JobXDubai

Registering a trade name is a crucial step when setting up a business in the United Arab Emirates. This guide will walk you through the process, fees, and guidelines for registering your company’s trade name across different emirates.

Why is a Trade Name Important?

A trade name is your company’s public face, used for:

• Recognition in legal matters
• Permit-related issues
• Representing your business to the world

General Guidelines for UAE Trade Names

The UAE Ministry of Economy provides these key rules:

1. Must relate to your license type
2. Cannot be already registered by another company
3. Should include the legal form abbreviation (e.g., LLC)
4. Must avoid improper words or public sense violations
5. Should align with your economic activity
6. Cannot include names of Allah, government authorities, or third-party logos

Registering a Trade Name in Dubai

Where to Apply: Use the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform

Additional Rules:

• Avoid using family names, tribe names, or individual names (unless it’s the licensee)
• Names must be written literally, not translated
• Similar existing names may be cancelled by DET
• Restricted names (e.g., global political organisations) are prohibited

Required Documents: National identity card

Fee: Dh620

Processing Time: Approximately 10 minutes

Trade Name Registration in Sharjah

Where to Apply:

• Economic Development Department website (sedd.ae)
• Tasheel service centres
• SEDD smart app

Required Documents:

• Licensing form
• Investor registration form
• Valid Emirates ID and passport copies
• Additional approvals (varies by situation)

Fees:

• Standard trade name: Dh250
• Translated trade name: Dh1,250
• Foreign trade name: Dh2,250
• Name booking fee: Dh1,000

Registering in Abu Dhabi

Where to Apply: TAMM platform’s ‘Reserving Economic Name’ service

Key Requirements:

• Applicant must be 18+
• Select from approved economic activities
• Determine legal form and license type

Fees:

• Initial approval: Dh15
• Name reservation: Dh50

Trade Name Registration in Other Emirates

Ajman

• Where: Department of Economic Development
• Fee: Dh350 (standard), Dh2,000 annually (for abbreviated/Gulf/foreign names)
• Processing Time: 10 minutes

Umm Al Quwain

• Where: Department of Economic Development online portal
• Key Document: Three proposed names in Arabic and English

Ras Al Khaimah

• Where: Department of Economic Development
• Key Requirement: Submit five proposed names

Conclusion

Registering your trade name is a vital step in establishing your UAE business identity. While the process varies slightly between emirates, the core principles remain consistent. Always ensure your chosen name aligns with UAE cultural sensitivities and legal requirements.

For the most up-to-date information on business setup procedures in the UAE, keep following JobXDubai.