Dubai Commercial Registry

In Dubai, the commercial registry is an essential pillar for every business activity that aims to grow and stabilize in the local and global market. The commercial registry represents an official document that documents the details of companies and individuals doing business in the emirate, and contributes to enhancing transparency and integrity in commercial activities. This article aims to review the role of the commercial registry in Dubai, in addition to highlighting its importance and how to benefit from it to support commercial activity and investment in the emirate.

The role of a commercial registry is to record and document basic information for companies such as the company name, type of business activity, and the identity of the founders, in addition to other important information such as the official headquarters and legal responsibilities of the registrants. The commercial registry helps the government and investors to pursue business activities in an organized and efficient manner, provides a safer environment for business and enhances trust between interested parties.

Dubai Commercial Registry

Procedures for opening a commercial register in Dubai

To open a commercial register in Dubai, you must follow a number of basic procedures. Here’s a summary of the steps to take:

• Choosing the type of company: Before starting, you must determine the type of company that suits your business, such as a sole proprietorship, joint-stock company, or limited liability company.
• Choosing a business name: You must choose a unique business name and ensure that it complies with local regulations. You can check the availability of the name and reserve it through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) portal.
• Preparation of required documents: Necessary documents must be prepared such as a company registration form, copies of passports of shareholders and directors, and a copy of the lease contract or ownership certificate for the place where the business activities will take place.
• Visit the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED): After preparing the documents, new registrants must visit one of the DED offices to apply and submit the required documents.
• Payment of fees: The registration fees and administrative fees required to process the application must be paid.
• Approval and receipt of the trade license: Once the procedures are completed and the application is approved, the commercial register and trade license will be issued.
• Company registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry: After receiving the trade license, the company must be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to obtain the final operating license.

How to extract an electronic commercial record

To obtain an electronic commercial record in Dubai , the following steps can be followed:

1. Log in to the Department of Economic Development (DED) portal: Visit the Dubai Department of Economic Development website and log in to the electronic system designated for trade services.
2. Select the required service: Choose the “Request an electronic commercial register” service from the list available on the electronic portal.
3. Fill out the application: Fill out the required electronic form, and make sure to submit all required information and documents accurately. The information requested may include details about the company, legal officers, head office address, and other necessary details.
4. Upload the necessary documents: Upload the necessary documents such as a copy of the social contract, the identity card for officials, the work certificate, and any other documents required according to the type and nature of the company.
5. Payment of fees: Pay the approved fees for the electronic commercial register extraction service, using the electronic methods available on the portal.
6. Follow up on the application status: After submitting the application and paying the fees, it may take some time to process the application. You can follow the status of the application, receive notification of approval, and receive the electronic commercial registration.
7. Receiving the electronic commercial register: Once approved, you will receive an electronic copy of the commercial register proving the company’s registration, which you can save and print to keep as documentation of the business activity.

Why do you need to open a commercial register?

Opening a commercial register or obtaining a commercial license is necessary for several main reasons, including:

1. Legal legitimacy: Opening a commercial register gives the company the legal legitimacy to conduct commercial activities in the region in question legally and officially.
2. Legal protection: The commercial registry provides legal protection for the company and its owners, enhancing the ability to protect property and assets and providing legal protection in the event of legal disputes.
3. Access to the market: The commercial register facilitates access to markets and customers, as work is under a reliable legal umbrella that contributes to building trust with customers and business partners.
4. Benefiting from government services: The commercial register allows the company to benefit from government services such as legal, financial and regulatory support provided to registered companies.
5. Banking: The commercial registry facilitates access to banking and financing services that companies require to grow and expand their business.
6. Tax Concessions: Some business registries may offer tax privileges or tax credits that make them more financially competitive.

The cost of opening a commercial register in Dubai

Opening a commercial register in Dubai involves different costs that depend on the type of activity and the legal structure of the company. Typically, the costs of opening a commercial register in Dubai include:

• Company registration fees: These fees range according to the type of company (individual company, joint stock company, limited liability company) and according to the commercial area in which it is registered.
• Business license fees: Fees are charged to license the business you intend to practice, and these fees vary based on the type of activity and its specific requirements.
• Government agency service fees: Some government agencies may require fees for their services, such as providing the necessary permits and approvals for commercial activity.
• Visa and residency fees: If expatriate workers are needed, there may be fees for work visas and residency requirements for employees.
• Office Rental Costs: A commercial office address must be provided to the company, which may require signing a lease with the owner or operator.
• Consulting and legal fees: You may need legal advice to prepare the required documents and assist with legal procedures.

Documents required to open a commercial register in Dubai

To open a commercial register in Dubai, there are a set of documents that must be submitted. These documents vary based on the type of company and its activity. Here is a list of basic documents required:

1. Registration Application Form: You must complete and submit the registration application form available from the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED).
2. Copy of Passport: Color copies of passports of all partners and directors.
3. Personal photo: Passport size photo of all partners and directors.
4. Initial approval: If the business activity requires initial approvals from other parties, these approvals must be submitted.
5. Company’s Articles of Association: The company’s Articles of Association must be created and authenticated by the competent authorities. The contract must include information about the partners, their shares, capital, and the company’s activity.
6. Office Lease Contract: A copy of the office lease contract where the business will be operated must be submitted. The contract must be notarized by the Dubai Land Department.
7. No Objection Certificate (NOC): If one of the partners or directors is resident in the UAE and works for another entity, it may be necessary to obtain a NOC from their current employer.
8. Regulatory approval: In some cases, approval may be required from other regulatory authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (for health facilities) or the Roads and Transport Authority (for transportation-related activities).
9. Business Plan: You may be asked to submit a detailed business plan for the company’s activity and future plans.
10. Legal powers of attorney: If there are legal agents dealing on your behalf, notarized powers of attorney must be submitted.

At the conclusion of this article, we can conclude that the commercial registry in Dubai represents the backbone of every business activity that seeks success and continuity in this modern and dynamic emirate. Opening a commercial registry in Dubai is a vital step for any investor or those wishing to embark on a commercial project, as the commercial registry provides the necessary legal and regulatory framework for the business to operate legitimately and effectively.

Through the commercial registry , vital information for companies such as the company name, type of business activity, and legal responsibilities of the founders or partners is documented, making it easier for interested parties to view this information and maintain integrity and transparency in the business. The commercial registry also facilitates financial and commercial transactions, and enhances Dubai’s position as a major center for global business and investments.

The most important frequently asked questions: Commercial Registration in Dubai