Registering a trade name is a pivotal step in establishing a business in the UAE. This name serves as the company's identity to the external world and is utilized for all legal and permit-related matters. There are specific laws to adhere to when registering a trade name in the UAE, which include respecting the cultural sensitivities of the country. The service to register a trade name is provided by the UAE's Ministry of Economy and the authorities in each emirate. These certificates are renewable.
Here is a guide to registering your trade name in the UAE. The Ministry of Economy is the primary authority responsible for issuing economic licenses and other business-related activities. The trade name must be relevant to the type of license, available, and not already registered by another company. It must include the abbreviation of the legal form (e.g., LLC) and should not contain inappropriate words or violate public sensibilities. The name must align with the economic activity performed and must not include the names of Allah, government authorities, or third parties.
In Dubai, applying for a trade name can be done through the 'Invest in Dubai' platform. Additional guidelines include not using family names, tribe names, or individuals' names unless they belong to the licensee. Names should be written literally and not translated. If a name is similar to an existing one, the Department of Economic Development (DED) has the right to cancel it. Business owners cannot use restricted names, including global political or religious sectarian organizations. The required documents include a national identity card, and the entire process costs Dh620. Applications can be made through the Invest in Dubai online portal or service centers, with the process taking up to 10 minutes.
In Sharjah, the Economic Development Department is responsible for issuing trade names. The application can be done through the authority's website, Tasheel service centers, or the smart app. Required documents include a licensing form, investor registration form, copies of valid Emirates ID and passport for local and foreign investors, approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, a certified no-objection letter for foreign investors working in government or federal entities, trade permission for minors from the court, approval from official authorities depending on the activity, presence of concerned parties or their legal representatives, and a declaration and pledge form by the investor.
In Abu Dhabi, trade names can be issued through the TAMM platform's 'Reserving Economic Name' service. Required documents include approval from the company’s authorized entity, an official certificate attested by the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs translated into Arabic, an economic license, a Memorandum of Association, no objection from the free zone, and an undertaking letter from the company. The applicant's age must be 18 or older, and they must select activities from the approved list. The trade name can include the first and last name of the partner or owner, must be written in Arabic and English, and should not be translated. The economic activity associated with the name should be translated from Arabic to English.
In Ajman, trade names can be issued through the Department of Economic Development. The process can be done through the authority's website, mobile application, or service centers, taking up to 10 minutes. Required documents include proving the personality of the stakeholders, and the entire process costs Dh350. Fees for abbreviated or Gulf trade names are Dh2,000 annually, and foreign trade name fees are Dh2,000 annually.
In Umm Al Quwain, the process can be done through the Department of Economic Development online portal. Required documents include an original ID, passport copy, email and phone number of the license holder for UAE citizens or GCC countries, residence permit of expats along with the email and phone number of the Director-in-charge, a non-objection letter from the sponsor certified by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the free zone, a letter of adding the Director-in-charge sent by the license holder, three written trade names showing the activity in Arabic and translated into English, a power of attorney, and a letter from the court if someone below the age of 21 is practicing the business.
In Ras Al Khaimah, this service can be accessed through the Department of Economic Development. Required documents include the original Department of Economic Development and Chamber license, five proposed names, approval from other governmental bodies, and an amendment of the Partnership or Agent Service Contract to the new name. Applicants must fill out the application form, submit the required documents, pay the fee, and collect the license.
