Trade name reservation in Dubai is done online through the Invest in Dubai portal, run by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and a standard name costs AED 620 and takes about 10 minutes to issue. You choose a name that matches your business activity, follow the DET naming rules, pay the fee and download your Trade Name Reservation Certificate.
That is the short answer.
The longer answer matters because the name you reserve today will sit on your trade licence, your Memorandum of Association, your corporate bank account, your VAT and Corporate Tax registrations and every invoice you ever issue.
As chartered accountants and FTA-approved tax agents who have helped set up more than 3,000 companies across Dubai mainland, free zones and offshore over the past decade, we see the same naming mistakes cost founders time and money every week.
This guide walks you through the rules, fees and exact process so you can reserve your trade name in Dubai correctly the first time.
What Is a Trade Name in Dubai?
A trade name is the official legal name of your business. For a Dubai mainland company, it is issued and protected by the Department of Economy and Tourism. Once reserved, no other mainland business in Dubai can register the same name while your reservation or licence is active.
If you are new to business setup in Dubai, these are the terms you will see throughout the process:
| Term | What it means in plain words |
|---|---|
| DET | The Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai's licensing authority for mainland businesses. It was previously called the Department of Economic Development (DED). |
| Invest in Dubai | The official Dubai Government digital platform where you reserve trade names, request initial approval and issue trade licences. |
| Trade name reservation | Booking your chosen business name so nobody else can take it while you complete your licence. |
| Trade Name Reservation Certificate | The official document DET issues to confirm your name is reserved for you. |
| Initial approval | DET's preliminary approval for your business activity and legal structure. It is a separate service from the trade name. |
| Dubai mainland | Businesses licensed by DET that can trade directly anywhere in the UAE market, as opposed to free zone or offshore companies. |
A quick note on DED and DET: many people still search for "DED trade name reservation" or "how to reserve trade name in DED". It is the same service. The authority now operates as DET, and all applications go through Invest in Dubai.
Why Getting Your Trade Name Right Matters in 2026
Dubai's business register is busier than ever, which means more competition for good names and stricter checks on similarity.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce welcomed 71,830 new member companies in 2025, taking active membership to 292,486 by year end, an annual growth rate of 13.2%.
- Dubai ranked first in the world for greenfield foreign direct investment projects for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, with 1,253 announced projects, a 10.5% increase on 2024.
- In the first half of 2025 alone, the Dubai FDI Monitor recorded estimated FDI capital of AED 40.4 billion, up 62% year on year.
Every one of those new companies needed a unique name. From an accounting point of view, the trade name is also the anchor for your compliance. Your licence name must match exactly what appears on your corporate bank account, your Federal Tax Authority registrations and your tax invoices. A name that is rejected, changed or amended later creates a chain of updates across all of these records.
Dubai Trade Name Rules: What DET Allows and Rejects
The official DET guidelines published on Invest in Dubai are short, but they are applied strictly. These are the Dubai company naming rules you need to follow.
1. The name must reflect your business activity
It has to be logical and indicate what the business does. DET's own example is that "Al Madina Contracting" cannot be used for a building materials trading licence.
2. No offensive or indecent words
The name should be a proper name that will not offend the general public.
3. No religious references to Allah or God
You cannot use the name of Allah, the word God or any of His divine attributes.
4. No family, tribe or other people's names
Family names, tribe names and other individuals' names are not allowed unless the name belongs to the licensee.
5. It must be distinct
The name cannot be the same as or similar to existing brands in Dubai, government projects or initiatives, or international brands and trademarks.
6. Write it literally, not translated
Names are transliterated, not translated. DET's example is that an Arabic name meaning "high sky" is written as "Al Samaa Al Aalya", while an English name such as "High Sky" is written as it is.
7. No political or sectarian organisations
Names of global political, religious or sectarian organisations are not permitted.
8. DET keeps the final say
DET has the right to cancel or change a trade name if it later finds that a similar name already exists.
Allowed vs Not Allowed: Simple Examples
| Proposed name | Activity | Likely outcome | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Harbour General Trading L.L.C | General trading | Likely acceptable | Distinct, logical, matches activity |
| Blue Harbour Contracting L.L.C | Building materials trading | Rejected | Name says contracting, licence says trading |
| Al Rahman Technical Services | Technical services | Rejected | Uses a divine attribute |
| Al Mansoori Consultancy (owner is not a Mansoori) | Management consultancy | Rejected | Family name does not belong to the licensee |
| A name copying a famous global brand | Any | Rejected | Conflicts with an international trademark |
The suffix also has to match your legal form. "L.L.C" only belongs on a limited liability company, so decide your structure first. Our guide to business entity types in the UAE explains each option.
