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Opening a commercial register in Dubai: procedures and steps

How to cancel a commercial register in Dubai

٢٧ فبراير Opening a commercial register in Dubai: procedures and steps

Opening a commercial register in Dubai is an essential step for any entrepreneur who wants to start their business in one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The Dubai government seeks to facilitate the procedures for establishing companies and enhance the business environment, making it an ideal destination for investment. Opening a commercial register requires adherence to a number of basic procedures and steps, including choosing a distinctive trade name, determining the business activity, and registering with the relevant government departments. In this article, we will discuss in detail the steps and procedures required to open a commercial register in Dubai, which helps investors better understand the process and facilitate the successful start of their project.

Opening a commercial register in Dubai: procedures and steps
Opening a commercial register in Dubai: procedures and steps

Dubai Commercial Register

Dubai Commercial Register is a basic legal document that allows individuals and companies to legally practice their commercial activities in the emirate. Dubai is considered one of the best global destinations for business, as the government seeks to provide an ideal environment for investors. The process of opening a commercial register begins with determining the trade name and desired activity, and the name must be in line with local laws and not previously used. After that, the required documents must be collected, such as a passport, a personal photo, and a lease contract for the commercial location.

Some activities require special approvals, which requires coordination with the relevant authorities before applying. Investors can apply to the Department of Economic Development either online or in person, and after reviewing the application and documents, the commercial registration will be issued.

In addition, investors must register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and obtain any additional licenses depending on the activity. These procedures are necessary to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, which enhances the chances of success in the market. Opening a commercial registration in Dubai is a vital step towards achieving business ambitions, as it allows investors the opportunity to benefit from the dynamic market and unique economic advantages offered by the emirate.

Steps to open a commercial registration in Dubai

Opening a commercial registration in Dubai requires following specific steps to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Here are the basic steps:

Choosing a trade name: The name must be distinctive and not previously used. The Department of Economic Development (DED) website can be used to check the availability of the name.

Determine the business activity: You must specify the activity you wish to practice, as the type of commercial registration varies according to the type of activity (commercial, industrial, professional).

Obtaining approvals: If the business activity requires special approvals (such as medical or educational activities), these approvals must be obtained before applying for the registration.
Preparing the required documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as passport, personal photo, lease contract for the commercial premises, and approval certificate if required.
Submitting the application: The application can be submitted to the Department of Economic Development either online or in person. The prescribed fees must be paid.
Obtaining the commercial registration: After reviewing the application and documents, the Department of Economic Development will issue the commercial registration.
Registering with the Chamber of Commerce: You must register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to obtain membership.
Obtaining the necessary licenses: After obtaining the commercial registration, you may need to obtain additional licenses depending on the type of activity.
Opening a bank account: It is advisable to open a commercial bank account to facilitate financial transactions related to the activity.
Registering for taxes (if the activity is subject to taxes): You must register with the tax authority if the activity is subject to the value-added tax system. By following these steps, you can successfully open a commercial registration in Dubai, allowing you to start practicing your business in a stimulating and safe environment.

Conditions for opening a commercial register in Dubai

To open a commercial register in Dubai, investors must adhere to a set of conditions that ensure compliance with local laws. Here are the most important conditions:

Legal age: The applicant must be an adult (18 years or older) to establish a commercial register.
Nationality: Investors of different nationalities can open a commercial register in Dubai, but they must have a valid residence permit.
Choosing a trade name: The trade name must be in compliance with the laws, and must not conflict with any other registered trade names. The name must be free of offensive phrases or words.
Determining the business activity: The activity to be practiced must be specified, and its compliance with the licensing requirements. Some activities require additional approvals from certain government agencies.
Having a designated place for the activity: You must have an actual place to practice the business, and the lease or ownership contract must be submitted.
Required documents: A set of documents must be submitted, such as a valid passport and a personal photo. A certificate of good conduct (if the activity requires it). Any additional documents that may be required by the relevant authority based on the type of activity.
Approval for special activities: If the activity requires special licenses (such as medical or educational activities), the required approvals must be obtained before applying.

Compliance with local laws: All applicable laws and regulations in Dubai must be complied with, including commercial and tax laws. By following these conditions, you can facilitate the process of opening a commercial register in Dubai, which will help you start your business smoothly.

The importance of a commercial register for establishing a company in Dubai

The commercial register is one of the essential elements for establishing a company in Dubai, and is of great importance for the following reasons:

Legal legitimacy: The commercial register gives the company legal status, allowing it to practice commercial activities legally. Without a commercial register, commercial activities are not recognized by local authorities.

