Opening a commercial registration and business license in Dubai is an essential step for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to start their business in one of the most prosperous and developed cities in the world. Dubai, thanks to its strategic geographical location and advanced infrastructure, has become a global hub for business and trade, making it an ideal destination for establishing companies of all sizes and sectors. The process requires adherence to a set of legal and administrative procedures that ensure compliance with local laws and provide a legal and stable work environment.
The first step in this process is to open a commercial register for the company. This register is the official document that identifies the company’s existence and gives it authority to operate within Dubai. Opening the commercial register requires submitting a set of basic documents that include passports for shareholders and directors, personal photos, the company’s articles of incorporation and articles of association, in addition to a license application form. All documents submitted must be accurate and up to date to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Once the commercial register is opened, the next step is obtaining the commercial license. The trade license is the official document that allows the company to conduct its commercial activity in Dubai. The type of business license required depends on the type of activity the company will undertake, whether it is commercial, industrial or professional. Obtaining a commercial license requires approvals from the Department of Economic Development in Dubai and some other competent authorities depending on the type of activity. These approvals are intended to ensure that the company’s business activity is in line with local laws and regulations.
One of the challenges that investors may face is understanding all the procedures and requirements necessary to open a commercial register and obtain a commercial license. Here comes the importance of cooperation with specialized companies such as Itqan Company. Itqan Company provides the necessary support and assistance to investors by providing comprehensive services covering all aspects of the incorporation process, from preparing and submitting the required documents to obtaining the necessary approvals. This support makes it easier for investors to overcome challenges and achieve their goals quickly and efficiently.
Opening a commercial registration and business license in Dubai requires adherence to specific and precise procedures to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. By cooperating with Itqan, investors and entrepreneurs can achieve this process easily and quickly, allowing them to focus on developing their business and achieving success in Dubai’s thriving economic environment. With its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, Dubai is considered one of the best places to establish a business and achieve sustainable growth.

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ToggleThe first steps to open a commercial register in Dubai
Dubai is one of the main destinations for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish successful companies. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure and thriving economic environment, Dubai offers ample opportunities for growth and expansion, making it an ideal choice for starting a business. However, the process of opening a commercial register in Dubai requires following a set of steps and procedures. Legal and administrative to ensure compliance with local laws and provide a stable and sustainable business environment for investors. This process is considered the first and crucial step to establishing any business in Dubai, and includes many stages that require the necessary documentation, submission, and approvals. The first steps to opening a commercial registry in Dubai :
- Determine the type of business activity: Investors must determine the type of business activity they intend to carry out in Dubai. Business activities vary between commercial, industrial, professional, and service. Investors must choose the business activity that suits their goals and business plans.
- Choosing the legal form of the company: There are several legal forms that can be chosen when establishing a company in Dubai, such as a limited liability company, a sole proprietorship, or a foreign branch. The choice of the legal form depends on the type of commercial activity, the number of partners, and the organizational structure of the company.
- Choosing a trade name: You must choose a trade name that complies with local laws in Dubai. The trade name must be unique and not similar to the names of other registered companies, and it must not contain prohibited or inappropriate words.
- Obtaining initial approval: After determining the type of business activity, legal form, and choosing the trade name, an application must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai to obtain initial approval. The application includes providing basic information about the company, shareholders, and managers.
- Preparing the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the company must be prepared and documented by the competent authorities. The Memorandum of Association specifies the rights and duties of shareholders, while the Articles of Association determine the structure and management of the company.
- Submitting the required documents: A set of basic documents must be submitted to open the commercial register. These documents include colored copies of the passports of shareholders and directors, personal photos, the articles of association and articles of association, a certified lease contract for the company’s headquarters, and a license application form.
- Obtaining the necessary approvals: Some commercial activities may require obtaining additional approvals from certain government agencies such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Environment. Investors must ensure that all required approvals are obtained before completing the registration process.
- Paying the required fees: The process of opening the commercial register includes paying the fees required to obtain approvals and register the company. These fees vary according to the type of commercial activity and the legal form of the company.
- Receiving the Commercial Registry and Commercial License: After submitting all documents, paying fees, and obtaining the necessary approvals, the Department of Economic Development will issue the Commercial Registry and Commercial License. Investors can then begin practicing their business activity legally in Dubai.
By choosing Dubai as a location for establishing a company and benefiting from the support services provided by specialized companies such as Itqan Company, investors and entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and achieve success in an ideal and advanced work environment. Dubai provides great opportunities for growth and expansion, making it an ideal destination for investors who seek to achieve success and prosperity in their businesses.

