Legal Entity Identifiers in the UAE

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20 digit code that is unique to a legal entity and provides basic information about the entity such as name, address and entity type e.g Limited Companies, Free Zone Companies / DMCCs, branches of foreign companies etc. 
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We explore this further in our recent post What is the Legal Entity Identifier?

It was a pleasure dealing with the esteemed LEI Worldwide, and my experience obtaining an LEI was very good.
- Ghaleb Abdelraheem, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

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Who needs an LEI in the UAE?

Over 3,000 UAE companies have already obtained an LEI. Legal Entity Identifier UAE requirements stipulate that to engage in cross border transactions an active LEI Number must be present. The Mifid II directive was introduced for European entities that trade in securities. The use of the LEI is similarly required by UAE entities when they are trading within the EU and USA. The LEI is not a mandatory requirement in the UAE just yet, but it is becoming increasingly more popular in an ever changing world of financial compliance. This means that Free Zone Companies, or UAE registered entities with European, US or UK connections will likely be required to complete Legal Entity Identifier registration UAE. 

The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) issued a circular for Senior Executive Officers of UAE entities trading with Europe, outlining the requirement for an LEI Code in Dubai. This memorandum highlights that a lack of an LEI may effect your firms ability to trade with the EU. More can be read here.

A lot of international business is done in the free zones of the UAE including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other business districts such as Ajman and Fujairah. These Free-Trade Zones (FTZs) are areas of economic benefits to expatriate investors of which there are 30. Many entities who export their goods and services from the UAE will require a Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) in order to be compliant with international trading rules. Companies on the United Arab Emirates business registry can easily complete an LEI application form which will be valid globally. People may wonder how to check company status in the UAE, however it can be done by conducting an LEI Search. This because a company cannot obtain an LEI until we have conducted a check against their Dubai company registration number.

If you currently own or are responsible for a FZE (Free Zone Establishment) or LLC in The United Arab Emirates, you may not need an LEI by law yet. If you are engaged in international activity it is a good idea to have an LEI before you need one as it is quickly being adopted as a global standard and there are already nearly 3,000 LEIs registered in the UAE.

If you are in financial services you will be required to legally register your entity for an LEI in order to fulfil your reporting obligations. To find out if you fall into this category and require an LEI please see our post discussing Who Needs an LEI? 

However, more entities such as Limited Companies and Sole Traders are turning to the LEI even though it is not required. This is because there are many benefits associated with having an LEI. It provides you with an instant credibility boost, and an internationally recognised identity card. You can also benefit from the added layer of identity security and prevent any such related errors. ​​​

Thanks for Registering and Renewing our LEIs. We are extremely satisfied with your service and response to our queries. ​We appreciate for you to continue your good work. Thanks!
- Midhun Ravindranath, Treasurer, Emirates Airlines

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Legal entities in the UAE that trust us with their LEIs..

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How to get a Legal Entity Identifier​ in the UAE

Obtaining a Legal Entity Identifier code is a simple process. The LEI application form only takes a few minutes and any representative of the company may apply on behalf of the entity.

Step 1. ​Click on the 'Register New LEI' button here or visit the homepage of this website. To begin, fill out your contact details as the applicant. This information will be used to contact you in case any additional information is required. 

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Step 2. Next, begin filling out the details of the entity which requires an LEI. This will include information such as the address, name of Director or person legally responsible for the entity such as CEO, or Owner. 

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Step 3. The next section 'Level 2 Data' gives you the opportunity to report parent company information.
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​For example, if your company is a branch of a larger organisation, or is owned by another company you may have that information appear on the LEI record. However, this is not a legal obligation. If you wish to report a legal parent company, please note that you will be requested to provide evidence of this relationship by way of Consolidated Accounts (i.e an annual report).

You may only report parent information if the parent company consolidates the accounts and the subsidiary is listed there.

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Step 4. The final section allows you to upload documentation relevant to your UAE LEI application. When an LEI application is submitted, the data is cross matched with what is on the relevant local companies registry.

​If however the company cannot be found, or the data does not match the registry, we may request that you provide supporting documentation. Some good examples include a Trade License, Commercial License, Certificate of Incumbency, Register of Directors, or a registry extract. 

A registered company in Dubai for example, may wish to provide their UAE Trade License or local Free Zone Commercial License as it confirms important company information.

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Once the application is submitted, simply choose your preferred payment method and complete the application. LEI Worldwide use our payments provider STRIPE and PayPal. We also offer the ability to complete a bank transfer or swift payment in any currency including UAE Dirhams.

​A member of the LEI Worldwide team will review the submission upon completion and you will receive your LEI code within a few hours.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected] 

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To apply for your own LEI or on behalf of a legal entity, please select the option from the buttons below.

Register new Lei

RENEW existing LEI

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