What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your Business in Dubai?

You’ve decided to sell. The next question is usually: what do I need to prepare?

Having your documents ready is one of the easiest ways to sell faster and at a better price. Buyers trust a business that can show its numbers and papers quickly, and deals stall when key documents go missing at the last minute.

This guide lists the documents needed to sell a business in Dubai, split into three stages: what you need to list, what buyers see after signing an NDA, and what’s needed before transfer day.

Stage 1: Documents to List Your Business

These help us understand your business and write a listing that attracts serious buyers.

• Trade licence copy: shows the business activity, legal form and expiry date
• Tenancy contract and Ejari: rent, lease start and end dates, and the landlord’s details
• Company profile: what the business does, how long it has run, and its main services
• Asking price: what you’d like to receive for the business
• Photos of the premises: kept private and shared with buyers only after they sign an NDA

Tip: check how much time is left on your lease. Buyers pay more when they have a good amount of lease time ahead of them.

Stage 2: Documents Buyers See After the NDA

Once a buyer has signed an NDA, they’ll want to see how the business really performs.

• Monthly sales figures: ideally for the last 12 months
• Profit and loss summary: income, rent, salaries and other running costs
• Equipment and asset list: what’s included in the sale, and its condition
• Staff list: roles, salaries and visa status (no personal details at this stage)
• Special licences or approvals: for example DHA for clinics, KHDA for nurseries, or Dubai Municipality food permits for F&B

Bank statements are usually shared once the buyer has paid a deposit, not before. This protects you from buyers who are only looking.

Stage 3: Documents Needed Before Transfer Day

Before the business changes hands, the buyer will want proof there are no hidden debts or problems.

• Memorandum of Association (MOA): for LLC companies, showing who owns the shares
• Owners’ passport and Emirates ID copies
• Bank clearance or no-liability letter: confirms no outstanding loans or debts with the bank
• Credit report: shows the company’s credit record
• Courts certificate: confirms there are no open court cases against the company
• Landlord’s approval: the landlord usually needs to agree before the lease moves to the new owner
• Utility clearance: final DEWA and other bills settled or agreed

The exact list can change depending on the business type and where the licence is issued, but these are the documents most buyers ask for.

Why Being Prepared Gets You a Better Price

• Buyers move faster when they don’t have to wait weeks for paperwork
• Clear numbers build trust, and trust is what stops a buyer from pushing your price down
• Fewer surprises at the end means fewer deals falling apart on transfer day
• You stay in control of what’s shared and when, instead of rushing to find papers under pressure

How BFS Helps You Prepare

When you list with BFS, we guide you through what’s needed at each stage. We only share your details with buyers who have signed an NDA, and we keep your business name and location private until then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need all these documents before I list my business?
No. To list, you mainly need your trade licence, tenancy contract and basic business details. The rest comes later as the sale moves forward.

Will buyers see my financials straight away?
No. Financial details are only shared after a buyer signs an NDA, and bank statements usually only after a deposit.

What if my lease is ending soon?
You can still sell, but speak to your landlord early. A short lease can lower what buyers are willing to pay.

Do I need the landlord’s approval to sell?
In most cases yes, because the lease usually needs to move to the new owner. This normally happens once you have a serious buyer.

What if I don’t have proper sales records?
Start keeping them now. Even a few months of clear figures helps buyers trust the business.

Ready to Sell Your Business in Dubai?

Get your documents together and talk to BFS. We’ll help you prepare, market your business confidentially, and find serious buyers.