Verifying a company’s trade license is a smart first step before doing business in the UAE. It protects your interests, ensures you’re dealing with a legally registered company, and helps build trust. If you’re based in Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, this guide will help you understand how to perform a Dubai Trade License Check online and what you should look for during the process.
Why Is Trade License Verification Important in the UAE?
In the UAE, every legal business must hold a valid trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a specific Free Zone authority. A valid license confirms that the company is allowed to operate, pay taxes, and engage in the commercial activity listed in the license.
Performing a Dubai Trade License Check helps you:
- Confirm a company is registered and active
- Ensure legal compliance
- Avoid dealing with unlicensed or fraudulent entities
- Know the scope of the company’s permitted activities
What Is a Trade License in Dubai?
A trade license in Dubai is an official document issued by the Department of Economic Development. It gives a company the right to carry out business activities legally in the emirate. There are several types of licenses—commercial, industrial, and professional—each tied to the kind of business the company operates.
Every license has a unique license number, the name of the company, the legal form (like LLC or sole proprietorship), and the business activity type.
How to Do a Dubai Trade License Check Online
To do a Dubai Trade License Check online, you just need the company’s name or license number. Visit the official DED website, enter the details, and view the license status, business activity, and expiry date. It’s fast, free, and gives you peace of mind before doing any business in Dubai.
Step 1: Identify What Information You Have
To check a trade license, you need at least one of the following:
- The company’s trade name
- The trade license number
- The company registration number
This information is often found on invoices, proposals, or the company’s official website.
Step 2: Access the Official Verification Portal
Each emirate has its own method for online verification. If the company is based in Dubai mainland, the verification is usually done through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). For other emirates or free zones, there are separate portals.
For a Dubai Trade License Check, you would typically search through the official DED platform, where you can enter the license number or business name and check:
- Status (Active, expired, or canceled)
- Business activities
- Expiry and issue dates
- Owner details
- Office location
Step 3: Interpret the Results
When you find the license information, make sure:
- The license is active
- The business activity listed matches what the company is offering
- The license is issued by the correct authority (DED, Free Zone, etc.)
- The name and license number are consistent with the company’s branding and documents
If anything looks suspicious or incomplete, avoid moving forward until it’s clarified.
Types of Trade Licenses in the UAE
There are several types of trade licenses depending on the business structure and activity:
Commercial License
Issued to businesses involved in trading and selling products. This is the most common license type for retailers, wholesalers, and import/export companies.
Professional License
Given to service providers, consultants, or professionals such as doctors, architects, or engineers.
Industrial License
For businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial operations.
Free Zone authorities issue licenses for companies operating in their jurisdictions, often with added benefits like 100% foreign ownership.
How to Check a Free Zone Trade License
Free Zone companies have their own registration processes. To verify a license:
- Visit the official portal of the respective Free Zone (like DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, etc.)
- Enter the company name or license number
- Review similar details: business activity, validity, and registered owner
If you’re working with a Free Zone company, it’s essential to make sure the Free Zone authority is a recognized entity in the UAE.
What Details Are Shown in a Trade License Check?
When doing a Dubai Trade License Check, you’ll typically see:
- License Number
- Company Name (in English and Arabic)
- Business Activity
- License Status (Active or expired)
- Expiry Date
- Registered Address
- Legal Form (LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.)
These details help you make sure that the company is legally allowed to conduct the services it offers.
Common Reasons to Check a Trade License
People often do a Dubai Trade License Check to confirm if a business is real, legal, and trustworthy. It’s helpful before signing deals, making payments, or starting partnerships. This check helps avoid scams, ensures compliance, and gives peace of mind when dealing with companies in Dubai and across the UAE.
To Confirm Legitimacy
You might receive a proposal from a company you’re unfamiliar with. Checking their trade license ensures they’re real and compliant.
To Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, some unlicensed operators try to do business in the UAE. A license check helps avoid potential fraud.
For Internal Compliance
If you’re forming business relationships or joint ventures, your legal or compliance team will need this information as part of due diligence.
When Should You Do a Trade License Check?
- Before signing a business deal
- Before transferring payments
- When hiring a supplier or vendor
- When starting a partnership
- When conducting audits or legal reviews
Is There a Fee for Checking a Trade License?
No, there is no fee to perform a Dubai Trade License Check online. The verification tools provided by government portals are free and accessible to the public.
What to Do If You Can’t Find a Company’s License
If the license doesn’t appear in an online search:
- Double-check the spelling and license number
- Confirm whether the company is in a Free Zone or on the mainland
- Contact the relevant licensing authority for help
- Be cautious and do not proceed with the deal until verification is complete
Why You Should Work with Licensed Companies Only
Doing business with a licensed company is not only legal—it’s safe. An active license means:
- The business is officially recognized
- It pays local taxes and follows regulations
- You have legal backing in case of disputes
Unlicensed companies may not be insured, and you’ll have little recourse if something goes wrong.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to do business in Dubai or any part of the UAE, verifying a company’s credentials is key. A simple Dubai Trade License Check gives you peace of mind and protects you from fraud or legal issues. Whether the company is on the mainland or in a Free Zone, this step is critical.
For guidance through the process or help starting your own company with full legal support, connect with expert Business Setup Services in Dubai, UAE. They can guide you through everything from licensing to compliance with confidence.
FAQs
Can I check a company’s trade license using only the name?
Yes, most portals allow you to search by either the company name or license number.
What if the trade license is expired?
It means the business is no longer legally allowed to operate. Avoid dealing with it until the license is renewed.
Are Free Zone licenses different from mainland licenses?
Yes. Free Zone licenses are issued by Free Zone authorities, while mainland licenses are issued by DED. Each has different rules.
Is there a central portal for all UAE trade license checks?
Currently, there is no single portal for all licenses. Each emirate and Free Zone has its own system.
Can I download a copy of a company’s trade license?
Only authorized persons or company owners can usually download the full license document. Public access is limited to verification only.