How Much Does Trade Name Reservation in Dubai Cost?
The official government fees published on Invest in Dubai are:
| Service | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Book a trade name (standard) | AED 620 |
| Request for initial approval | AED 120 |
| eTrader licence for home based businesses (after trade name) | AED 1,070 plus AED 300 Dubai Chamber membership |
Additional charges may apply if your name includes special features such as foreign words, numbers, abbreviations or references to specific regions. The portal shows the exact amount for your chosen name before you pay, so always check the final fee on screen.
Payment options: you can pay online, or via direct debit through Dubai Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai or Emirates Islamic. Cash or cheque payments can be made through the approved channels listed by DET.
Accountant's tip: keep the payment receipt and the certificate. The fee is part of your company's startup costs and should be recorded in your opening books. Government fees of this kind are generally outside the scope of VAT, so there is no input VAT to recover on them.
The trade name is only a small part of your first year spend. Our business setup cost in Dubai guide breaks down the licence, office, visa and renewal fees that follow.
How to Reserve a Trade Name in Dubai: Step by Step
Here is exactly how to reserve a trade name in Dubai through the Invest in Dubai portal.
Step 1: Confirm your business activity first
Your name has to match your activity, so decide what your licence will cover before you brainstorm names.
Step 2: Prepare at least three name options
Rank them in order of preference. If your first choice is taken or rejected, you can move straight to the next one without starting over.
Step 3: Check trade name availability
Use the Dubai business directory search on Invest in Dubai to see whether a similar name is already registered. Remember that "available" in a search does not guarantee approval, because DET also checks similarity, meaning and the activity match.
Step 4: Log in or create a verified account
Sign in to Invest in Dubai. UAE residents usually log in with UAE Pass and their Emirates ID. No separate physical documents are typically required at the name booking stage.
Step 5: Submit your details
Enter your proposed legal form (for example LLC or sole establishment), your business activities and your name in both English and Arabic.
Step 6: Pay the fee
Pay AED 620 for a standard name, plus any additional charge shown for special features.
Step 7: Receive your Trade Name Reservation Certificate
DET reviews the request, and once approved, you download your official certificate from the portal. Invest in Dubai states the service is completed within 10 minutes for straightforward applications.
Trade Name Reservation and Initial Approval: How They Fit Together
Two services are often confused: the initial trade name reservation and the initial approval. They are separate, and you need both for a Dubai mainland licence.
- Trade name reservation protects your business name. Fee: AED 620.
- Initial approval confirms DET has no objection to your proposed activity and legal structure. Fee: AED 120. According to Invest in Dubai, it can be requested before or after you reserve your trade name.
For initial approval, DET may ask for a copy of the licensee's passport or ID and, for non GCC nationals, a copy of the residence visa. Branches of existing companies need parent company documents such as the board resolution, commercial registration and Memorandum of Association. Our documents required for business setup in Dubai checklist covers every stage.
Where This Sits in the Full Mainland Setup Journey
- Choose your business activity and legal form
- Reserve your trade name
- Obtain initial approval
- Sign the Memorandum of Association (for LLCs)
- Secure office space and register the lease (Ejari)
- Obtain any external approvals your activity needs
- Issue your trade licence
- Register with Dubai Chamber, get your establishment cards and process visas
In our experience, a Dubai mainland licence usually takes 5 to 10 working days once all documents and approvals are in place. The trade name step is the fastest part, which is exactly why it is worth getting right before the slower steps begin. If you qualify, the Dubai instant licence combines several of these steps into one application.
How Long Is a Dubai Trade Name Reservation Valid?
A reserved trade name is not permanent on its own. You must complete your full trade licence within the validity period stated on your certificate, which is typically up to six months. If the licence is not issued in time, the reservation lapses, the name is released and you lose the fee. Always check the expiry date on your certificate and plan your office lease and approvals around it.
Once your licence is issued, the trade name stays with your company for as long as the licence is renewed.
Trade Name vs Trademark: Do You Need Both?
A trade name and a trademark are not the same thing.
- Trade name: registered with DET as your company's legal name for licensing in Dubai.
- Trademark: registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy under Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021 and protects your brand, logo and identity across the UAE.
If you plan to build a recognisable brand, sell products or franchise later, we recommend registering a trademark as well. A trade name alone does not give you nationwide brand protection.
Trade Name Reservation in Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates
If you are setting up outside Dubai, each emirate runs its own trade name service.
Abu Dhabi
Trade names are reserved through the TAMM platform using the "Reserving Economic Name" service of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. You can search existing names on TAMM, and the system often suggests pre approved names in English and Arabic. Names cannot contain special characters or symbols, and cannot include "Abu Dhabi" or "United Arab Emirates". Check TAMM for the current fee before you apply.
