UAE business naming guidelines
Must be unique
Your name cannot be identical or confusingly similar to an existing licensed entity in the same jurisdiction.
Activity-aligned
Trade names should reflect your licensed business activity — mismatches can delay approval.
No restricted terms
Words like Bank, Insurance, or government references need special approvals or are prohibited.
Jurisdiction-specific
Availability in one free zone does not guarantee the same name in another — we check your target route.
Frequently asked questions
Submit up to three name options using this form. Our team checks availability across DED mainland, major free zones, and other emirates — then replies with status and compliant alternatives if needed.
Names can be rejected if they duplicate existing companies, use restricted terms (e.g. Bank, Insurance), offend local sensibilities, or conflict with government naming rules. We flag these before you apply for a license.
Preliminary feedback is typically within 24 hours. Official authority confirmation may take 1–2 business days depending on the jurisdiction you choose.
Yes. Once a name is approved, we can reserve it for 30–60 days (varies by authority) while you complete formation documents.
Yes — submitting 2–3 prioritized options speeds up approval. If your first choice is taken, we move to your next preference without restarting the process.
Yes. Each free zone maintains its own registry. A name available in IFZA may not be free in DMCC or DED mainland. We check against your intended jurisdiction.