Wondering how to check a trade license online in the UAE? Whether you’re verifying a business’s legitimacy or reviewing your own company’s documentation, checking a trade license in Dubai online can save you time, money, and legal trouble. In a country where transparency and compliance are key, accessing trade license details online offers convenience and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to verify any trade license in Dubai and across the UAE—quickly, accurately, and hassle-free.
What is a Trade License in Dubai, UAE?
A Trade License in Dubai, UAE, is an official document issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly the Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing individuals or companies to conduct business activities within Dubai legally. It specifies the type of activity permitted and is mandatory for operating any commercial, professional, or industrial business in the emirate.
Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai:
- Commercial License: For trading activities (e.g., import/export, retail, general trading).
- Professional License: For service-orientated businesses (e.g., consultancy, IT, design, education).
- Industrial License: For manufacturing or industrial activities.
- Tourism License: This is for businesses in the travel and tourism sector.
Benefits of a trade license in Dubai, UAE
Obtaining a trade license in Dubai, UAE, offers numerous benefits for entrepreneurs and businesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:
1. Legal Authorization to Operate a Business
A trade license provides the legal framework for conducting business in Dubai. It ensures that your operations comply with UAE laws and protects you from potential legal issues, fines, or shutdowns.
2. Access to local and international markets
With a trade license, businesses can operate in the UAE market and expand internationally. It supports import-export and global partnerships, especially in free zones.
3. Tax advantages
Dubai’s businesses benefit from limited corporate and 0% personal income tax. Free zones often offer full tax exemptions and allow complete return of profits and capital.
4. Business banking access
A valid trade license is essential for opening a corporate bank account, as it builds financial credibility and eases transactions with clients and suppliers.
5. Eligibility for residency visas
Business owners and employees in the UAE can apply for residence visas to sponsor their families and live in the country long-term.
6. Flexibility in choosing business activities
Trade licenses in Dubai allow you to select from thousands of business activities. You can also combine multiple activities under one license, depending on the license type.
7. Enhanced brand credibility and trust
Businesses with valid licenses gain recognition as trustworthy entities, strengthening their credibility with customers, investors, and government authorities.
8. Access to office space and infrastructure
Mainland and many free zone licenses require offices or flexi-desks, giving businesses a physical presence and access to local resources.
9. Opportunity to bid on government and corporate contracts
Holding a mainland license allows businesses to participate in UAE government tenders and large corporate projects, unlocking significant growth opportunities.
10. Flexible business setup options
Dubai offers mainland, free zone, and offshore setups. Each serves a different business need—mainland for full UAE market access, free zone for tax and ownership perks, and offshore for international operations.
How to Check a Trade License Online
Below are the steps which will help you check the trade license online for your business in Dubai, UAE:
Step 1: Gather Key Information Before You Begin
To check a trade license online, ensure you have the following details ready:
- Trade License Number: the unique identification of your business license
- Registered Company Name: as filed with the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- License Type: commercial, industrial, or professional
Step 2: Visit the DED Website
Access the official website of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to start the Dubai trade license check process.
Step 3: Navigate to the License Verification Section
On the homepage, go to the “Services” section and locate “Search License Information” or similar options to verify a trade license in Dubai.
Step 4: Input Your Business Details
Enter your trade license number and company name (in Arabic) in the search field. This step is critical for accurately checking your trade license online in Dubai.
Step 5: Initiate the Search
Click “Search” or “Verify” to begin the Dubai trade license verification process. The system will fetch and display the current license details.
Step 6: Review License Validity and Status
Once the system pulls up the results, confirm that your license is valid, active, and up to date. This is the final step in the standard Dubai trade license check process.
Read Also: How to Get a Trade License in Dubai
What to Do After Checking a Trade License Online:
If Your Trade License Is Valid:
- Your registration is typically confirmed via email within two business days.
- Contact the Dubai Trade Contact Centre to get your customs and business codes mapped.
- Add users to your Dubai Trade portal to manage business functions effectively.
- You are now ready to operate your business legally and begin transactions.