Sharjah, Ajman and the northern emirates
Each has its own economic department with its own fee schedules and naming rules. We handle setups in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, and check names against each authority's rules.
Free zones
A DET reservation does not cover free zones. DMCC, IFZA, Meydan and every other free zone run their own name approval as part of their company registration. Our mainland vs free zone vs offshore guide helps you decide which authority you will register with.
So when people search for "trade name reservation UAE", the honest answer is that there is no single UAE wide booking. You reserve the name with the authority that will issue your licence.
The Most Common Reasons Trade Names Get Rejected
From the applications we process, these are the mistakes we see most often:
- The name does not match the licensed activity
- The name is too close to an existing Dubai company or a known international brand
- A family or personal name is used that does not belong to the owner
- A religious word or divine attribute is included
- The Arabic version is a translation instead of a transliteration
- The founder submits only one option and has to restart after a rejection
Reserve Your Trade Name the Right Way
A rejected name costs you a fee and days of delay. A name that does not fit your licence, bank account and tax registrations can cost you far more later. Our team of chartered accountants and business setup consultants checks your options against the DET rules, reserves the name, secures your initial approval and carries your company all the way through licensing, banking, VAT and Corporate Tax.
Ready to start? Book your free consultation with Company Setup Consultants Dubai and let us reserve your trade name in Dubai, correctly, the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a trade name in Dubai?
You reserve a trade name in Dubai online through the Invest in Dubai portal. Log in with UAE Pass, enter your legal form, business activity and name in English and Arabic, pay AED 620 and download your Trade Name Reservation Certificate. The whole process usually takes about 10 minutes.
How much does trade name reservation in Dubai cost?
A standard trade name reservation in Dubai costs AED 620, according to Invest in Dubai. Names with foreign words, numbers, abbreviations or regional references may attract additional charges, which the portal shows before you pay. Initial approval is a separate AED 120 fee.
How do I reserve a trade name in DED?
The DED is now called the Department of Economy and Tourism, or DET, so you reserve your trade name through DET's Invest in Dubai portal. The steps, rules and AED 620 fee are the same. Many people still call it a DED trade name reservation, but it is the same service.
How can I check trade name availability in Dubai?
You can check trade name availability in Dubai using the business directory search on Invest in Dubai, which lets you search registered businesses by name or licence number. Keep in mind that a name appearing available is not a guarantee, because DET also reviews similarity, meaning and whether the name matches your activity.
Can I do trade name reservation in Dubai online?
Yes. Trade name reservation in Dubai is fully online through the Invest in Dubai portal, and you can also visit a DET service centre if you prefer. Online applications are usually completed within 10 minutes, and you can pay by card or approved bank direct debit.
What are the Dubai trade name rules?
The main Dubai trade name rules are simple. Your name must match your business activity, be distinct from existing brands, avoid offensive words and references to Allah or God, avoid family or tribe names unless they belong to you, and be written literally rather than translated.
How long is a Dubai trade name reservation valid?
A Dubai trade name reservation is typically valid for up to six months. You need to complete your full trade licence within that period, or the reservation lapses and the name becomes available to others. Always check the exact expiry date printed on your certificate.
What is the difference between initial trade name reservation and initial approval in Dubai?
Trade name reservation protects your business name for AED 620, while initial approval confirms DET has no objection to your business activity and legal structure for AED 120. You need both for a Dubai mainland licence, and initial approval can be requested before or after reserving the name.
Can I use my own name as my Dubai company name?
Yes, you can use your own family name in your Dubai company name, as long as the name belongs to the licensee. You cannot use another person's family name or a tribe name that is not yours. The full name must still reflect your business activity.
Can I reserve a business name in Dubai in English?
Yes, you can reserve a business name in Dubai in English. You submit the name in both English and Arabic, and the Arabic version must be a literal transliteration rather than a translation. Names containing foreign words may attract an additional fee on top of the standard AED 620.
What is a trade name certificate in Dubai?
A trade name certificate in Dubai is the official Trade Name Reservation Certificate issued by DET once your name is approved. It confirms the name is reserved for you while you complete your licence, and it is required when you apply for your Dubai mainland trade licence.
How does trade name reservation work in Abu Dhabi?
Trade name reservation in Abu Dhabi is done through the TAMM platform using the Reserving Economic Name service. You search for your name, choose from suggested English and Arabic options, submit the request and pay the fee shown on TAMM. Abu Dhabi names cannot use special characters or the words Abu Dhabi.
Is a Dubai trade name the same as a trademark?
No, a Dubai trade name is not the same as a trademark. The trade name is your company's legal name registered with DET, while a trademark is registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy and protects your brand across the country. Businesses building a brand should register both.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
