For UAE-based entrepreneurs, registering a business in Damascus has become more transparent in 2026. The government has digitalized several steps, reducing processing time by approximately 40% compared to 2022. This step-by-step guide walks through each phase from initial name reservation to receiving your commercial license.
Name Check
Reserve your company name online. Processing: 2-3 business days. Check availability first.
Document Attestation
UAE documents need MOFA attestation plus Syrian embassy legalization. Allow 2-3 weeks.
License Issued
Final commercial license printed within 5-7 working days after complete submission.
Name Reservation
Company names must comply with Syrian naming conventions. Names cannot contain religious references or foreign country names without special approval. Arabic names are required, with English versions allowed as secondary.
| Requirement | Details | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Form | Must be included | Damascus Trading LLC |
| Language | Arabic required | شركة دمشق |
| English | Allowed alongside | Damascus Trading LLC |
| Uniqueness | No duplicates | Verified in 2 days |
Document Attestation
Three-step attestation: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then Syrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, then Syrian Ministry of Justice for translation certification. Each step depends on the previous one.
✅ Tip: Save time by getting all shareholder documents notarized in the UAE before starting the attestation process. Missing signatures cause costly delays.
Commercial Registry
Visit Damascus Commercial Registry or use a registered PRO. Submit attested MOA, name reservation certificate, passport copies, and application form. Fee: approx SYP 150,000 for LLC registration.
Tax Registration
After receiving the commercial registry number, register for income tax and social security. Tax ID issued in 3-5 days. Corporate income tax: 28% on net profits. New companies get a 2-year partial tax holiday.
ℹ️ Note: New companies enjoy a 2-year tax holiday covering 75% of profit in year one and 50% in year two under Investment Law No. 18 provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit Syria in person?
Not necessarily. Vesta Solutions can manage everything through a power of attorney. Some banks may require a personal visit for account opening.
How long is the license valid?
One year. Renewal costs approx SYP 75,000 and takes 1-2 weeks. Must be renewed annually to avoid penalties.
Can I register multiple activities?
Yes, up to 5 activities on one license. Additional activities beyond 5 require supplementary licensing and separate fees.
⚠️ Important: Operating without a valid commercial license can lead to fines of SYP 200,000-1,000,000 and possible business closure.
Resources
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Vesta Solutions today for expert guidance on your UAE-Syria business setup. Our team replies within one working day.
Contact Us or call +971 50 435 0665 — email: info@vesta-solutions.ae
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Omar Al-Khatib (عمر الخطيب)
Legal Research Analyst. Specializes in Syrian commercial law and UAE-Syria cross-border regulations with 6 years of research experience.
