials for Setting up Dubai Miniature Home Office

With its zero tax advantages, flexible regulatory framework and global financial hub status, Dubai has become the preferred destination for high net worth families to set up micro-family offices. Compared with traditional financial centers, the process of setting up a micro-office in Dubai is simplified, but the integrity and compliance of material preparation directly determine the efficiency of approval. Many applicants suffer from process delays due to material omissions or non-compliance, the core reason being a lack of systematic knowledge of localized material requirements.

Set up Dubai Micro Home Office Materials

1, basic identity and address proof materials.

Identity Documents of Shareholders and Directors

copy of passport: all shareholders and directors are required to provide scanned copies of passports within the validity period, and some free zones require passport notarization and certification.

Proof of address: utility bill, bank flow or lease contract within the last 3 months, showing the name and address of the shareholder/director.

Resume: includes educational background, work experience and investment experience. Some free zones require a statement of no criminal record.

Photo: 2-inch white background photo (recently taken, no shelter).

Proof of registered address of the company

free Zone Company: You can choose a virtual office address or a physical office lease contract (registration by the Free Zone Administration).

Local Company: A lease contract for a physical office registered with the Dubai Land Department must be provided and the lessor must be in the name of the company.

2. Articles of association and legal documents

articles of Association (MOA)

it needs to be drafted and notarized by a local lawyer to clarify the company name, business scope, shareholder structure, equity distribution and governance rules.

The articles of association of a free zone company must include a wholly-owned foreign holding clause; the articles of association of a local company must comply with the UAE Business Companies Act.

Resolutions and Powers of Attorney of the Shareholders' Meeting

if the shareholder is an enterprise entity, the business license of the parent company, the articles of association and the resolution of the board of directors shall be submitted (notarized).

When registering through an agency, you need to sign a power of attorney and complete the embassy certification.

3. Industry Permits and Special Documents

special Industry Licenses

when it involves regulated areas such as finance, medical care, and education, it is necessary to submit approval documents from the industry authorities. For example:

private equity investments must be licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA);

medical technology business requires approval from the Ministry of Health (MOHAP).

Anti-Money Laundering Review Document

proof of source of funds (e. g. contract, invoice or investment agreement) is required for a single transaction exceeding $10000.

The 2025 new rules require the submission of a "money flow chart" detailing the path of funds from the offshore parent company to the Dubai entity.

4, Banking and Financial Documents

bank Credit Certificate

shows that the balance of the shareholder or parent company's account is not less than 50% of the registered capital.

Some free zones require a bank reference letter or a director's certificate of employment.

Tax Registration and Statement of Economic Substance

free zone companies are required to declare their income in the UAE and obtain a tax number, but are not required to pay corporate income tax; local companies are required to pay VAT at a rate of 5%.

Annual submission of a Statement of Economic Substance to demonstrate actual business activities.

Practical operation suggestion

1. Name verification in advance

submit 3 alternative names via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the Free Zone Authority website, avoiding sensitive terms (e. g. "Royal", "Bank").

2. Select professional agent

the agency can provide "one-stop" services, including document notarization, bank account opening and tax declaration.

3. Focus on policy updates

in 2025, Dubai launched the "Digital Banking Universal Plan" to significantly reduce the initial cost.

4. Compliance risk avoidance

high-risk industries (e. g. jewelry, precious metals) are required to submit a business flow, and a single transaction over $10000 is required to prove the source of funds.

Free zone companies that do not have a physical office in Dubai or employ local staff may face economic substance law (ESR) review.

Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI Overseas Investment Filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!