How to Check Trade License Online in Dubai in 2026?

A trade license in Dubai is an official document that legally authorizes you to conduct business in the city. Whether your enterprise is large or small, it’s mandatory. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign office leases, sponsor employees, or apply for visas.

Trade licenses are issued either by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or by the relevant free zone authority, depending on your business location. This license outlines your approved business activity, the company name, and legal structure.

1. Why Verifying a Trade License Matters

Imagine you’re entering into a contract with a supplier, client, or even a potential investor. Not verifying their trade license status exposes you to legal risks and fraud. Several businesses in Dubai, including hotels and restaurants, have faced penalties due to expired trade licenses.

That’s why knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai empowers you to protect yourself and your business. It helps ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate, active entity especially when considering partnerships or business agreements.

2. Who Issues Trade Licenses in Dubai?

Understanding the license-issuing authority is key before you begin the verification process:

Mainland Companies

• Licensed by Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Suitable for businesses aiming to operate anywhere in Dubai

Free Zone Companies

Licensed by independent authorities such as:

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
• Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

Offshore Companies

These are registered but do not typically operate within the UAE market.

Tip: If you’re exploring how to get a trade license in Dubai, first identify your business jurisdiction—mainland, free zone, or offshore.

3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Trade License Online in Dubai

For Mainland Companies (DED)

The DED provides a simple tool called “DED Trader Lookup.”

Steps:

1. Visit the official DED portal: https://ded.ae
2. Navigate to “Search License Information” or use the Business Register.
3. Enter the trade name or license number.
4. Review the results, which will include:
   • Trade name and legal name
   • Business activities
   • License status (active/expired/cancelled)
   • Expiry date
   • Registered address

This method is ideal if you’re searching for how to renew trade license in Dubai or just confirming if a mainland company is operating legally.

For Free Zone Companies

Each Free Zone has its own online search system:

• DMCC
• DAFZA
• DSOA

Before signing contracts or making investments, especially with firms based in free zones, always confirm their license status.

Exploring how to get gold trading license in Dubai or how to get forex trading license in Dubai? These licenses are often issued in free zones like DMCC due to relaxed financial activity regulations.

4. Using the UAE’s Unified Government Portal

If you’re unsure of the business’s exact jurisdiction:

• Visit: https://business.gov.ae
• Use the company lookup tool to search across all emirates

This is especially helpful when verifying companies with presence across multiple zones or when you want to check before obtaining a general trading license in Dubai.

5. What Information Will You See?

Once you’ve searched using the correct platform, here’s what you’ll typically find:

• Trade License Number
• Company Name
• Business Activities
• Legal Structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)
• Expiry Date
• License Status (Active/Expired/Suspended)

If you’re wondering how much is general trading license in Dubai, the cost varies by business activity and zone, typically starting from AED 12,000 to AED 30,000 annually. Always verify cost and status before applying.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Knowing the Jurisdiction: Searching for a free zone company on the DED platform will return no results.
• Typos in Search Fields: Incorrect spelling can block results. Double-check your input.
• Using Outdated Websites: Only use official government websites. Avoid third-party directories.

7. What to Do If You Can’t Find the Company?

If the result isn’t showing:

• Re-enter the company name more accurately
• Use the trade license number instead
• Contact the Free Zone or DED directly
• If needed, visit the authority in person

This is particularly useful when dealing with businesses undergoing renewal or cancellation processes.

8. When Should You Check a Trade License?

Here are practical situations where knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai is critical:

• Before entering into a business agreement
• Before renewing trade license in Dubai
• While cancelling a trade license in Dubai
• Before renting a commercial space
• When hiring third-party vendors or suppliers
• When verifying an employer or business partner

Even if you’re starting a new business and figuring out how to get municipal approval for trade license in Dubai, understanding the license status of your prospective partners is a smart move.

9. How Arnifi Helps Simplify License Checks

Arnifi works closely with founders, operators, and compliance teams to verify licenses, decode activity scopes, and flag risks early.

Instead of navigating multiple portals or interpreting regulatory language, Arnifi provides clarity. Whether the task involves verification, renewal guidance, or understanding activity limitations, the focus remains on accuracy and speed.

This support proves especially valuable during expansions, restructures, or cross-border partnerships where errors carry high cost.

10. FAQs

Is trade license verification free in Dubai?
Yes, official portals allow free public checks.

Can an expired license still appear online?
Yes, status will show as expired or inactive.

Do free zone licenses appear on DED portals?
No, each authority maintains its own registry.

Is a trade name enough to verify a license?
Yes, though license numbers provide faster results.

Does license verification confirm visa eligibility?
No, visa quotas depend on additional approvals.

11. Conclusion

The good news? You don’t need technical skills or a consultant to check a trade license. It’s simple, accessible, and free if done through official portals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur planning to start a business in Dubai, considering how to cancel trade license in Dubai, or verifying the credibility of an existing company, knowing how to check license status is essential.

Still need help? Get in touch with our experts for a free consultation. We’ll assist you with everything from verifying a license to explaining how to obtain a general trading license in Dubai or how to renew a trade license without penalties.