Free tool
UAE trade name rules and checklist
A UAE trade name is the registered name of your company, approved by the licensing authority. It must end with the legal form, such as LLC or FZE, avoid religious and governing-authority names, suit your activity and be unique. This checklist explains the rules and flags common problems in a proposed name.
The rules
What makes a trade name acceptable?
- 01
Ends with the legal form
The trade name must be followed by the legal form acronym, such as LLC, EST, PJSC or PrJSC. Free zone companies use their zone’s suffix, such as FZE, FZCO or FZ-LLC.
- 02
Respects public morals and order
Names must not violate public morals or public order.
- 03
Fits the activity and legal status
The name should suit the business activity and the company’s legal form, and not suggest an activity you are not licensed for.
- 04
No religious or authority names
Names must not contain the names of religions, governing authorities or external bodies, or use their logos.
- 05
Unique
The name must not already be registered. Search the licensing authority’s trade name register before applying.
Enter a name to check it against the rules.
Frequently asked
About trade names
What are the trade name rules in the UAE?
The name must end with the legal form acronym, respect public morals and order, suit the activity and legal status, avoid the names of religions and governing authorities, and be unique. Each emirate’s licensing authority approves names.
Is a trade name the same as a trademark?
No. The local economic department registers trade names, while the Ministry of Economy and Tourism registers trademarks. Many companies register both to protect their brand.
Does this checker confirm my name is available?
No. It checks the mechanical rules only. Availability and final approval are decided by the licensing authority, so search its register before applying.
Reserve your name with confidence
We check availability with the authority, reserve the name and protect it as a trademark.