UAE businesses can change their names at their discretion. However, the name change for a company has to be done as per procedures and regulations stated in the UAE Companies Law. In UAE, the law prescribes that name changes are to be approved by all stakeholders with the approval of relevant authorities.
Usually, businesses go for a name change either from a government order, to reflect the company’s new brand, and/or a change in the activities of the business.
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Requirements to Change Company Name in Dubai, UAE
The basic documents that are required in changing the name of a UAE company are the following:
- Company’s memorandum of association
- Company articles of association
- The certificate of incorporation
- General meeting documents such as notice for the general meeting together with an explanatory statement, attendance sheet of the general meeting, and minutes of the general meeting as well as copies of the resolution to change the name of the UAE company
- Trademark filing or a registration certificate for the brand-new name of the business
- Trademark filing or registration certificate, including no objection certificate (NOC) for the use of the new trademark, if applicable
- Approvals from the regulatory authorities
- Board meeting documents such as notice for the board meeting, attendance sheet from the board meeting, minutes of the board meeting as well as copies of the resolution for the changing of the UAE company name
- Approval from shareholders
- Name approval from the UAE Economic Department
Process for Change Company Name in Dubai, UAE
Creation of Board Resolution for the Changing of a Company Name
The company that wants to change its trade name is required to conduct a board meeting. A board resolution has to be passed with the board meeting to consider the requirement of a change of company name. The resolution has to provide authorization to an expert who will be applying to ascertain whether the proposed company name is in use or not. Additionally, a resolution in convening special general meetings for obtaining the approval of shareholders for the company name change and making amendments to the Articles and Memorandum of Association shall be passed during the same general meeting.
Checking the New Company Name’s Availability With the MOE
After passing a board resolution stating the approval of directors for the name change, authorized person(s) will then make an application with the authorities to check the proposed company name’s availability. The proposed name has to be unique. It also has to be by the guidelines set by the authorities.
Shareholder’s Special Resolution
As soon as the proposed name of the company has the approval from the authorities, a special general meeting will be required from the company to obtain the approval of the shareholders. A special resolution has to be produced for the changing of name, as well as the alteration to the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Filing of Application and Resolution for Name Change Approval
After passing a special resolution from the company’s stakeholders, the special resolution will be brought together with the approval application for a change of company name in the UAE. The prescribed fees should also be settled.
Obtaining an Updated Certificate of Incorporation
As soon as the application for a company name change has been completed, the local authorities will verify the same. They will also be issuing the business an updated version of the certificate of incorporation. Your new company name will be effective as soon as the certificate of incorporation with the new company name has been issued.
Incorporation of the New Changes to the Company Documents
After the authorities’ issuance of an updated certificate of incorporation for the business, a company that’s changing its name is also required to take other steps. These steps are necessary for the incorporation of the new name into business documents. This includes the Articles and Memorandum of Association.
A company has to print, affix, or paint, along with its brand new name, the names that were changed from the previous two years on the place in which it is carrying the business operations. This should also be in letter papers, business letters, and other publications of the company.
Seeking the Help of Professionals
The changing of a UAE company’s name can be quite a challenge, especially when businesses are juggling several different aspects. At FAR Consulting Middle East, our business consultants based in Dubai, UAE will be able to help you solve the challenge of acquiring a new trademark for your business. With over two decades of experience in the industry and a team of leading business consultants, we will help you make lasting and distinctive improvements to your organization.
