Stricter Mainland Company Registration Checks in the UAE
Amid the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East and increased oversight of financial flows, UAE authorities have begun tightening verification procedures for foreign applicants. These measures aim to strengthen compliance controls, improve business transparency, and mitigate risks related to international sanctions and security concerns. As a result, additional restrictions have recently been observed in the process of registering companies in UAE Mainland for citizens of certain countries.
Current Situation with Mainland Company Registration Applications
We would like to inform you about recent developments observed during the submission of documents for company registration in UAE Mainland.
According to current practice, applicants of the following nationalities are receiving rejections in approximately 90% of cases at the initial stage of approval, even when submitting a standard set of documents:
- Iraq
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Egypt
- Bangladesh
- Kazakhstan
- Iran
- Syria
- Pakistan
Possible Reason
The situation is likely related to stricter security check procedures conducted by the authorities. According to information received from local service providers, this may have been triggered by previous cases where some applicants from these nationalities did not fully comply with business regulations and company registration requirements, which has led to increased scrutiny by regulators.
It is highly likely that this is a temporary measure, which may remain in place until UAE authorities establish clearer rules or quotas for applicants from these nationalities.
Practical Observations
Based on our own experience, there is an important nuance to consider. Despite the high rejection rate at the initial stage, there is a factor that significantly increases the chances of approval. If the applicant is already a UAE resident (holding a valid residence visa) and applies to register a new company, the business license is generally issued.
Most difficulties arise for applicants who:
- submit applications from abroad, or
- do not hold UAE resident status.
Possible Solutions
Therefore, many entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in the UAE, particularly from Russia and Kazakhstan, may encounter these difficulties:
- Obtaining a UAE residence visa before registering a company. Examples include:
– Freelance visa
– Golden Visa (for individuals owning property or meeting investment requirements)
– Remote worker visa
– Talent visa
– Other residency programs
After obtaining UAE residency, applying for company registration generally becomes significantly easier. - Physical presence in the UAE
– Being physically present in the country may also facilitate the company registration process and help during security checks.
