A commercial register in Dubai is the primary gateway for anyone who wants to establish or operate a business in one of the most vibrant and growing cities in the world. Dubai, with its strategic location as a global business hub, offers a thriving business environment that attracts investors and businessmen from all over the world. But before starting any business activity in this dynamic city, individuals and companies are required to obtain a commercial register, which is a major legal requirement for doing business legally.

The commercial registry allows companies to transact formally, conclude contracts, provide services or sell products in local and international markets. Commercial registration includes multiple procedures that begin with determining the type of business activity and registering the trade name, and end with obtaining the appropriate license that is in line with the planned activities. Dubai is working to facilitate these procedures by providing advanced electronic services, which contributes to accelerating the registration process and reducing bureaucracy.

The process of obtaining a commercial registration is a crucial step for any business, as it ensures that the business complies with applicable local laws and regulations. By registering, individuals and companies are able to take advantage of the many benefits that Dubai offers, such as tax exemptions, full foreign ownership in free zones, and access to a wide network of global markets.

In this context, this article highlights the importance of obtaining a commercial registration in Dubai , and reviews the basic steps and procedures necessary to ensure the successful start of a business. It also highlights how this record can be a strategic tool in achieving growth and expansion in one of the most important global commercial centers.

Documents required to obtain a commercial register in Dubai

Steps to obtain a commercial register in Dubai

To obtain a commercial register in Dubai , a series of organizational and procedural steps must be followed. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choosing a business: Determine the type of activity your company will undertake, as the type of activity affects licensing requirements.
2. Choosing a trade name: Choose a trade name that complies with local laws. You must ensure that the name is not previously used and does not conflict with other trade names.
3. Submitting a registration application: Submit a company registration application to the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or the relevant free zone authority if the company operates in a free zone.
4. Review of the application and documents: The application and documents submitted are reviewed by the competent authorities. It may be necessary to submit additional documents or correct some information.
5. Payment of fees: Pay the fees required to obtain the commercial register. Fees depend on the type of activity and the size of the company.
6. Obtaining approvals: If the company needs special approvals from other parties, such as regulatory or health authorities, they must be obtained before completing the registration procedures.
7. Receiving the commercial register: After reviewing and approving the application, you can receive the commercial register from the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority.
8. Chamber of Commerce Registration: Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to obtain chamber membership, which may be required for some business activities.
9. Additional procedures: Depending on the type of activity, you may need to take additional steps such as registering a trademark, obtaining special licenses, or opening a bank account in the name of the company.

Conditions for obtaining a commercial register in Dubai

The necessary conditions must be met to allow the investor to establish a commercial entity and operate legally, and the government has set conditions for approval to obtain a commercial register. In the following lines, we discuss the conditions for obtaining a commercial register in Dubai :

• It is required to obtain initial approval from the competent authorities in Dubai regarding the trade name and the nature of the activity to establish the commercial entity in Dubai.
• Choosing a workplace where an office space can be rented or a plot of land purchased, and a notarized contract certified by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority is required.
• The owner of the commercial entity must not have more than one commercial license and must submit the necessary licenses to the relevant department in Dubai.
• Choose the trade name in accordance with what is included in the regulations and laws related to this in Dubai. It must not violate public taste, describe the nature of the commercial activity clearly so that citizens are not confused, and do not include the name of another commercial entity. It does not include the name of His Majesty or the name of a government entity or Political terms.
• Determine the type of activity that will be practiced within the commercial entity.
• The area of ​​the workplace must not be less than 200 feet.
• Obtaining the necessary approvals from government agencies according to the activity in question.
• Payment of fees related to the cost of obtaining a commercial register in Dubai.

Documents required to obtain a commercial register in Dubai

To obtain a commercial registration in Dubai , you will need to submit a set of basic documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the responsible body if you are establishing your company in a free zone. Here is a list of required documents:

1. Company registration application: The application form that can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority.
2. Passport: A colored copy of the passport for each founder or partner in the company. The passport must be valid.
3. Personal photos: Recent personal photos of the founders or partners.
4. Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: A certified copy of the company’s Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, which explains the company’s structure and activities.
5. Office Lease Contract: An office or workspace lease contract in Dubai, proving the official address of the company. The contract must be valid.
6. Business Plan: A detailed business plan that explains the nature of the business activity and the company’s future plans.
7. Certificate of good standing: May be required for some activities to confirm the absence of a criminal record. It can be obtained from the local authorities in your country.
8. Authorization letter: If there is a legal agent acting on your behalf, a notarized authorization letter must be submitted.
9. Financial fees: Pay the fees required to obtain the commercial register, which depend on the type of activity and the size of the company.
10. Approval from other authorities: If the nature of the activity requires special approvals (such as health, environmental, or other regulatory authorities), these approvals must be submitted with the application.
11. A copy of the activity license: If there is a prior license for a specific activity, a copy of it may be required.

Fees associated with obtaining a commercial register

When obtaining a business registration in Silicon Oasis, there are several fees associated that you should be aware of. Here’s an overview of the main fees you may face:

• Registration fees: Includes fees associated with registering the company and carrying out initial procedures such as submitting the application and registering the trade name.
• License Fee: You pay to obtain the business license necessary to start the business. Fees usually include commercial, industrial and service licenses depending on the type of activity.
• Rental Fees: Includes office or commercial space rental fees in Silicon Oasis, and varies based on the size of the site and its location within the area.
• Legal consultation fees: You may need legal advice to prepare legal documents and conduct the necessary legal procedures.
• Administrative services fees: Includes fees associated with administrative services such as obtaining additional approvals or certifications.
• Insurance fees: Business insurance and legal protection may be required as part of the procedures, and the cost of insurance varies depending on the type of activity and size of the company.
• License renewal fees: Paid annually to renew the business license and continue operating the company.

In conclusion, obtaining a commercial registration in Dubai is an essential step for any investor or businessman seeking to establish a successful business in one of the most dynamic and growing markets in the world. Dubai provides a distinguished business environment thanks to its advanced infrastructure, innovative business facilities, and strategic location that provides access to regional and international markets.

Completing the business registration process requires commitment to a number of important steps, starting from defining the business activity and choosing an appropriate trade name, all the way to submitting the necessary applications and obtaining approvals. Understanding and implementing these steps accurately contributes to speeding up the registration process and ensuring compliance with legal regulations in Dubai.

By adhering to the necessary requirements and procedures, investors can benefit from the benefits of a commercial registry in Dubai , including licensing facilities, tax exemptions, and business expansion opportunities. Investing in Dubai is not only about launching into a promising market, but also about joining a global business community that supports innovation and growth.

The most important frequently asked questions about a commercial register in Dubai