JobXDubai

Registering a trade name is a crucial step when setting up a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Your trade name is your company’s public face and is used for all legal and permit-related matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of registering a trade name in the UAE, including guidelines, fees, and requirements for each emirate.

General Guidelines for UAE Trade Name Registration

The UAE Ministry of Economy oversees the issuance of economic licences and business-related activities. Here are the key guidelines to follow when registering your trade name:

1. The trade name must relate to your licence type
2. It must be available and not already registered by another company
3. Include the abbreviation of your legal form (e.g., LLC)
4. Avoid improper words and respect public sensibilities
5. Align with your economic activity
6. Do not include names of Allah, government authorities, or third-party names/logos

Trade Name Registration Process by Emirate

Dubai

Apply through the ‘Invest in Dubai‘ platform. Additional guidelines include:

• Avoid using family names, tribe names, or individuals’ names (unless it’s the licensee)
• Write names literally, not translated
• Restricted names (e.g., global political organisations) are not allowed

Documents required: National identity card

Fee: Dh620

Processing time: Approximately 10 minutes

Sharjah

Apply through the Economic Development Department’s website, Tasheel service centres, or their smart app.

Documents required:

• Licensing form
• Investor registration form
• Valid Emirates ID and passport copies
• Additional approvals (as needed)

Fees:

• Basic trade name: Dh250
• Translated trade name: Dh1,250
• Foreign trade name: Dh2,250
• Trade name booking: Dh1,000

Abu Dhabi

Use the TAMM platform’s ‘Reserving Economic Name‘ service.

Documents required:

• Company authorisation
• Official certificates (embassy-attested and Arabic-translated)
• Economic licence
• Memorandum of Association
• Free zone no-objection letter (if applicable)

Fees:

• Initial approval: Dh15
• Economic name reservation: Dh50

Ajman

Apply through the Department of Economic Development website, mobile app, or service centres.

Documents required: Proof of stakeholders’ identity

Fees:

• Basic process: Dh350
• Abbreviated or Gulf trade name: Dh2,000 annually
• Foreign trade name: Dh2,000 annually

Processing time: Approximately 10 minutes

Umm Al Quwain

Apply through the emirate’s Department of Economic Development online portal.

Documents required:

• Original ID and passport copy
• Contact details
• Residence permit (for expats)
• Non-objection letter from sponsor (if applicable)
• Three proposed trade names in Arabic and English

Ras Al Khaimah

Access the service through the Department of Economic Development.

Documents required:

• Original Department of Economic Development and Chamber licence (if valid)
• Five proposed names
• Additional governmental approvals (if required)
• Amended Partnership or Agent Service Contract (if applicable)

Key Takeaways

When registering your trade name in the UAE:

1. Research thoroughly to ensure your chosen name is available and compliant with local regulations
2. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and restrictions
3. Prepare all necessary documents before starting the application process
4. Budget for the associated fees, which vary by emirate and trade name type
5. Consider seeking professional assistance to navigate the process smoothly

By following these guidelines and understanding the requirements for each emirate, you’ll be well-prepared to register your trade name and take the first step towards establishing your business in the UAE.