How can you verify if a business in the UAE is legally registered? With the country’s booming economy, ensuring a company’s legitimacy is essential before making any financial or business commitments. Trade license verification helps confirm that a company is authorized to operate under UAE regulations.
Every business in the UAE must hold a valid trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant free zone authority. Without proper verification, companies may risk dealing with fraudulent businesses or violating legal requirements.
This guide explains how to check a trade license online in the UAE, covering official verification platforms for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. It also explores alternative verification methods and what to do if a license is expired or invalid.
What Is a Trade License in the UAE?
A trade license in the UAE is an official permit that authorizes a business to operate legally within the country. Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority, it serves as proof of a company’s legitimacy and compliance with local regulations. Businesses cannot legally function in the UAE without obtaining this license.
There are different types of trade licenses based on the nature of business activities:
- Commercial License: For businesses engaged in trading, such as import and export.
- Professional License: For service-based businesses, including consultancies and freelancers.
- Industrial License: For companies involved in manufacturing or industrial activities.
- Tourism License: Required for travel agencies, tour operators, and related services.
A valid trade license ensures regulatory compliance, protects businesses from legal issues, and builds trust among clients and partners.
Why Is It Important to Verify a Trade License?
Verifying a trade license in the UAE is crucial for ensuring that a business operates legally and complies with government regulations. A valid trade license confirms that the company has met all legal requirements, including financial obligations and industry-specific approvals.
One of the primary reasons for verification is fraud prevention Many unauthorized businesses operate without a proper license, leading to potential financial and legal risks for investors and clients. By checking a company’s trade license, individuals and businesses can safeguard themselves against fraudulent enterprises.
Additionally, trade license verification ensures compliance with UAE business laws, helping companies avoid fines, penalties, or legal disputes.
For partnerships and contractual agreements, confirming the authenticity of a trade license is essential to protect all parties involved. Regular verification also helps businesses stay updated on renewal deadlines, preventing unintentional license expirations that could disrupt operations.
What Are the Official Platforms to Check a Trade License in the UAE?
The UAE provides multiple official platforms for verifying trade licenses, depending on the business location and jurisdiction. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the primary authority in mainland UAE, offering online verification services for trade licenses issued in each emirate.
For businesses in Dubai, the Dubai Economy (DED) website allows users to search for companies using a trade name or license number. In Abu Dhabi, the TAMM platform provides a similar service, while Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) manages trade license checks for Sharjah-based companies. Other emirates, including Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, have dedicated portals for license verification.
For free zone companies, verification is conducted through specific free zone authority websites, such as DMCC, JAFZA, and DIFC. Federal platforms like MOHRE also offer business verification services for employment-related inquiries.
How to Check a Trade License Online in Dubai?
Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) offers a seamless online process for verifying trade licenses. The Business Verification service on the Dubai Economy website allows users to confirm a company’s legitimacy using simple search criteria.
To check a trade license online in Dubai, follow these steps:
- Visit the Dubai Economy (DED) website: Navigate to the official portal for business verification.
- Select ‘Search License Information’: This tool allows users to find details about registered businesses.
- Enter the trade license number or company name: Users can search using a company’s registration details.
- Click ‘Check Status’: The system will retrieve relevant information, including license validity, business activities, and renewal requirements.
The online verification system ensures transparency by providing real-time data on business registration status. In addition to confirming a license’s validity, the portal also helps identify companies with expired or suspended licenses, reducing the risk of fraudulent dealings.
How to Verify a Trade License in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, trade licenses are issued and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The government provides an easy online verification system through the TAMM platform, which allows businesses, investors, and customers to check a company’s trade license details.
To verify a trade license in Abu Dhabi, follow these steps:
- Visit the TAMM website: This is the official portal for Abu Dhabi government services.
- Select ‘Economic Development’ Services: Look for the option related to business license verification.
- Enter the Trade License Number or Business Name: Use either of these details for a quick search.
- Click ‘Search’: The system will display the company’s registration status, license validity, and business activity details.
The Abu Dhabi DED also offers customer service support for further verification. If additional confirmation is needed, businesses can contact ADDED or visit a customer service center.
How to Check a Trade License in Other Emirates?
Each emirate in the UAE has its own economic department that manages trade license registration and verification. Businesses operating outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi can check their trade license status through the respective emirate’s official portals:
- Sharjah: Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) offers an online verification system.
- Ajman: Ajman DED provides a business inquiry tool for license checks.
- Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and DED handle business verification.
- Fujairah: Fujairah Municipality allows trade license verification through its online services.
- Umm Al Quwain: The Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce provides business license verification.
