Reserving a trade name in Saudi Arabia: period, requirements and what changed under the new law

Trade name reservation period

The name stays reserved for you for 60 days until the Commercial Registration is issued, and the service is available in Arabic and English ^[1]. A name can be reserved without specifying the entity type or activity ^[2].

The service page on the Ministry of Commerce website does not state the reservation fee; it is shown on the platform when you apply ^[1].

What is new in the Trade Names Law?

• Non-Arabic names: names in other languages, and with letters and numbers, are permitted ^[3].
• Transfer of ownership: ownership of a trade name can be transferred separately from the business ^[3].
• Existing names: names registered before the law are not affected ^[4].

Names that are not accepted

The law sets clear criteria for prohibited names, and a name already used by an existing business cannot be reserved even if the activity is different ^[3].

Our practical advice: search for the name on the reservation platform before you design a logo or print anything, and also search the trademark database of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) so you do not run into a registered mark. Details in the trademark guide.

Trade name or trademark?

The trade name identifies the business in the Commercial Register, while a trademark protects the logo or name under which you sell your products or services, and is registered with SAIP for separate fees. Reserving one does not replace the other.

Frequently asked questions