How long is a reserved trade name valid?

DET reservations are typically valid for a limited period — proceed to initial approval and licensing before expiry.

Can I use any name for my Dubai company?

Names must comply with UAE conventions — no offensive terms, unauthorised country names, or confusing similarity to existing entities.

How much does trade name reservation cost?

DET reservation fees are typically AED 620–1,000. Free zones may include name reservation in setup packages.

What if my preferred name is rejected?

We submit alternative compliant options. Common rejection reasons include similarity to existing names or prohibited words.

Do I need Arabic in my trade name?

Mainland companies require Arabic name equivalent. Free zone rules vary but bilingual formats are common.

Can I reserve a name before choosing activities?

Activities are linked during reservation or initial approval. Name should broadly align with planned business line.

Is trade name reservation the same as trademark?

No. Trade name reservation is for licensing. Trademark registration provides IP protection through separate MOE process.

Can I change my trade name after licensing?

Yes through licence amendment with DET or free zone, updated MOA, and government amendment fees.

Does KPM Global Services check names before filing?

Yes. We pre-screen options against naming rules and availability to maximise first-submission approval rates.

Trade Name Reservation Dubai | DED Name Approval | KPM Global

Overview

Trade name reservation in Dubai explained

Trade name reservation is the first formal step in Dubai company formation — submitting proposed business names to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone authority for approval before initial approval and licence application.

UAE naming conventions prohibit certain words (country names, religious terms without approval, offensive language), restrict resemblance to existing entities, and may require Arabic transliteration alignment for mainland companies.

KPM Global Services evaluates name options against DET and free zone databases, advises on compliant alternatives when preferred names are unavailable, and files reservation applications linked to your planned activities.

Who This Is For

Trade name reservation clients

First-time entrepreneurs selecting a Dubai company name
International brands adapting names for UAE market entry
Existing businesses registering additional trade names or brands
Free zone applicants securing names before package purchase
Franchise operators reserving master brand names locally
Companies rebranding and updating registered trade names

How We Help

Trade name reservation support

Name feasibility review

Screen proposed names against DET and free zone naming guidelines.

Availability search

Check database for conflicts with existing registered entities.

Reservation filing

Submit official trade name reservation through DET or free zone portal.

Arabic transliteration

Ensure Arabic name equivalents meet authority formatting rules.

Initial approval linkage

Connect approved name to activity selection and licensing pathway.

Rebrand amendments

Process trade name change applications for existing licence holders.

Process

Trade name reservation steps

1
Name shortlist
Provide three compliant name options ranked by preference.
2
Rules check
Verify names against prohibited words and activity alignment.
3
Reservation submission
File reservation with DET or free zone authority online.
4
Authority review
Authority validates uniqueness and naming compliance.
5
Approval issued
Reserved name confirmed for defined validity period.
6
Licence progression
Proceed to initial approval, MOA, and trade licence application.

Documents

Trade name reservation requirements

Three proposed trade name options in English and Arabic
Passport copy of applicant or shareholder
Business activity description for name-activity alignment
Trademark certificate if claiming brand protection
No-objection from brand owner for franchise names
Parent company letter for branch name reservations
Signed name reservation application form
Payment receipt for reservation government fee

Pricing

Trade name reservation costs

Reservation fees are modest but rejection delays are costly.

DET reservation fee versus free zone included package pricing
Number of reservation attempts if names are rejected
Trademark search and legal opinion for brand-sensitive names
Expedited processing if authority offers priority options
Amendment fees for trade name change on existing licences

DET trade name reservation fees are published periodically. KPM Global Services confirms current tariffs at application.

Timeline

Trade name reservation timeline

Same day

Submission

Name options screened and reservation filed.

1–3 days

DET review

Authority approves or requests alternative names.

Validity

Reservation period

Approved names held for limited window before licensing must proceed.

Next step

Initial approval

Reserved name linked to activity approval and formation.

Avoid Mistakes

Trade name reservation mistakes

Choosing names too similar to famous brands or existing companies
Using prohibited words without special approval
Reserving names misaligned with planned licence activities
Letting reservation expire before completing licensing steps
Ignoring Arabic transliteration requirements on mainland
Assuming domain availability equals trade name availability

Why KPM

Why Choose KPM Global Services

UAE-focused advisory

Practical guidance on trade name reservation in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.

Clear documentation

Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.

Connected services

Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.

No generic templates

Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.

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FAQ

Trade Name Reservation Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers about trade name reservation dubai in the UAE.

Submit name options through DET portal or free zone system with activity details and pay reservation fee. Approval typically within 1–3 days.

Ready to get started with Trade Name Reservation Dubai?

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Trade Name Reservation Dubai