To check a trade license in any of these emirates, visit the respective government website, navigate to the trade license section, and enter the company’s trade license number or business name. If online verification is unavailable, individuals can contact the economic department directly.
What Information Can You Find in a Trade License Check?
A trade license check provides essential details about a company’s registration and legal status. When verifying a business license online, the following key information is typically displayed:
- Company Name: The registered name of the business.
- Trade License Number: A unique identification number assigned to the company.
- Business Activities: The authorized activities that the company can legally perform.
- License Expiry Date: The validity period of the license and its renewal status.
- Company Status: Whether the business is active, expired, or suspended.
- Owner or Shareholder Details: In some cases, the license may display company ownership information.
This information helps businesses and investors ensure they are dealing with a legally recognized entity. If any discrepancies appear during verification, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities for clarification.
Alternative Methods to Verify a Trade License in the UAE
While online verification is the most convenient method, there are alternative ways to check a company’s trade license in the UAE:
- Physical Verification: Visit the company’s registered office and request to see the original trade license. Ensure it includes the company’s details, issue date, and official DED stamp.
- Contacting Government Authorities: Reach out to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority to confirm the license’s authenticity.
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry: This organization provides company information and registration verification for Dubai-based businesses.
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation): This federal platform offers employment and business verification services.
Using multiple verification methods ensures accuracy and prevents dealing with fraudulent companies operating without proper authorization.
What to Do If a Trade License Is Expired or Invalid?
An expired or invalid trade license can lead to legal consequences, including fines and business restrictions. If a company’s trade license has expired, the following steps should be taken:
- Check the Expiry Date: Confirm the expiration status using an official verification platform.
- Renew the Trade License: Companies must apply for renewal through the DED or relevant free zone authority before the grace period ends.
- Clear Outstanding Fees or Penalties: If the license has expired due to unpaid fees, businesses must settle outstanding amounts before renewal.
- Update Business Information: If required, update any business details, such as shareholder information or location changes, during the renewal process.
- Report Fraudulent Licenses: If a company is found using a fake or invalid license, report it to the DED, Dubai Chamber, or local authorities.
Operating without a valid license can result in fines, legal actions, or even business suspension. Regularly monitoring license status helps businesses remain compliant with UAE regulations.
How to Verify a Trade License for Free Zone Companies?
Trade licenses issued by UAE free zones are managed independently by their respective authorities. Each free zone has its own portal for trade license verification. Here are some of the major free zones and their verification platforms:
| Free Zone | Verification Portal |
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) | DMCC Business Directory |
| Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) | JAFZA Online Services |
| Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) | DIFC Public Register |
| Sharjah Free Zone (SAIF Zone) | SAIF Zone License Lookup |
| Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) | RAKEZ Business Directory |
To verify a trade license in a free zone:
- Visit the official website of the relevant free zone.
- Access the business directory or license verification section.
- Enter the company’s name or trade license number.
- View the license details, including status and validity.
Since free zones operate under different regulations than mainland businesses, it is important to check licenses through the appropriate authority to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Verifying a trade license in the UAE is a critical step in ensuring business legitimacy, regulatory compliance, and financial security. With online verification platforms provided by DED and free zone authorities, checking a company’s trade license is now more accessible than ever.
By following the outlined steps, businesses and investors can confirm a company’s operational status, authorized activities, and validity period. In cases of expired or fraudulent licenses, immediate action must be taken to avoid potential risks.
Whether you are a business owner, investor, or customer, regularly verifying trade licenses helps maintain a transparent and trustworthy business environment in the UAE. Always use official government platforms or contact relevant authorities to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
FAQs
How often should businesses check their trade license status?
Businesses should check their trade license status annually to ensure timely renewal and compliance. Regular verification helps avoid penalties and business disruptions.
Can I verify a company’s trade license using its name?
Yes, most government portals allow verification using a company’s name or trade license number. However, using the license number ensures more accurate results.
What should I do if I suspect a fraudulent trade license?
If you suspect a fake or expired trade license, report it to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority. Authorities can verify and take action.
Are online verification portals updated in real time?
Yes, government trade license verification portals provide real-time updates. Any changes, such as renewals or suspensions, are reflected immediately in the system.
Do small businesses in the UAE need a trade license?
Yes, all businesses, regardless of size, must have a trade license to operate legally in the UAE. Operating without one can result in fines or business closure.
Can an expired trade license be renewed online?
Yes, businesses can renew their trade licenses online through DED or free zone portals. Required documents and payments must be submitted before renewal approval.
How can I check if a company is blacklisted in the UAE?
You can check a company’s legal status through the DED website or consult government authorities. Blacklisted companies often have revoked or suspended licenses.
