How to Register a Trade Name in the UAE

Launching a business in the UAE provides unparalleled opportunities, but first, the trade name must be selected, which is a pivotal initial decision. From a physical presence in Dubai to an online platform, it will be the name known to customers. In 2025, while trade name registration in the UAE can be completed in as little as 24 hours, there are critical procedures that must be followed to avoid complications. This guide is tailored to those seeking a company registration in Dubai, a UAE Golden Visa, or a business in Abu Dhabi, providing step-by-step instructions for trade name registration. 

I remember the first time assisting friends with a UAE business setup; it was quite overwhelming. This is the reason why I will explain the steps to register a business name, outline the trade name regulations, and provide answers to “What are the steps to check business name availability for free?” or “How does a trade name differ from a trademark?” The business identity will be obtained, and the dreams can commence!

Understanding Trade Names: The Foundation of Your Business Identity 

What Is a Trade Name?

Simply put, a trade name is the name your business puts out there for the world to see—it’s what customers notice on your sign, online store, or flyers. When a friend of mine opened a cool clothing shop in Sharjah, they came up with “Pop Style” for their trade name, and from day one, it resonated with shoppers and they came in excited to see what was new. 

Here in the UAE, you file your trade name with the Department of Economic Development or the relevant local authority, which checks it against other names to make sure it’s one-of-a-kind and safe from knock-offs. This step is non-negotiable whether your next move is a one-person shop, a limited liability company, or a business in a free zone.

Trade Name, Legal Name, and Trademark

The terms trip you up only if you let them. 

• The Legal Name is what’s on the official records, like the business license, and usually ends with something like “LLC” or “Limited” (so for my friend, it’d be Pop Style LLC on the license). You put it on contracts and official forms. 
• The Trade Name is what the customers actually hear, see, and remember (Pop Style again). You register it with the DED to let everyone know it’s yours to use in the market. 
• The Trademark is the protected set of images, phrases, or designs you register with the Ministry of Economy. Pop Style’s bright, funky logo, the one everyone snaps on Instagram, would be trademarked through this separate process.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to steer clear of potential legal complications when setting up a business in Dubai or any of the other emirates.

Why Registering a Trade Name Matters 

Benefits for Your Business  

A defined trade name serves as the foundation for a company’s identity.  

• Brand Recognition: A distinctive name like “High Sky” captures attention within the competitive marketplace in the UAE.  
• Customer Trust: A business name that is distinct builds trust and is easy to recall.  
• Market Positioning: Attracts the intended clientele and depicts the business activity.  

Legal and Operational Importance  

While many see trade name registration as a mere formality, it is far more important:  

• Legal Protection: Safeguards against name infringement and associated marketing confusion.  
• Operational Needs: Opens a bank account, grants a trade licence, or applies for a UAE Golden Visa.  
• Business identity is critical even for online marketing, as it aids in securing relevant domain names and social media handles.  

My first step in launching a business consulting firm was to register a trade name. This allowed me to open a bank account and gain the trust of clients.

UAE Trade Name Guidelines: What You Need to Know 

The Ministry of Economy, in conjunction with the relevant emirate authorities, has set out specific regulations for registering trade names, which must also be adhered to for trademark registration.  

Nationwide Naming Rules

Take into consideration the following:  

• Alignment with Economic Sector: The name must relate to the economic activity of the entity (e.g., “Trendy Threads” for retail and not construction).  
• Distinctive Name: Ensure trademarks and trade names search and check with the trade name search Dubai or respective emirate portals to confirm uniqueness.  
• Avoid Prohibited Terms: Do not use religious expressions “Allah”, names of geographies, countries, or government entities, and other political delimitations.  
• No Inappropriate Terms: Public order and good manners must be upheld, and names must respect cultural norms.  
• Transliteration Rules: Apply “High Sky” into “Al Samaa Al Aalya” type phonetic spelling.  
• Legal Form: Rather, “Trendy Threads LLC”, incorporate name legally as defined, add necessary extensions such as LLC, PJSC, etc.  

Emirate-Specific Restrictions 

Every region has unique additional regulations:  

• Dubai: No permit for family or tribe names, barring client linkage. DED holds the right to cancel identifiers deemed similar.  
• Abu Dhabi: Grants usage of the owner’s given name and surname but mandates Arabic/English translation.  
• Sharjah: Restricts names of clans or tribes unless tied to the licensee.  
• Ajman: The same applies to Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, with minor differences in paperwork compliance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trade Name Registration 

This is the procedure for registering a trade name in the UAE, as per my experience in assisting clients with business registrations in Dubai.  

Step 1: Choose a Distinct Trade Name  

The name should be catchy, compliant with regulations, and reflective of the business activity. For instance, for a retail store, “Trendy Threads” was appropriate, but “Al Madina Trading” was not. “International” or “God” are examples of terms that will not pass and, therefore, are better avoided.  

Step 2: Check Name Status  

Ensure that the business name is not in use:  

• Check with Invest in Dubai (Dubai), TAMM (Abu Dhabi), or sedd.AE (Sharjah).
• Claim your trade name and search for disputes. 
• Utilize the trademark database of the economy ministry to confirm if a trademark was placed.

This step prevented a client from using an already registered name in Abu Dhabi.  

Step 3: Trade Name Reservation  

• Go to invest in dubai or TAMM, log in with UAE PASS, select your business activity, and submit your name.  
• Alternatively, visit Tasheel centers or DED offices.  

