Company Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD): A Complete Guide for Buyers Purchasing Property Through a Company

In Dubai’s dynamic property market, many investors and business owners choose to register property under a company name rather than personal ownership. Whether the reason is asset protection, business structure, or strategic investment planning, purchasing through a corporate entity is legally permitted but not without essential procedural requirements.

Before a company can legally buy, sell, or register property in Dubai, it must be formally registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to obtain a Company Reference Number. This step is not only mandatory but it is foundational for ensuring that the entity is eligible to complete real estate transactions in the UAE.

At Fam Conveyancing, we offer expert support throughout the entire DLD company registration process; saving our clients time, ensuring compliance, and avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections.

Why Company Registration Is Required Before Property Purchase

Registering your company in the DLD’s system provides:

• A unique company reference number, required for all real estate transactions.
• Legal recognition and eligibility to appear on a title deed.
• A pathway to process future amendments, such as updating shareholder details or changing the legal structure.

Without this registration, the company cannot proceed with property ownership or appear in any real estate transaction records.

Types of Companies Eligible for DLD Registration

The DLD allows registration of a wide range of company structures, including:

• Sole Establishments
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Private and Public Joint Stock Companies
• Branches of Local, Foreign, or Free Zone Companies
• Free Zone Companies (e.g., DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA)
• Foreign and GCC Companies
• Foundations and Trusts (such as those in ADGM or DIFC)

Each type of entity has a specific list of required documents, which must be submitted for approval.

Required Documents by Entity Type

Here is a breakdown of documents required depending on your company structure:

1. Sole Establishment

• Valid trade license
• Owner’s passport
• Emirates ID and residence visa (if applicable)

2. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Valid trade license
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), including all amendments
• Passports, residence visas, and Emirates IDs of all shareholders

3. Joint Stock Company

• Same requirements as LLC

4. Branch of Local, Foreign, or Free Zone Company

• Trade license of the parent company
• MOA/AOA and amendments (if applicable)
• Passport, Emirates ID, and visa for authorized signatory

5. Free Zone Companies

• Certificate of Incorporation or trade license
• MOA/AOA and all amendments
• Certificate of Incumbency (not older than 6 months)
• Shareholder passport copies, Emirates ID, and residence visa
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the free zone authority allowing property purchase in Dubai

6. Foreign or GCC Companies

• Certificate of Incorporation or business license (not older than 6 months)
• Certificate of Incumbency
• MOA/AOA with amendments
• Owner’s passport, Emirates ID, and visa (if applicable)

⚠️ Note: All foreign documents must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country, UAE Embassy, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated into Arabic.

7. Foundation or Trust Companies (e.g., ADGM, DIFC)

• Registration Certificate or Trade License
• Charter and By-laws
• Certificate of Incumbency
• Passport, Emirates ID, and visa for all founders
• NOC from the relevant authority for property registration (if applicable)

The Company Registration Process – Step by Step

The registration is handled through approved service centers and involves the following steps:

1. Visit Service Center- Trustee Office
   Submit the complete set of required documents at a DLD-approved service center.
2. Document Verification
   All documents are checked for validity, completeness, and attestation where applicable.
3. System Entry & Audit
   Your company details are entered into the DLD system and audited.
4. Payment of Fees
   Registration fees are paid via bank card, manager’s cheque, or secure e-payment.
5. Receive Reference Number
   Once complete, the DLD will issue the official company reference number and email confirmation, along with payment vouchers.

Processing Time

Company registration typically takes 25–30 minutes to complete once all documents are in order and submitted at the center. In some complex structures (such as foreign companies or trusts), the processing may take longer depending on document legalization and verification.

Company Registration Fees

Fees depend on the type of company and structure:

Note: All fees are subject to 5% VAT.

Payment can be made by:

• Credit/Debit card at the center
• Manager’s cheque payable to the DLD
• e-Payment link (sent by email)

What Happens After Registration?

After receiving your company reference number, you can:

• Proceed with property purchase or sale in the company’s name
• Appear on title deeds
• Add or remove company details through the DLD amendment service
• Register properties in the name of the company without delay

Fam Conveyancing Is Here to Assist You

Our role is to remove the stress from the process and ensure seamless registration. With years of experience, our team:

✅ Reviews and verifies all documents before submission
✅ Coordinates legal translation and attestation where needed
✅ Accompanies clients to DLD service centers
✅ Handles submission, payment, and follow-up
✅ Ensures quick issuance of the DLD reference number
✅ Manages post-registration transactions for property purchases

📞 +971 58 822 9107 | +971 52 128 9592
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.famconveyancing.com

Registering your company with the DLD is the first legal step toward owning property in Dubai under a corporate structure. Let Fam Conveyancing guide you through it all the way to a successful transfer.