Protection of investors’ rights: The commercial register provides legal protection for investors and guarantees their rights to work, which contributes to enhancing confidence in the market.

Ease of obtaining licenses: The commercial register is a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary licenses to practice commercial activities in Dubai, which facilitates subsequent procedures and enhances the flow of business.
The ability to open a bank account: The commercial register is an essential document that allows companies to open commercial bank accounts, which facilitates the management of financial operations.
Financing and Investment: Having a commercial register enhances the chances of obtaining financing from banks and investors, as it is evidence of the company’s seriousness and stability.

Facilitating commercial transactions: The commercial register facilitates conducting commercial transactions with customers and suppliers, which helps build a strong business reputation.

Expanding the activity: The commercial register can help facilitate expansion and growth processes, as it opens the way for expanding into new activities or opening new branches.

In short, the commercial register is a fundamental pillar for establishing a company in Dubai, as it contributes to providing the appropriate legal environment to support businesses and increase the chances of success.

Itqan Company’s services in opening a commercial register in Dubai

Itqan Company provides a set of integrated services to open a commercial register in Dubai, which makes it easier for investors and businessmen to establish their companies. Here are the most prominent services provided by Itqan in this field:

Legal consultations: Itqan provides specialized legal consultations on the requirements for opening a commercial register, which helps customers better understand local regulations and laws.
Assistance in choosing a trade name: Itqan helps customers choose distinctive trade names that comply with local laws, and checks their availability to avoid any future problems.
Preparing the required documents: Itqan provides a service to prepare and collect all the documents required to submit the application, including passports, personal photos, and lease contracts.
Submitting the application: Itqan handles submitting the application to the Department of Economic Development, saving customers time and effort.
Obtaining the necessary licenses: Itqan helps in obtaining the additional licenses required according to the type of business activity, ensuring compliance with the laws.
Opening a commercial bank account: Itqan provides support in the procedures for opening a commercial bank account, which facilitates financial transactions and enhances the efficiency of business management.
Providing post-registration services: Itqan’s services include following up with customers after opening the commercial register, and providing support in any other procedures related to establishing the company.
By using Itqan’s services, investors can expedite the process of opening a commercial register in Dubai while ensuring compliance with all local laws, allowing them to focus on developing their business and achieving success.

The specific period for opening a commercial register in Dubai

The specific period for opening a commercial register in Dubai ranges from one to two weeks, depending on several factors related to the registration process and the requirements of the business activity. The process usually begins with determining the trade name and the desired activity, as it takes some time to verify the availability of the name and its compliance with local laws. After that, the investor must collect the necessary documents, such as a passport, a personal photo, and a lease contract for the commercial location. This stage may take a day or two depending on the speed of submitting the documents. The application is then submitted to the Department of Economic Development, which usually takes 3 to 5 working days to review the application and the submitted documents.

If the business requires additional approvals from certain government agencies, the period may also be affected based on the speed of response of those agencies. After obtaining the approvals, the commercial register is issued, usually within an additional 1-3 working days. Therefore, investors are advised to plan well and take all necessary procedures in advance to avoid any delays. Following the steps in an organized manner and communicating with the relevant authorities can contribute to speeding up the process of opening a commercial register in Dubai, allowing investors to start their business on time.

In conclusion, opening a commercial register in Dubai is an essential step towards achieving any investor’s business ambitions. This register provides a legal framework through which commercial activities can be carried out legally and reliably. The process requires following a set of steps and procedures, starting from choosing a trade name to obtaining the necessary licenses, which can be facilitated by using specialized companies such as Itqan Company. Dubai is characterized by a dynamic and attractive business environment, making it an ideal destination for investment. Therefore, it is important for investors to be aware of the requirements and procedures necessary to open a commercial register, to avoid any obstacles that may hinder their progress. Through good planning and adherence to local regulations, investors can make the most of the opportunities available in the Dubai market, which contributes to enhancing their growth and success in the business world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Commercial Register in Dubai

What is a Commercial Register?
A commercial register is a legal document proving that a company has been legally registered with the competent authorities, allowing it to practice commercial activities in Dubai.

What are the steps to open a commercial register in Dubai?
The steps include choosing a trade name, determining the business activity, collecting the required documents, submitting the application to the Department of Economic Development, and obtaining the necessary licenses.

Can foreigners open a commercial register in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open a commercial register in Dubai, and there are multiple options that allow them to own 100% of the company’s shares in the free zones.