If Your Trade License Is Invalid or Suspended:
- Respond immediately to any pending documentation or clarifications requested by Dubai Customs.
- Go to the “Service Centre” on the Dubai Trade portal.
- Choose “Dubai Customs” → “Request Business Registration”.
- Under “Registration Enquiry”, upload the requested documents and complete the necessary details.
- Ensure your license details are correctly updated before reactivation.
- You may either continue with the process or withdraw your request.
Alternative Ways to Verify Trade License in Dubai
If you’re hesitant to rely solely on digital platforms to verify trade license Dubai details, two alternative methods offer reliable and thorough verification:
1. Physical Verification of a Dubai Trade License
A physical verification of your Dubai trade license can provide greater peace of mind for those who prefer a direct, hands-on approach. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Gather Basic Company Info: Collect the company’s trade name or license number.
Step 2: Visit the Office: Go to the company’s registered office address listed on their license.
Step 3: Request Documentation: Ask to see the original trade license and supporting documents such as the company registration certificate, tenancy contract, and commercial agreements.
Step 4: Review for Authenticity: Examine the design, stamps, layout, and other security features to ensure authenticity.
Step 5: Cross-Reference with Official Records: Use online portals to check the trade license online and compare the details for a more accurate UAE trade license check.
While time-consuming, this method provides the most comprehensive assurance of the business’s legitimacy.
2. Verify with Government Authorities
If you need to verify a trade license in Dubai, contacting official government entities offers a trusted solution.
- Department of Economic Development (DED): As the issuing authority, the DED can confirm license validity, issue and expiry dates, and company details.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI): This body can help verify registered businesses, especially those engaged in trade.
- Dubai Customs: For import/export businesses, Dubai Customs can verify your company’s registration and licensing status.
To speed up the process, provide either the trade license number or the full business name when contacting these entities for a UAE trade license check.
Whether you check the trade license online or prefer physical or official verification methods, it’s crucial to ensure that a business holds a valid and active license to operate legally in Dubai.
Ensure Business Legitimacy with a Dubai Trade License Check
Verifying a Dubai trade license is a simple yet crucial step to protect your business interests in the UAE. Whether you check the license online, verify it in person, or consult government authorities, confirming its validity ensures compliance, reduces legal risks, and builds trust with partners. A quick UAE license check reveals a company’s legal status instantly, enabling fast, confident business decisions.
Need Help with Trade License Verification or Business Setup in the UAE?
For expert guidance on:
- Trade license verification in Dubai
- Business setup assistance
- Compliance support
Contact Us Today:
📞 Phone: +971 4 408 1900
💬 WhatsApp: +971 50 777 5554
✉️ Email: [email protected]
We simplify UAE business processes for you—reach out for prompt, hassle-free support!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I verify my trade license offline?
Yes, you can verify your trade license by visit the Department of Economic Development (DED) office.
Q2. What do you do if a trade license expires?
If a trade license expired, you must renew it immediately through the relevant DED portal to avoid fines and business disruptions.
Q3. How long is a trade license valid in the UAE?
A UAE trade license is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Q4. Is there any online portal for trade license verification?
Yes, you can check a trade license online through the DED website or Dubai Economy’s portal.
Q5. How can I check my Dubai trade license online?
Visit the Dubai Economy website, enter the license number or business name, and verify the license instantly.
Q6. Is verifying the trade license in Dubai mandatory before signing contracts?
Yes, verifying the trade license in Dubai is strongly recommended to ensure the business is legitimate.
Q7. Can I use my license number to check a UAE trade license?
Absolutely. To check a UAE trade license, you can input the license number on official portals like the DED website.
Q8. What are the steps to check a trade license online in the UAE?
Go to the relevant emirate’s economic department portal, access the license verification tool, and enter the business details.
Q9. How do you know if a trade license is real in Dubai?
To verify if a Dubai trade license is genuine, use the official license verification tool from Dubai Economy.
Q10. Can expired licenses still be found during a Dubai trade license check?
Yes, expired licenses may appear, but they’ll be marked inactive or expired in the system.
*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.