Remember to pay the trade name reservation charge of AED 600 in Dubai.  The reservation is valid for 6 months, allowing time to prepare the trade licence.

Step 4: Document Submission and Fees 

The required documentation includes:

Standard Documents:

• All partners’ Emirates ID or passport copies.
• LLC ownership agreement.
• No-objection letter for foreign investors (if applicable).

Emirate Specific:

• Dubai: Tenancy contract via the Ejari portal, copy of passports.
• Abu Dhabi: Memorandum of Association, attested certificates.
• Sharjah: Licensing form, investor registration form.

Fees (Estimates for 2025):

• Dubai: AED 600 for standard, AED 2,000 for foreign names.
• Abu Dhabi: AED 50 for a reservation.
• Sharjah: AED 250 for standard, AED 2,250 for foreign.
• Ajman: AED 350.

E-payment through DED portals and some banks, like Emirates Islamic, is acceptable.  

Step 5: Receive Trade Name Certificate  

After receiving approval, you may download a trade name certificate, which is available for 24 hours online or for in-person collection within 7-10 business days. This certificate enables you to proceed to the next steps in the issuance of a trade license and other business setup activities in the UAE.

Emirate-Specific Registration Processes 

Each emirate has its distinct procedures for registering trade names.

How to Register a Trade Name in Dubai

Dubai remains one of the leading centers for business registration:

• Channel: Invest in Dubai or DED Service Centers.
• Requirements: Emirates ID, ownership agreement, Ejari tenancy contract.
• Fee: AED 600 (Standard), AED 10 (Knowledge Dirham), AED 10 (Innovation Dirham)
• Duration: 24 Hours (online)

How to Register a Trade Name in Abu Dhabi 

Abu Dhabi uses the TAMM platform:

• Requirements: Memorandum of Association, attested documents, no-objection letter for branch offices.
• Charges: AED 50 (reservation), AED 15 (initial approval) 
• Time: 24 Hours (online) 
• Age: 18+ with any of the listed economic activities.

How to Register a Trade Name in Sharjah 

The Department of Economic Development in Sharjah supervises:

• Website: sedd.ae or any of the Tasheel centers.
• Requirements: Licensing form, Emirates ID, declaration form.
• Fee: AED 250 (Standard), AED 1250 (Translated names) 
• Time: 10 Minutes (online) 

Quick Tips for Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah 

• Ajman: Access the DED website, submit the stakeholder ID, and pay AED 350.
• Umm Al Quwain: Requires Emirates ID, passport, and a no-objection letter. Fees start at AED 2000. 
• Ras Al Khaimah: Submit five proposed names and an ownership agreement. Time: 7-10 days.

Free Zone vs. Mainland Trade Names: What’s Different? 

Mainland and free zone trade names have key differences:

• Mainland: Registered through the DED and encompasses businesses utilized throughout the UAE. Has rigid norms surrounding trade names.
• Free Zone: Granted by free zone authorities (like DMCC in Dubai). Provides additional benefits, but businesses must remain in the free zone unless they acquire a mainland permit.

Can I use the same name in both? Only if duplicate branches are held by the same entity. It is best to check trade name availability for both to reduce the chances of disputes.

Checking for Trademark Conflicts 

In order to ensure a trade name does not conflict with registered trademarks, you can:

1. Use the Ministry of Economy’s trademark database.
2. Search using the name of the business or its relevant keywords, for instance, Tech.
3. PRO or legal professionals can be consulted for more detailed searches.
4. Use emirate portals, for instance, Invest in Dubai, for further confirmation.

Every step is imperative. A client of ours had a trademark problem with the title “Tech” because it was too generic, but was able to rectify the situation because the trademark was issued in a different business sector.

2025 Costs and Fees for Trade Name Registration 

Here’s the approximate fee breakdown for trade name registration in 2025:

Renewing or Changing Your Trade Name 

• Renewal: Trade name certificates are valid for 6 months or tied to your trade licence. Renew your trade licence via the DED portals.
• Changing a Trade Name: If your name is rejected or you want a new one, reapply with new names and pay fees (e.g., AED 600 in Dubai).
• What if my trade name is rejected? The DED will explain the issue (e.g., similarity to an existing name). Submit a new name and verify availability.

Answers to Common Trade Name Questions 

Q1: How to register a business name near Abu Dhabi? 

Use the TAMM platform, submit your Emirates ID, and pay AED 50.

Q2: How to check if a business name is available for free?

Use Invest in Dubai, TAMM, or sedd.ae for a free trade name search.

Q3: How to register a trade name online? 

Log in with UAE PASS, select your business activity, and pay fees on emirate portals.

Q4: Can I use the same trade name in different emirates? 

Only for branches with the same ownership. Check availability across Emirates.

Q5: What’s the cost of trade name registration in Dubai?

AED 600 for standard names, up to AED 2,000 for foreign names.

Conclusion: Start Your UAE Business with Confidence 

Registering a trade name is your gateway to a successful UAE business setup. Whether you’re starting a company formation in Dubai, exploring Sharjah’s retail scene, or setting up in Abu Dhabi, a unique business name builds trust and protects your brand. With platforms like Invest in Dubai and TAMM, the process is fast—often just 24 hours—and business setup consultants in Dubai can make it even easier. Take the first step today: check trade name availability, follow the DED guidelines, and secure your business identity. Your UAE business is waiting to shine!