Opening a commercial register in the UAE is a vital step for anyone looking to establish a business in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The UAE, especially the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers an ideal business environment thanks to its advanced infrastructure, economic diversity, and strategic location that connects the markets of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Whether you are looking to start a small business or a multinational company, opening a commercial register is the foundation on which you can start your business operations legally and institutionally in the country.

The commercial register is the official document that proves the legal existence of a company in the UAE, and is a basic requirement for any business activity whether on the mainland or in one of the free zones. Opening a commercial register is a necessary step to determine the type of business activity, obtain the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities, in addition to dealing with the legal and financial aspects related to business management.

The process of opening a commercial register in the UAE requires several steps, including determining the type of business activity, choosing a trade name, determining the legal form of the company, and submitting registration applications to the Department of Economic Development in the selected emirate. It also requires submitting some legal documents such as copies of passports for shareholders and partners, partnership contracts if any, and other requirements that vary according to the type of company.

In cooperation with Itqan Company, the process of opening a commercial register becomes easier and smoother. The company provides a comprehensive set of services that include guiding investors through all stages of registration, and providing the necessary legal and financial consultations to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Itqan Company is distinguished by its extensive experience in the UAE market, making it the ideal partner for anyone wishing to enter the business world in the UAE with flexibility and efficiency.

Basic steps to open a commercial register in the UAE

Opening a commercial register in Dubai is an essential step to starting any formal business in one of the most attractive economic environments in the world. With its strategic location linking global markets, advanced infrastructure and government support for businesses, the UAE offers tremendous investment opportunities for local and international investors. Business owners have the option of operating in the mainland or free zones, giving them great flexibility in structuring their companies according to their business needs and ambitions. Despite the facilities available, adhering to the legal procedures and steps is essential to ensure that the company is properly and legally established. The basic steps to open a commercial register in the UAE:

• Determine the business activity: The first step is to determine the type of business activity you intend to practice. The UAE offers a wide range of business activities that can be practiced including trade, industry, services, and others. Choosing the activity is crucial as it determines the type of license you will need.
• Choosing a trade name: After determining the activity, a trade name for the company must be chosen. The name must comply with local laws and not contain prohibited words. The name must be unique and not used by other companies, and can be reserved with the Department of Economic Development.
• Determine the legal form of the company: The legal form of the company must be determined, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, or a branch of a foreign company. The legal form determines the administrative and legal structure of the company.
• Obtaining initial approvals: After determining the activity, name and legal form, you must apply for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development, which is the step that allows you to begin the official procedures.
• Preparing the Articles of Association: If there are partners, the Articles of Association must be prepared, specifying the rights and obligations of the partners and the percentage of ownership. The contract is documented with the relevant government authorities.
• Submitting the required documents: Submitting all the required documents such as copies of passports of shareholders or partners, details of the company’s headquarters, in addition to the lease contract or proof of ownership.
• Obtaining the license: After submitting the documents and completing the procedures, the commercial license will be issued. The required fees must be paid and the license, which is the official document that allows the company to start commercial activity, must be received.
• Registration in the Chamber of Commerce: After receiving the trade license, the company must be registered in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the emirate, as this registration is a mandatory step to start operating legally.

By following these steps, a company can be legally established in the UAE, providing an opportunity for companies to benefit from the diverse and encouraging investment environment.

Documents required to open a commercial register in the Emirates

Opening a commercial register in Dubai is an essential step to starting any business in the country, and it is the official document that recognizes the company and gives it legal legitimacy to operate. The UAE is a global destination for investors and companies from all over the world, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and easy legal and regulatory procedures. Establishing a business in the UAE, whether on the mainland or in the free zones, requires submitting some official documents that ensure compliance with legal requirements. It is important for investors to be fully aware of the required documents to ensure that the registration process is completed smoothly and quickly. Documents required to open a commercial register in the UAE:

• Passport Copy: All founders or partners are required to provide copies of their passports. This document is essential to verify the identity of the founders and ensure their validity in the UAE (if they are residents).
• Copy of residence visa or entry stamp (for residents): If the founder or partner is a resident of the UAE, a copy of the residence visa or entry stamp showing his legal status within the country is required.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sponsor: In case the founder or partner is working for another company and wants to open a new company, he may be required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his current sponsor.
• Trade Name: An application must be submitted to reserve the company’s trade name. The name must comply with local standards and not include prohibited words.
• Lease or Proof of Ownership: A lease for the company’s premises or proof of ownership of the property from which the company will operate must be submitted. This contract must be certified by the local authorities.
• Articles of Association: If there are partners in the company, an Articles of Association must be prepared and submitted, which explains the structure of the company, ownership shares, and the rights and obligations of the partners. This contract must be notarized with the competent authorities.
• Business Plan (in some cases): In some businesses or if the company is new and operates in a specific sector such as finance or technology, a business plan may be required that outlines the company’s goals and strategy.
• Personal photographs of the founders: Recent personal photographs of the founders are required according to the required government specifications.
• Special Approvals (for Regulated Activities): If the company operates in a sector that requires special approvals such as health, education, or finance, these approvals must be submitted from the relevant regulatory authorities.

After submitting these documents and fulfilling all requirements, the company can obtain a commercial license. Opening a commercial register in the UAE represents the first step towards establishing a successful business in an environment characterized by economic diversity and continuous government support.

Learn about a commercial register in the Emirates

In conclusion, opening a commercial register in the UAE is an essential and crucial step for any investor or entrepreneur seeking to succeed in a developed and dynamic economic environment such as the UAE. With the available government facilities and world-class infrastructure, establishing a commercial register in the UAE represents an ideal opportunity to achieve success and growth in a variety of business sectors. The UAE allows companies to benefit from the local and global market thanks to its strategic location and economic diversity. Flexible laws and financial incentives for foreign and local companies ensure a stable and encouraging business environment.

Despite the great benefits offered by the UAE, the process of opening a commercial register requires accuracy and attention to all legal and administrative details. This is where the importance of cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan Company comes in, which provides full support to facilitate all procedures. Itqan helps investors at every stage of registration, starting from providing initial consultations on the best available business options, all the way to completing all official documents and procedures correctly and quickly.

Itqan has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations in the UAE, making it the ideal partner for anyone looking to set up a business here. With its dedicated team and integrated services, Itqan ensures that the commercial registration is opened with minimal effort and in the shortest time, allowing companies to focus on growing their business instead of getting bogged down with legal and administrative details.

Ultimately, partnering with Itqan is a smart move for any investor looking to establish a successful business in the UAE. With Itqan’s support, investors can make the most of the opportunities available in this thriving market and avoid the obstacles they may face during the commercial registration opening process, which enhances the chances of success and continuity in the UAE market.

Frequently asked questions about commercial registration in the Emirates