Checking a company license in Dubai helps verify if a business is legally registered and authorized to operate. This guide explains how to check a company’s trade license status using official government platforms, step-by-step.
What Is a Trade License in Dubai?
A trade license is a legal document issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It allows a company to conduct specific business activities within Dubai.
Four Main Types of Trade Licenses:
| License Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Commercial License | For buying and selling goods |
| Professional License | For service-oriented businesses |
| Industrial License | For manufacturing or industrial activities |
| Tourism License | For travel and tourism businesses |
DET was formerly called the Department of Economic Development (DED), but its licensing functions remain the same.
Why Should You Verify a Company License in Dubai?
You should check a company’s license to confirm its legal existence, registered activity, and operating status.
Main Risks of Unlicensed Businesses:
- No legal recourse in disputes
- High potential for fraud or scams
- No government regulation or oversight
Official UAE government sources recommend always verifying trade licenses before making transactions or commitments.
How to Check Company License in Dubai Online?
You can use several official methods to verify a company’s license in Dubai, depending on its registration type.
✅ Option 1: DET License Search (for Mainland Companies)
Steps:
- Visit: https://eservices.dubaided.gov.ae
- Go to “License Search”
- Enter the company name, license number, or business activity
- View license data: status, issue/expiry date, legal form, etc.
✅ Option 2: DubaiNow App
- Available for iOS and Android
- Navigate to the Business section
- Use the Trade License Search tool
These methods apply only to companies registered under Dubai Mainland jurisdiction.
What Information Will You See in a Trade License Check?
You can retrieve essential company registration data from official portals.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| License Number | Unique company identifier |
| Trade Name | Registered commercial name |
| Legal Form | e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment |
| License Status | Active, Cancelled, or Expired |
| Business Activities | Approved sectors and services |
| Issue & Expiry Dates | License validity period |
| Registered Office | Official business location/address |
This data is available through DET and Free Zone portals depending on the company type.
Can You Check Free Zone Company Licenses in Dubai?
Yes, but not through the DET platform.
Each Free Zone Authority maintains its own license verification portal.
Major Free Zones & Their License Check Websites:
| Free Zone Authority | License Verification URL |
|---|---|
| DMCC (Commodities) | https://dmcc.ae |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | https://dsoa.ae |
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) | https://jafza.ae |
| TECOM / Dubai Internet City | https://www.dubaitecom.ae |
Search by trade name, license number, or activity per the Free Zone portal requirements.
How to Identify Mainland vs Free Zone Company?
Mainland companies are registered via DET.
Free Zone companies are registered via individual free zones.
How to Identify the Jurisdiction:
- ded.ae or dubaided.gov.ae → Mainland
- dmcc.ae, dsoa.ae, jafza.ae → Free zones
Always match the license source to the company’s jurisdiction before verification.
Is There a Public Company Registry in Dubai?
Dubai does not offer a unified company registry.
Each licensing authority hosts its own public register.
Available Public Registries:
| Jurisdiction | Platform | Access Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Mainland | DET eServices Portal | Public |
| DIFC Companies | https://www.difc.ae/public-register | Public |
| Free Zones | Respective Free Zone Portals | Varies |
Centralized registry access is not available for all companies in the UAE.
How Often Should You Check a Company License?
You should:
- Always check before making payments or signing contracts
- Annually review licenses for long-term partners
- Re-check if company details change or seem suspicious
What If a License Is Expired or Not Found?
If a license is not found or marked expired:
- Double-check spelling or license number
- Contact DET or Free Zone authority for clarification
- Avoid any financial transaction until verification is complete
Operating with an expired license is illegal under UAE law.
What Are Common Signs of a Fake License?
Red Flags Indicating a Possibly Fake License:
- No listing in official DET or Free Zone databases
- Incorrect or irregular license number format
- Discrepancies between license and branding
- Fake issue or expiry dates
- Poor-quality or altered license documents
Only official portals can confirm authenticity.
FAQs – Company License Verification in Dubai
Q: Can I search without a license number?
Yes. Use the company’s trade name or activity on DET or Free Zone platforms.
Q: Is the license information free to access?
Yes. DET and most Free Zones offer open search tools.
Q: Can I download the license?
Only authorized individuals (owners or managers) can access license documents.
Q: Do all companies register with DET?
No. DET covers only mainland. Free Zones operate independently.
