Glossary · Trade Name Reservation
What Is Trade Name Reservation in the UAE
Trade name reservation locks your chosen company name while the license is being processed. UAE naming rules ban offensive terms, religious references and names of famous brands.
Why it matters
Why it matters when opening a company
The name is checked against the registry and the naming rules before anything else in the process — most early rejections happen here.
Reservations are time-limited and renewable if incorporation drags on.
Process
How it works
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Choose 2–3 name options per the naming rules
Step 1 -
Check and reserve the name with the authority
Step 2 -
Proceed to initial approval within the reservation window
Step 3
Mini-FAQ
Common questions
How much does name reservation cost?
It is usually bundled into the registration fee; standalone reservations run AED 200 – 1,000* depending on the authority.
What names get rejected?
Names with religious terms, offensive words, known brand names, or generic descriptors without a legal form suffix.