UAE Business Registration: A Guide to Trade Name Registration, Fees, and Guidelines

Shahba Mayyeri -

Registering a trade name is a pivotal step for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This name serves as the company's identity, facilitating recognition in legal and permit-related matters. The UAE's Ministry of Economy, alongside the respective emirate authorities, provides the service to register a trade name, which is also renewable.

Guidelines for Trade Name Registration

The Ministry of Economy outlines specific regulations that applicants must adhere to when registering their trade names:

  1. Relevance to License: The trade name must correlate with the type of license.
  2. Availability: The name should not be already registered by another entity.
  3. Legal Abbreviation: It must be followed by the appropriate abbreviation of its legal form (e.g., LLC).
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: The name must not include inappropriate words, violate public morals, or reference religious or governmental figures.
  5. Economic Activity Alignment: It should align with the economic activity being performed.

Emirate-Specific Processes

Each emirate has its own guidelines and processes for registering a trade name:

Dubai

  • Application Method: Utilize the Government of Dubai’s 'Invest in Dubai' platform.
  • Additional Rules: Avoid using family or tribe names, and ensure names are not translated. Similar names may be rejected by the Department of Economic Development (DET).
  • Fees: The registration fee is AED 620.
  • Documents Required: A national identity card is mandatory.

Sharjah

  • Authority: The Economic Development Department manages trade name registration.
  • Application Options: Via the authority's website, Tasheel service centers, or the smart app.
  • Fees: Starting from AED 250 for issuing a trade name.
  • Documents Required: Includes a licensing form and Emirates ID copies.

Abu Dhabi

  • Platform: Register through the TAMM platform under 'Reserving Economic Name.'
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older and select from approved economic activities.
  • Fees: Initial approval costs AED 15, with additional fees for name reservation.
  • Documents Required: Approval from the authorized entity and a translated certificate from the embassy.

Ajman

  • Authority: Department of Economic Development.
  • Fees: The entire registration process costs AED 350.
  • Documents Required: Proof of stakeholder identity.

Umm Al Quwain

  • Application Method: Through the Department of Economic Development’s online portal.
  • Documents Required: Original ID and passport copy.

Ras Al Khaimah

  • Service Access: Via the Department of Economic Development.
  • Documents Required: Five proposed names and approval from governmental bodies if necessary.

News Source: Khaleej Times