What are ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOC) & their benefits in the UAE?

As with many other governments, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) follows numerous frameworks to facilitate various transactions. Whether you’re starting a business, applying for a visa or buying real estate, there’s one requirement you must submit: the No Objection Certificate or NOC. 

But what is NOC? And what are its benefits? This article serves as your essential guide.

What is a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC)?

An NOC is a formal letter you must submit to authorities, serving as a stamp of approval from other relevant entities. It’s issued by a government department, employer or any other entity showing that they have no objections to the action you want to pursue, be it setting up a business or any other procedure that needs the government’s approval.

Essentially, it acts as a clearance from relevant parties, helping you to avoid legal or procedural issues. Usually, it’s given in both English and Arabic languages.

When do you need an NOC?

The UAE’s stringent rules make the NOC essential for hassle-free professional and personal transitions. But when do you specifically need it? These are the following scenarios wherein you’ll typically have to secure and submit an NOC.

• Opening a bank account
• Setting up an Internet service provider account
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Buying a vehicle
• Starting a business
• Getting a new trade license
• Modifying activities on an existing trade license
• Adding a partner to your company
• Opening a business branch
• Purchasing or selling real estate
• Changing jobs
• Beginning freelance work
• Removing a labor ban

Read: How to register Ejari online in Dubai for 2024

What are the benefits of an NOC?

As you learned in the previous section, the UAE’s NOC offers many benefits, as it’s vital for several procedures. You will enjoy these main perks.

• Smoother transactions. Many transactions require NOC, from opening a bank account to unveiling a new company branch. If you want to get approval from respective authorities, submitting an NOC will enhance your credibility and, subsequently, the likelihood of getting approved.

• Better creditworthiness, financially speaking. An NOC is a specifically important document for when you’re undertaking procedures that entail substantial financial transactions (e.g., purchasing a car or a property). It showcases your reliability, helping approving bodies be more confident in your ability to pursue a specific action.
• Immigration and employment aid. Are you a foreigner wanting to switch jobs or apply for a visa in the UAE? An NOC can open doors to new job prospects or streamline immigration processes that require this document.

How to get an NOC?

Getting an NOC is a generally straightforward process.

Step 1: Request for it from the appropriate party

To get an NOC, you must first write a request letter to the relevant entity, be it your employer, sponsor or an authority in any Emirate in the UAE. In the letter, be clear about your purpose (read: why you need the NOC). Also, you must be concise.

Step 2: Have your request reviewed

The concerned party will then review your request and weigh various factors before giving you the document. For instance, if you’re switching jobs, they may assess you based on your previous performance, adherence to your contract and any outstanding financial obligations.

Step 3: Get the NOC and have it attested

Once your request is approved and you receive your NOC, you must have it attested or notarized. The usual requirements include the NOC, a copy of your passport and, in some cases, your photos. 

If the NOC is issued in a country outside the UAE, it needs to be first notarized in your home country. Then, it should be attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate. After that, it must be attested again by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officially translated into Arabic.

Frequently asked questions

What is an NOC?

It’s a document that confirms that a relevant part has no objections to the activities you want to pursue

Do you need an NOC to work in the UAE?

Not always. However, you may need it when undertaking certain tasks like switching jobs and changing to a different employer’s sponsorship.

Is it required if you want to lift a labor ban?

You may receive a labor ban if you’ve violated your labor contract. You will need an NOC to lift such a ban.

Is NOC always mandatory when starting a business?

While an NOC is essential when setting up a business, it’s not mandatory across the UAE. Unlike the UAE mainland, Free Zones don’t require it.

What are the other instances when NOC is a must?

You will need it for a broad range of transactions, including opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, buying/selling real estate and more.

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