How to open a commercial register in Dubai? Dubai is one of the world’s leading destinations for business and investment, providing an ideal and flexible business environment that attracts investors and entrepreneurs. Opening a commercial register in Dubai is a vital step for anyone seeking to establish a company or engage in a business activity, as it allows investors to enjoy a range of benefits, such as access to a broad market and diverse economic resources. The procedures for opening a commercial register are easy and quick, making it an ideal opportunity for investors from various backgrounds. In this article, we will review the basic steps and requirements for opening a commercial register in Dubai , as well as the benefits that business owners can reap from this step.

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ToggleHow to open a commercial register in Dubai
To open a commercial register to establish a company in Dubai , you must follow a set of specific steps. Here are the basic steps:
- Select the type of business activity: You must determine the type of business you wish to engage in. Ensure that the activity complies with the permitted activities in Dubai.
- Select a company name: Choose a unique name for your company that complies with local laws. The name must not be previously used and must follow certain rules, such as not including offensive language.
- Submitting the application: You can submit the application to open a commercial register through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website or through one of the approved service centers.
- Prepare the required documents: You will need to provide documents such as your passport, a personal photo, a lease agreement (if you have an office), and a business plan if necessary.
- Application Approval: After submitting the application and documents, the Department of Economic Development will review the application. If everything is correct, you will be issued preliminary approval.
- Payment of fees: You must pay the required fees to obtain a commercial registration. Fees vary depending on the type of activity and company size.
- Issuance of a commercial registration: After paying the fees, you will receive a commercial registration, which allows you to legally conduct your business.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses: You may also need to obtain additional licenses or special permits depending on the type of activity you intend to engage in.
By following these steps, you can open a commercial register in Dubai and take advantage of the economic opportunities the city offers.
Conditions for opening a commercial register in Dubai
To open a commercial register in Dubai, there are a set of conditions and requirements that must be met. Here are the most important ones:
- Determine the type of business activity: You must select the type of business you wish to engage in, as the activity must be registered and permitted in Dubai.
- Choosing a trade name: The trade name must be available and unused, and must comply with local laws, such as not containing offensive or inappropriate words.
- Compliance with local laws: All business activities must comply with local laws and regulations, including laws relating to property and business practices.
- Submitting the necessary documents: You must provide a set of documents, such as the passport of the owner or partners, a personal photo, an office lease contract (if you have an office), and a business plan (in some cases).
- Registering with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce: All companies must register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to obtain membership, which provides certain benefits and facilities.
- Payment of the required fees: The fees required to open a commercial register must be paid, which vary depending on the type of activity and the size of the company.
- Obtaining the necessary licenses : Some activities may require additional licenses or special permits, depending on the type of activity or location.
- Issuing the necessary certificates: After completing all the steps, you will need to issue additional certificates, such as a commercial license or industrial license, depending on the nature of your business. Complying with these requirements will help you legally and effectively open a commercial register in Dubai.
Factors affecting the cost of opening a commercial register in Dubai
The cost of opening a commercial register in Dubai is affected by several factors, the most prominent of which are:
- Type of business activity: Commercial registration costs vary depending on the type of business (commercial, industrial, service), as some activities require special licenses.
- Company size: The cost of opening a commercial register varies depending on the size of the company (small, medium, large), as there may be additional costs for larger companies.
- Office Location: If you need a physical office, there will be a rental cost that varies depending on the area and geographical location in Dubai.
- Government fees: Government fees include registration fees and business license fees. These fees vary depending on the activity and conditions.
- Additional Licenses: Some activities may require additional licenses (such as health or environmental licenses), which increases the overall cost.
- Consulting costs: If you use legal consulting firms or assistance services in the commercial registration opening procedures, these costs will also be added.
- Insurance: In some cases, opening a business may require obtaining commercial insurance, which can affect the cost.
- Required Documents: If other documents or services are required for translation, these costs must be taken into account.
In short, the cost of opening a commercial registration in Dubai is determined by a number of factors related to the activity, company size, location, and services required. It’s always best to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to accurately estimate costs.
Advantages of opening a commercial register in Dubai
Opening a commercial registry in Dubai offers many advantages, making it an attractive option for investors and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the key features:
- Flexible business environment: Dubai offers a flexible business environment that supports various types of business activities, making it easier for investors to achieve their goals.
- Tax Incentives: Dubai offers numerous tax incentives, such as the absence of corporate income tax in many of Dubai’s free zones , which helps increase financial returns.
- Easy access to markets: Dubai is a major gateway to regional and international markets, providing extensive opportunities for expansion and increased sales.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai boasts a modern and advanced infrastructure, including roads and transportation, making it easier for companies to achieve efficiency in logistics operations.
- Government Support: The Dubai government provides significant support to investors, facilitating procedures and providing legal and business advice.
- Diversity of activities: You can open a commercial register for a variety of activities, from traditional trade to digital activities and services.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Dubai offers strong intellectual property protection laws, which enhances confidence in investments.
- Collaboration and partnership opportunities: There are numerous events and trade shows that make it easier for entrepreneurs to connect and build partnerships with other investors.
- Multiple options: You can choose to open a commercial register in or outside of free zones, giving you more flexibility in determining the location of your business.
- Ease of procedures: The procedures for opening a commercial register in Dubai are quick and straightforward, making it easy to start a business without major complications.
Thanks to these advantages, opening a commercial register in Dubai is a strategic step for many investors and businessmen seeking success and growth.

Etqan Company’s efforts to open a commercial register in Dubai
Etqan offers a range of integrated services to help investors and entrepreneurs open a commercial registry in Dubai with ease. Here are some of Etqan’s efforts in this area:
- Specialized Legal Consultations: Itqan provides professional legal consultations to ensure that all procedures comply with local laws and regulations, reducing legal risks.
- Determine the type of activity: Itqan helps clients determine the appropriate type of business activity according to their desires and market requirements, making it easier for them to choose the permitted activities.
- Smooth registration procedures: We handle all registration procedures, from submitting applications to submitting final documents, saving customers time and effort.
- Facilitating document acquisition: Itqan provides support in preparing the documents required to open a commercial register, such as passports, ID copies, and lease contracts.
- Guidance on choosing a trade name: Itqan helps clients choose legally compliant trade names and checks the availability of the name before submitting the application.
- Providing the necessary information: Itqan provides comprehensive information on the required fees and necessary procedures, helping clients with accurate financial planning.
- Additional Services: Itqan offers additional services such as obtaining additional licenses or translation services if the client’s documents require them.
- Post-registration support: Itqan continues to provide support to clients even after the commercial registration is opened, including helping them manage their business and providing additional consultations when needed.
- Communication with government agencies: Itqan acts as a link between customers and government agencies, facilitating communication and speeding up procedures.
Thanks to these efforts, Etqan has significantly facilitated the process of opening a commercial registration in Dubai, making it an ideal choice for investors and entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, opening a commercial register in Dubai is a vital step for anyone looking to enter the world of business and investment. Dubai enjoys an ideal business environment, offering ample opportunities for growth and expansion, as well as government facilities and legal support. Following the correct procedures and adhering to the necessary requirements will contribute to the sustainable success of your projects. Furthermore, utilizing companies like Itqan can significantly facilitate this process, saving time and effort and ensuring compliance with local laws. So, if you are considering starting your own business, don’t hesitate to take the first step toward realizing your ambitions in this dynamic city.