Documents required to open a commercial register
Opening a commercial register in Dubai is an essential and vital step for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to benefit from the great economic opportunities provided by this dynamic city. Thanks to its sophisticated investment environment and advanced infrastructure, Dubai attracts many investors from all over the world. But to ensure business establishment is legal and smooth, investors must adhere to a set of legal procedures and requirements. An essential aspect of this process is preparing and submitting the required documents accurately. These documents play a pivotal role in facilitating the process of opening the commercial register and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Documents required to open a commercial register in Dubai:
- Color copies of passports: Color copies of passports must be provided to all shareholders and directors of the company. It is preferable that the copies be clear and up-to-date to ensure their acceptance by the competent authorities.
- Personal photos: Personal photos are requested for all shareholders and directors. Photos must be recent and have a white background, according to official standards used in official documents.
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: The Memorandum of Association includes details about the partners, their shareholding percentage, and the contributed capital. The articles of association include the regulations and laws that regulate the company’s work. Both documents must be authenticated by the competent authorities.
- License Application Form: The license application form must be filled out accurately and submitted to the Department of Economic Development. The form includes details about the business activity, the legal form of the company, and personal information of shareholders and directors.
- Certified Lease Contract: New companies are required to submit a lease contract for their corporate headquarters. The contract must be certified by the competent authorities in Dubai to ensure the legality of the site used for the company.
- Initial approval certificate: After submitting an application for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development, you must obtain a certificate confirming the acceptance of the application. This certificate is considered an important step before moving to the next stages.
- No objection certificate from the sponsor (if any): If a shareholder requires a no objection certificate from the current sponsor, this certificate must be submitted as part of the required documents.
Our company’s role in opening a commercial register and commercial license in Dubai
The process of opening a commercial register and obtaining a business license in Dubai is an essential and crucial step for achieving success and stability for startups and investors in one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Adherence to the required legal and administrative procedures not only ensures compliance with local laws but also provides a stable and sustainable business environment that enables companies to Growth and prosperity
Cooperation with specialized companies such as Itqan Company plays a pivotal role in facilitating and accelerating this complex process. Through their extensive experience and deep understanding of local procedures and requirements, Itqan Company can provide the necessary support to investors in all stages of establishing the company, starting with providing consultations on choosing the appropriate type of business activity and the optimal legal form. The company even prepares and submits all necessary documents and obtains the required approvals
Opening a commercial register in Dubai requires submitting accurate and up-to-date documents including passports, personal photos of shareholders and directors, the company’s articles of incorporation and articles of association, as well as the license application form. This requires detailed knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements to ensure that documents are submitted correctly and that the required standards are adhered to.
Obtaining a commercial license is the next and most important stage in the process of establishing a company, as the commercial license allows the company to practice its commercial activity legally in Dubai. The type of license required varies according to the type of commercial activity, whether commercial, industrial, or professional. This process includes obtaining initial approvals from the competent authorities.
The support provided by Itqan Company is not limited only to administrative procedures, but also includes providing the necessary consultations to investors on the best practices for establishing and operating companies in Dubai. This helps investors overcome challenges and achieve their goals efficiently and quickly.
In the end, opening a commercial register and obtaining a commercial license in Dubai is a strategic step that opens the doors to unlimited growth and prosperity opportunities thanks to the thriving economic environment, advanced infrastructure, and supportive government policies. Cooperation with Itqan Company ensures that investors achieve this step in the best possible way, enabling them to focus on developing Their businesses and success in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Dubai is an ideal destination for investors seeking to build a bright and sustainable future for their companies
Frequently asked questions about opening a commercial register and business license in Dubai
What are the first steps to opening a commercial register in Dubai?
The investor must determine the type of business activity and the legal form of the company, and choose an appropriate trade name. After that, an application must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development to obtain initial approval.
What documents are required to open a commercial register?
Required documents include color copies of passports of shareholders and directors, personal photographs, the company’s articles of incorporation and articles of association, in addition to a license application form and a certified lease contract for the company’s headquarters.
How long does it take to open a commercial register in Dubai?
The process of opening a commercial register may take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of business activity and the procedures required.
What is the cost of opening a commercial register in Dubai?
The cost of opening a commercial register varies depending on the type of business activity and the legal form of the company. Costs include application fees, approvals fees, and any additional costs for legal and administrative procedures.
Can foreigners open a commercial register in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open a commercial register in Dubai. They must adhere to legal procedures and submit the required documents.
What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
Types of business licenses in Dubai include commercial licenses, industrial licenses, and professional licenses. The type of license is determined by the business activity that the company will undertake.