Opening a commercial register in Dubai. Dubai is considered one of the most prominent global destinations for those wishing to establish their own companies, thanks to the thriving economic environment and advanced infrastructure provided by the city. In recent years, Dubai has become a major hub for business and investments, attracting many entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.
One of the most important factors that contribute to Dubai’s attractiveness are government policies that support business and facilitate the process of establishing companies, a commercial register in Dubai , including the possibility of establishing a company without the need for a local sponsor. This encourages more investors to take a step towards realizing their business dreams in this dynamic city.
In this article, we will review the basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai without a sponsor, starting from choosing the appropriate type of business activity to obtaining the necessary licenses. This comprehensive guide will provide valuable information to help you navigate the incorporation process with ease, enabling you to start your business in the shortest possible time and with the least effort.

Opening a commercial register in Dubai
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ToggleChoose the type of business activity
Choosing the type of business activity is the first and most important step when setting up a company in Dubai without a sponsor. This choice requires careful study and deep analysis of several factors to ensure the success and sustainability of the project. Here are the basic steps to follow to choose the type of business:
Determine the type of activity
The first step is to determine the type of commercial registration in Dubai that you wish to practice. This activity can be in multiple fields such as trade, industry, services, or technology. It is necessary to have a clear idea of the type of activity that suits your skills and interests, and brings you the desired profit. You can benefit from market studies and talk to experts in the field to get guidance and advice.
Search for available activities
After determining the type of activity, you should search for activities available in Dubai that suit your idea. You can view the list of business activities provided by the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED), which is the body responsible for regulating businesses in the emirate. DED provides a comprehensive list of hundreds of different businesses, allowing you to choose the one that best suits you.
Review the terms and conditions of the activity
Each business has its own terms and conditions that must be carefully reviewed before starting the incorporation procedures. These terms include special licenses, legal requirements, and specific fees. It is essential to be aware of all the details regarding your chosen business to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations.
Additional tips
- Consult experts: It is helpful to consult a lawyer or business consultant for guidance on available businesses and their terms.
- Market Study: Conduct a comprehensive market study to understand the demand and supply in the field you wish to enter, which will help you make an informed decision.
- Estimate costs: Determine the costs associated with each business activity, including fees, licenses, and other operational costs.
By following these steps, you will have laid a strong foundation for choosing the type of business activity that is right for you, which will facilitate the rest of the procedures for establishing a company in Dubai without a sponsor.
Trade name registration
Registering a trade name is a crucial step in the process of establishing a company in Dubai without a sponsor, as the trade name reflects the company’s identity and contributes to distinguishing it from other companies. This process can be divided into three main steps:
Choose a trade name
The first step in registering a trade name is to choose a name that expresses the company’s activity and values. The name should be unique and easy to remember, and should preferably have a positive connotation of the company’s products or services. It is a good idea to consult the work team or partners in choosing a name to ensure that it is compatible with the company’s vision and future goals.
Check name availability
After choosing the trade name, you must ensure that it is available and not used by other companies. This can be done by visiting the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website or contacting them directly. This step ensures that there are no legal conflicts that may lead to problems in the future. If the name is available, you can reserve it for a specific period until the rest of the registration procedures are completed.
Trade name registration
After confirming the availability of the name, it is the turn to register it officially with the competent authorities. The registration application can be submitted online through the Department of Economic Development (DED) website or by visiting one of the authorized service centers. Registration requires submitting some basic documents such as a copy of the passport and filling out a registration application form. After submitting the application and paying the required fees, the company will receive a trade name registration certificate, enabling it to proceed with obtaining the necessary licenses to start the business.
Registering a trade name is not just a routine procedure; Rather, it is a strategic step that contributes to building the company’s identity and enhancing its presence in the market. Therefore, it must be treated with caution and attention to ensure that the most appropriate name is chosen and registered correctly and legally.

Obtaining the necessary licenses
Obtaining the necessary licenses
The step of obtaining the necessary licenses is one of the most important steps in the process of establishing a company in Dubai without a sponsor. This step includes a set of procedures that must be followed to ensure the company’s compliance with local laws and regulations. Below are the main details of this step:
Apply for the license
The first step at this stage is to apply for a commercial license. The business owner must fill out the required form and submit it to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai or the free zone in which he wishes to establish the company. The form includes information about the type of business, business name, and any additional details that may be required.
Review legal requirements
After submitting the application, the competent authorities review all documents and information submitted to ensure their compliance with legal requirements. This may require the submission of additional documents such as copies of passports, certificates of good conduct, and the lease contract for the office or commercial facility. The employer must ensure that all documents are intact and up to date to avoid any delays in the approval process.
Pay the required fees
Once the application is approved, the business owner must pay the fees required to issue the business license. These fees vary based on the type of business and the region in which the company will be established. Fees usually include the cost of issuing the license and other costs such as registration fees and administrative services fees. You must ensure that all fees are paid on time to avoid any additional fines or delays in the incorporation process.
Following these steps carefully and carefully ensures that the necessary licenses are obtained quickly and easily, allowing the business owner to start his business in Dubai without the need for a sponsor in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Our company’s role in opening a commercial register in Dubai
The process of establishing a company in Dubai without a sponsor is one of the vital steps that requires precision and advance planning to ensure the success of the business project. By following the steps outlined in this article, entrepreneurs can start establishing their businesses with confidence and reassurance. It is necessary to choose the appropriate type of business activity after studying the market and available opportunities, and then choose a trade name that reflects the company’s identity and register it officially. The necessary licenses must also be obtained from the competent authorities to ensure that the company complies with all legal requirements.
Establishing a company without a sponsor in Dubai gives investors greater freedom and independence in managing their business, which contributes to creating a flexible and innovative work environment. Although the process may seem complicated to some, adherence to regulatory procedures and cooperation with stakeholders can ease the path towards achieving commercial success.
In the end, every entrepreneur must be fully aware of all the details related to establishing his company and seek the help of specialized experts and consultants when needed to ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently. We wish all entrepreneurs success and success in their new projects, and we hope that this article has provided them with basic instructions to embark on their business journey in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions about opening a commercial register in Dubai
Can foreigners open a commercial register in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open a commercial register in Dubai. They can own 100% of the company in free zones, while company registration in core areas requires a local partner to own 51% of the company’s shares, except in some cases where new laws allow full foreign ownership.
Is it possible to change the business activity after opening the register?
Yes, it is possible to change the commercial activity after opening the register, but this requires amending the commercial register and obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
Is it possible to open a commercial register without a physical office?
Some business activities may require a physical office, but there are some activities that can operate without a physical office by using virtual office services provided by some free zones.
How can I get advice to open a commercial register in Dubai?
What are the free zones in Dubai where a commercial register can be opened?
Jebel Ali: for commercial and industrial companies. Dubai South: for logistics and industrial companies. Dubai Internet City: for technology companies. Dubai International Financial Centre: for financial companies.