UAE Free Zone Company Name Change Guide 2026
UAE free zone companies can change their registered company name after incorporation. Here is the 2026 guide to the name change process, requirements, and costs.
In this guide:
Reasons for Changing Your UAE Free Zone Company Name
- Rebranding or pivoting the business
- Merging with another company and adopting a combined name
- Name was available initially but a similar brand has grown prominent
- Changing from a personal-name company to a brand-name company
- Investor requirement for name change as part of investment terms
UAE Free Zone Company Name Change Process
- Check new name availability: Verify the desired new name is available in the free zone (and UAE-wide where applicable)
- Board/Shareholder resolution: Pass a resolution approving the name change
- Application to free zone: Submit the name change application form with required documents
- Name reservation: Reserve the new name
- Free zone approval: Free zone authority approves the change (typically 1-3 business days)
- Issue of new documents: Free zone issues updated trade licence, certificate of incorporation, and updated MoA in the new name
Cost of UAE Free Zone Company Name Change
- Government fee: AED 500-2,500 (varies by free zone)
- New trade licence fee: Free zone may issue a fresh licence with the new name
- Document amendment fee: AED 500-1,500 for updated MoA and other documents
- Total typical cost: AED 1,500-5,000
After the Name Change — What Else Needs to Be Updated?
A company name change requires updating multiple records:
- UAE bank accounts: Notify your bank; some banks require in-person name change processing
- UAE VAT registration (if registered): Update FTA records with new company name
- UAE CT registration: Update EmaraTax portal
- Contracts: Existing contracts are with the old company name — they remain valid but counter-parties should be notified
- Visa documents: Investor and employee visas do not automatically update — they retain the old company name until visa renewal
- Website, email, marketing materials: All should be updated