Before submitting your NOC UAE request, see this full checklist. Avoid common errors, speed approval, and know exactly what docs each authority needs.

Are you requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the UAE but just do not know where to begin? You’re not alone. When a government authority, university, or even an employer requires a NOC many residents, expats, and even business owners are left stuck. Without this document, your plans, be it starting business, studying overseas, purchasing property or finalizing formal documents, might be delayed.

This step by step guide will take you through the whole process of acquiring a NOC in the UAE. You will know how to apply via the.

Ministry of Health (MoH)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFAIC).
Ajman Government Portal.

I will also provide the documents that are needed, some of the most frequently made mistakes, and some tips on how to make your application accepted within the shortest time possible.

What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the UAE?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal document in which a given authority, employer, or institution says it has no objection to your request.

As an illustration, when you wish to change employment, your employer can give you an NOC.
You may require an NOC to start a business by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
You will have to have an NOC of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in order to study abroad or get your documents certified.

Concisely, the NOC is your formal green light to do or do not do several legal, professional, and commercial practices in the UAE.

Why Do You Need an NOC in the UAE?

You may need an NOC for:

Business and trade operations (industrial projects, licensing, approvals)
Working issues (changing jobs, sponsorship)
Education purposes (studying abroad, scholarships)
Buy or sell property, mortgage approval, property ownership.
Registration and transfers of vehicles.
Certifying documentations to be used in foreign countries.

You shall now proceed to the various methods of applying a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in UAE.

1. via the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

Steps to Apply for an NOC through MoIAT

Visit the MoIAT Website

Go to the official MoIAT e-Services portal.

Register or Login

Quicklogin using your UAE Pass.
- In case you do not have an account, you will have to create one, entering your Emirates ID and phone number.

Select the Service

That being said, select No Objection Certificate that pertains to your business or industrial activity out of the list of services.

Fill Out the Application Form

You’ll be asked to provide:

Trade license copy
Project description (type of business, project description in the industry)
Applicant data (name, contact, Emirates ID)

Issue a Non Objection Certificates Fill Out the Application Form

Upload Required Documents

Valid Trade License copy
Passport & Emirates ID copies
Project description or feasibility (where necessary)

Pay the Fees

There are free NOCs by MoIAT, and there are those that have government charges based on your request.

Submit the Application

MoIAT will verify your application after it is submitted.
- Upon approval, you will receive the NOC through email or through your MoIAT online account.

Method 2: via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

Steps to Apply for an NOC through MoFAIC

Visit the MoFA Website or App

Go to the official MoFAIC portal or download the UAE MoFAIC app.

Login with UAE Pass

Choose the Service

Choose No Objection Certificate in Consular or Attestation Services.

Fill Out the Application Form

You will have to provide information on:

Study, work, marriage, attestation.
Purpose of request
Your personal details

Upload Required Documents

Passport copy
Emirates ID copy
Corroborating documents (e.g. admission letter to study abroad, marriage certificate, or letter of employment offer)

Pay the Fees Online

Fees vary according to the aim of the NOC.
The payment may be carried out using credit card or e-Dirham.

Receive the NOC

On acceptance, you will be sent your NOC electronically through either email or able to download it directly to your account.

How Long Does It Take to Get an NOC in the UAE?

MoIAT NOC: It could be 2-5 working days, based on the project.
MoFAIC NOC: It can be granted in 1-3 working days, and in particular when attesting documents.
Ajman Government NOC: Generally 1- 5 working days.

The timeline can be prolonged in case any documents are not provided and additional clarification is required.

Useful Tips for Getting a NOC in the UAE

Use UAE Pass: UAE Pass is accepted in most portals in order to use quick login and verify safely.
Fingerprint: Check documents: verify that the documents are legible, current, and reflect the dealings in the application.
Follow-up on your application: You must always have your application reference number with which to follow up.
Check processing: The issuance of a NOC can require as little as a few hours up to a few days, depending on the authority.
Be purposeful: State the purpose: always state why you need the NOC. Different categories of NOCs may be issued depending on what you are doing.

Common Questions About NOC in the UAE

What is the duration of obtaining a NOC in UAE?

The majority of the NOCs are released within several days. Others can take less than 24 hours provided that all the documents are in order.

Does it charge a fee to obtain a NOC?

Others are free with some costing between AED 50 and AED 500 depending on the type and power.

Can I apply for a NOC online?

Yes, majority of the NOCs in the UAE are applicable online via portals like MoIAT, MoFAIC and Ajman Digital Government.

Do I always need a NOC?

Not always. Some of the activities do not require a NOC, but some processes such as business establishment and studying abroad are obligatory.

Final Thoughts

An important paper to most official businesses in the UAE is a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Be it starting up a business, studying in a foreign country, or seeking approval of a piece of property, you will save time and headaches knowing how to do it right.

I have discussed stepwise on how you can apply via MoIAT, MoFA and Ajman Digital Government. The processes are all electronic, user friendly and are meant to be filled using your UAE pass.

Don’t Apply for UAE NOC Without This Checklist