Dubai is one of the most prominent global business destinations, providing a distinguished business environment that attracts companies and investors from all over the world. One of the essentials for starting any business in Dubai is to obtain a commercial registration, which is the first step towards the legal establishment of your company. But what is a commercial registry, and why is it vital?

The commercial registration in Dubai is a legal document that proves the existence of a company and determines the type of business activity it will undertake. It serves as a company identification card and is one of the essential documents you need to do business legally in Dubai. The commercial registry includes important details such as company name, type of activity, and office address, and allows you to interact with government agencies, banks, and clients officially.

The authorities in Dubai require that you have a commercial register before starting any business activity. The process of obtaining a commercial register requires submitting a set of necessary documents, such as the articles of incorporation, founders’ passports, and activity details. You must also choose a trade name that complies with local laws, as it is verified to be available and not similar to other registered names.

Thanks to the encouraging environment and great facilities that Dubai offers to investors, obtaining a commercial registration is a crucial step that opens the doors to success in a dynamic and growing market. In this article, we will review the detailed steps for obtaining a commercial registration in Dubai, what the costs are associated with it, and the best tips to ensure a smooth and easy process.

Commercial registration in Dubai

Commercial registration in Dubai

A commercial registry is an official record in which all data and details related to commercial companies and businesses in a particular country are kept. The commercial registry in Dubai is considered one of the basic tools for managing business and trade, as it records information such as the company name, type of business activity, address, details of owners or shareholders, and the extent of its compliance with local laws and regulations. Registration in the commercial registry is considered an essential step to legally establish a company, as it contributes to protecting the rights of owners and investors, and is an official document that recognizes the existence of the company and its legitimacy in practicing its commercial activities. The commercial registry also helps provide transparency to third parties, such as customers and suppliers, and contributes to enhancing confidence in commercial transactions. The commercial register is updated regularly to include any changes to company information or activities, ensuring that the data remains accurate and relevant.

Steps to obtain a commercial register in Dubai

Obtaining the commercial registration in Dubai requires following a set of regulatory steps that ensure that your company is registered legally and effectively. Here are the steps to obtain a commercial register in Dubai:

1. Determine the type of business activity: Determine the commercial activity that your company will undertake, as it must be consistent with the activities permitted according to the laws of Dubai.
2. Choosing a company name: Choose a company name that complies with the naming standards approved by the Dubai Department of Economic Development, and ensure that it is not already registered to another company.
3. Submitting an application: Submit an application to obtain a commercial register to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. You can do this via her website or visit her office directly.
4. Application Review: The Department of Economic Development will review the application and documents submitted. Additional documents may be required or modifications may be made to the application.
5. Obtain initial approval: After reviewing the application, you will receive initial approval that allows you to move to the next stage.
6. Signing contracts: Sign the company’s articles of incorporation and articles of association with the Department of Economic Development, after ensuring that all conditions are met.
7. Payment of fees: Pay the prescribed fees to obtain the commercial register. Fees may include registration fees, business license fees, and other office-related fees.
8. Receiving the commercial register: After paying the fees and submitting all documents, the Department of Economic Development will issue the commercial register, which includes the details of your company and recognizes its legal existence.
9. Registration with other authorities: After obtaining the commercial register, you may need to register with other authorities such as the Tax Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, or Dubai Municipality, depending on the nature of your business activity.

Documents required to obtain a commercial register

To obtain a commercial registration in Dubai, you will need to submit a set of basic documents. The required documents vary based on the type of company and its activity, but in general, they include the following:

1. Copy of Passport: Clear copies of passport must be provided to all investors, managers, and board members.
2. Personal photos: Recent personal photos of investors and managers are usually required.
3. No Objection Certificate: If the company includes partners, there may be a need to submit a No Objection Certificate from the other partners.
4. Company Articles of Association: This includes the Company’s Articles of Association and Articles of Association, which detail the partners, the company’s objectives, and how it will be managed.
5. Office lease or ownership contract: A document proving the existence of an address for a company’s office, such as an office lease or title deed.
6. Registration Application Form: You must complete the registration application form provided by the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
7. License to practice the activity (if applicable): Some commercial activities require an additional license from the relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Health Authority or the Tourism Authority.
8. Business Plan: You may be asked to submit a business plan that outlines the company’s goals, market strategies, and financial plans.
9. Data on shareholders and directors: Detailed information about shareholders and directors, including their names, nationalities, and participation in the company.
10. Additional documents depending on the type of activity: Some business activities may require special additional documents, such as special licenses or permits from other regulatory bodies.

The cost of obtaining a commercial register in Dubai

The cost of obtaining a commercial registration opening in Dubai can vary based on several factors including the type of business activity, company size, and location. In general, costs include several main components:

• Registration fees: Includes fees for submitting an application to obtain a commercial register. These fees may vary based on the type of company and type of activity.
• License fees: This includes the cost of obtaining a business license from the Department of Economic Development, which is part of the establishment process.
• Office Rent: The cost of renting an office or work space in Dubai, which is necessary for company registration.
• Other fees: May include fees associated with documenting contracts, obtaining additional permits, and any consulting or legal services.

At the conclusion of our article about the commercial registry in Dubai, we find that establishing a commercial registry is an essential step for any business project seeking success and expansion in one of the most vibrant and diverse markets in the world. Dubai, as a global business centre, provides an ideal environment for investors and businessmen thanks to its facilities and tax exemptions, as well as advanced infrastructure and encouraging trade laws.

The process of obtaining a commercial register in Dubai includes a set of important steps that begin with determining the type of business activity and registering the trade name, through obtaining the necessary approvals from government agencies, and ending with obtaining the final license. These steps are essential to ensure compliance with local laws and start doing business legally and orderly.

By following the correct procedures and providing the required documents, individuals and companies can successfully achieve their business goals. The trend towards registration in free zones or non-free zones opens wide doors for investors to benefit from various advantages such as full ownership by foreigners, tax facilities, and logistical incentives.

Thus, obtaining a commercial registration in Dubai contributes not only to starting a business, but also to enhancing the company’s credibility and building its reputation in the market. Adherence to legal and business procedures enhances the chances of success and lays solid foundations for business growth. Therefore, hiring experts and specialists in this field is an important step to ensure that the process is completed efficiently and to avoid any problems that may arise.

Ultimately, establishing a commercial registry in Dubai represents an exciting start to the business journey, and requires careful planning and implementation of procedures to ensure the desired success.

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