Key takeaways
- On the mainland, the MOA is signed after initial approval and before premises and the license.
- Every partner signs, or a representative with a valid power of attorney; mainland LLC MOAs are usually notarised.
- Names must match passports, shares must add up and activities must match the initial approval.
- Changing partners, shares, managers or activities later means amending the MOA and recording it with DET.
- Global Sky PRO drafts and types MOAs; legal advice on structure comes from a lawyer.
Where the MOA fits
The UAE government portal's mainland sequence runs: activity, legal form, trade name, initial approval, then the MOA, then premises, Ejari, any external approvals and the license. The MOA records ownership, so it has to match everything else in the file.
The questions to agree before drafting
These are business and legal decisions for you and your partners, ideally with a lawyer or accountant. Once you've agreed, we record them accurately.
| Topic | Questions to settle | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | What percentage does each partner hold, and what capital does each contribute? | Shares must add up and match the application |
| Management | Who is the manager, and what can they sign alone? | The manager named must be the person who runs the company |
| Profit and loss | How are profits shared and when are they paid out? | Avoids disputes when the first profits arrive |
| Decisions | Which decisions need unanimous or majority approval? | Protects minority partners |
| Share transfers | Can a partner sell to outsiders, or must they offer shares to existing partners first? | Controls who can join the company |
| Exit and deadlock | What happens if a partner leaves, dies or the partners disagree? | Gives a route out without closing the company |
Mismatches that delay the license
- A partner's name spelt differently from their passport.
- Share percentages that don't add up to 100%.
- Activities that differ from the initial approval.
- A manager named who won't actually run the company.
- An amended MOA that no longer matches the trade license.
Signing and notarisation
Every partner signs, or a representative holding a valid power of attorney signs for them. For a mainland LLC the MOA is usually notarised, in person or through the remote options the authorities offer. If a partner is abroad, a power of attorney can save a trip. See power of attorney in Dubai.
Changing the MOA later
When a partner joins or leaves, shares change hands or a new manager is appointed, the MOA is amended, signed and recorded with DET, which then updates the license. The same matching rules apply. Under full foreign ownership rules since 1 June 2021, an MOA may name only foreign partners for most activities.
Free zones use their own company documents, often a standard template reviewed by the zone's authority.
How we help
We draft and type the MOA from what the partners have agreed, check that every figure and name matches the file, and arrange signing and submission. We don't advise on how to split ownership. See MOA drafting.
Sources
- UAE government portal: steps to start a business on the mainland
- UAE government portal: full foreign ownership of commercial companies
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.