To change your trade license name in the UAE, you must reserve a new name, obtain partner approval, and submit an amendment application to the correct authority. The exact process depends on your jurisdiction. It is either the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies or your specific free zone registrar.
The Name Change Process: Mainland vs. Free Zone
The first step is to identify your company’s licensing authority, as their rules dictate the entire process. A mainland company registered in Dubai follows the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), while a free zone company answers to its specific free zone authority.
For Mainland Companies (Registered with DET)
Businesses operating on the UAE mainland must follow a standardized procedure set by the DET. The process is clear and can often be completed through the official DET portal or with the help of an approved service center.
Choose a Compliant Trade Name & Check Availability: Your proposed new name must adhere to UAE naming conventions. It cannot violate public morals, contain religious names, or use names of external government bodies. You must check the DET business portal to ensure the name is not already taken.
Formally Reserve the New Name: Once you confirm availability, you must apply for trade name reservation through the DET. This generates an official certificate that is a prerequisite for the license amendment.
Prepare a Board or Shareholder Resolution: All partners or shareholders of the company must formally agree to the name change. This is documented in a resolution that must be signed by all relevant parties.
Submit the License Amendment Application: With the name reservation certificate and signed resolution, you can apply for the “Trade License Amendment” service. This involves submitting all required documents to the DET.
Pay Fees and Receive the Amended License: After the application is approved, you will receive a payment voucher. Once paid, the DET will issue the updated trade license featuring the new company name.
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For Free Zone Companies
Free zones in the UAE operate as independent jurisdictions with their own regulators. While the core principles are similar to the mainland process, the execution differs. Each free zone, such as DMCC, JAFZA, or ADGM, has its own online portal and specific fee structure. The general steps for a free zone company include:
- Checking the specific naming rules and regulations of your free zone authority.
- Submitting a service request for a “Company Name Change” through the free zone’s dedicated online portal.
- Uploading the required documents, which always include a formal shareholder resolution signed according to the free zone’s rules.
- Paying the free zone’s specific amendment fees directly through the portal.
- Downloading the new, amended trade license once the free zone authority approves the change.
Documents Required for a Trade Name Change
Having your paperwork in order prevents delays. While minor differences exist between jurisdictions, the core document requirements are consistent.
Estimated Costs and Timelines
Budgeting for both time and money is essential. The costs below are official government fees for mainland companies and do not include any service provider or typing center fees. According to the Dubai DET, business owners can expect the following approximate fees.
- Trade Name Reservation: ~
- Initial Approval for Amendment: ~
- License Amendment Fee: ~ to , depending on the company’s legal form.
Free zone fees are set by each authority and can vary significantly. You must check the official schedule of charges for your specific free zone.
Realistic Timelines
The government process for a name change is generally efficient if all documents are correct.
- Name Approval: 1 business day
- Application Processing: 2-3 business days
- Issuance of New License: 1-2 business days after final payment
Important Checklist: 7 Things to Do After Changing Your License Name
Receiving the amended license is not the final step. To avoid operational, banking, and legal problems, you must immediately update your new company name across all platforms.
- Update Corporate Bank Accounts: Inform your bank immediately. You will need to submit the new trade license to change the account name. Failure to do so can lead to rejected payments and transfers.
- Amend Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Records: This is a legal requirement. You must log in to the EmaraTax portal and submit an amendment request to update your VAT and Corporate Tax registration details.
- Update the Company Establishment Card: Your company’s file with the immigration department (GDRFA or ICP) must reflect the new name. This is vital for all employee visa services.
- Notify Your Landlord and Utility Providers: Submit your new license to your landlord to amend the tenancy contract. You must also update your accounts with DEWA, Du, or Etisalat.
- Inform Key Clients, Customers, and Suppliers: Communicate the change clearly to your business partners to ensure invoices are issued to the correct legal name and payments are processed smoothly.
- Update Your Website, Stationery, and Marketing Materials: All public-facing assets must be updated to reflect the new brand name, including letterheads, business cards, and social media profiles.
- Revise Employment Contracts and Employee Insurance: Ensure all HR documents, including employee contracts and health insurance policies, are updated with the new company name.
Final Words About Changing Trade License Name
After you receive the amended trade license, your first priority should be updating your company’s Establishment Card. Any delay can disrupt employee visa renewals or new applications, leading to unexpected operational freezes and potential fines.
FAQs About Changing Trade License Name
Can I change my trade license name online?
Yes, both mainland and most free zone authorities have online portals where you can submit the entire application for a name change electronically.
What happens if I use the new name before the license is officially changed?
Operating under a name not legally registered on your trade license is a violation of UAE commercial law. This can lead to fines and legal complications. You must only use the new name after the amended license has been issued.
Does changing the trade name affect my company’s existing contracts?
No, the company’s legal status and registration number remain the same. Existing contracts are still valid. You should, however, officially inform all parties with whom you have contracts about the name change by sending them a formal notification and a copy of the new license.
Do I have to announce the name change in a newspaper?
This was a common requirement in the past for certain company types, but for most standard Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) on the mainland today, a newspaper advertisement is no longer required for a simple name change.
