How to Check Trade License Online in Dubai in 2025?

Trade licensing is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority to state your approved business activity, the name of the company, and the legal structure. Without a trade license, you cannot open a bank account, sign office leases, or apply for visas.

What is Trading License?

A trade license in Dubai is an official document that legally authorizes you to carry out business in Dubai. Meaning it’s the permission granted to your company to do business. In simpler terms, it is a mandatory document & no matter of how big or small the business enterprise.

Why Verifying a Trade License Matters?

Imagine for a moment that you are about to enter into a contract with a supplier or invest in a local business.

Without checking whether they have a license or not, you are putting yourself in harm’s way.

In other words, in Dubai, commercial enterprises must have an active trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone authorities.

If the license is either expired or suspended, then consider it a big red flag. 

A restaurant, a couple of shops, and a suave hotel brand were all involved in fraud. The license had expired, and fear went up among the common people.

So, no matter whether you are an owner, an employee, or a consumer-knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai will empower you in making good decisions.

Who Issues Trade Licenses in Dubai?

Before you go online, it helps to understand who manages trade licenses. In Dubai, this depends on where the company is registered:

• Mainland Companies – Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai.
• Free Zone Companies – Licensed by individual Free Zone authorities, such as:
  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
  • Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)
• Offshore Companies – These typically do not operate within the UAE market but may still have a registered presence.

Each authority maintains its own database, but most allow you to access company license information through a simple online search.

Step-by-Step Guide | How to Check Trade License Online in Dubai

To check a trade license online in Dubai, visit the Department of Economic Development (DED) website or the Dubai Trade Portal. Enter the license number or company name in the search section under “License Verification.” Alternatively, use the “Dubai Now” app, select the “Business” section, and verify the license details. The system will display the license status, expiry date, and other relevant information. Ensure the details match the official records to confirm authenticity. This quick online process saves time and ensures compliance with Dubai’s business regulations. Always verify licenses before engaging in commercial transactions.

Here’s how you can verify a company’s trade license, depending on its registration type:

How to Check Trade License Online in Mainland Companies of Dubai

The DED offers a quick and reliable online tool called “DED Trader Lookup.”

Follow these steps:

• Visit the official Dubai Department of Economic Development website: https://ded.ae
• Navigate to “Search License Information” or simply click on the Business Register or Trade Name Search option.
• Enter the company name, trade name, or license number.
• The platform will display:
  
  • Legal name
  • Trade name
  • License status (active, expired, cancelled)
  • Business activities
  • Company address

This is the most common method people use when looking for how to check trade license online in Dubai, especially for businesses operating in the mainland.

How to Check Trade License Online in Free Zone Companies of Dubai

Each Free Zone Trade License has its own verification tool. Below are links and processes for the major ones:

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)

• Visit https://dmcc.ae
• Use the “Company Search” feature under their public register.

DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone)

• Go to https://www.dafz.ae
• Use their public company directory or contact support directly.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)

• Visit https://www.dsoa.ae
• Contact their customer service for verification.

Although the steps may vary slightly, the idea remains the same. You input the trade name or license number and retrieve the business’s legal details.

Using UAE’s Unified Government Portal

If you’re unsure of the Free Zone or issuing authority, another option is the UAE’s Unified Business Registry Platform.

• Visit https://business.gov.ae
• Use the company lookup feature to search across different emirates and authorities.
• This is helpful when you don’t know the exact Free Zone or if the business has a presence in multiple jurisdictions.
  

What Information Will You See?

Once you’ve figured out how to check trade license online in Dubai, here’s the kind of data you can expect:

• License Number
• Company Name
• Legal Structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
• Business Activity
• Expiry Date
• License Status

This information is especially useful when you’re trying to verify the legitimacy of a potential partner or ensure a supplier’s license hasn’t expired.

Case Study

A company named XX, which is a logistics startup founded in Dubai, was considering partnering with a transport company for fleet management.

Before signing a contract, he looked up their license via the DED website. To his surprise, the license had expired three months earlier. This quick check saved him from a potentially expensive mistake.

Understanding how to check trade license online in Dubai saved him time, money, and potential legal trouble.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Knowing the Business Jurisdiction: If you search a Free Zone company in the DED database, it won’t show up. Make sure you know where the company is registered.
• Spelling Errors: Even a small typo in the trade name can prevent results from appearing.
• Using Outdated Links: Always use official government websites or portals. Avoid third-party directories that might show outdated or incomplete information.

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

If your search doesn’t return any results:

• Double-check the spelling of the trade name.
• Try using the license number instead.
• Contact the issuing authority directly via email or phone.
• In urgent cases, visit the relevant office in person for clarification.
  

When Should You Check a Trade License?

There are many situations where knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai comes in handy:

• Before entering a business agreement
• While hiring a business service
• When verifying a potential employer
• Before renting a commercial space

In short, anytime money or trust is involved, it’s smart to double-check.

Key Takeaways

As you know, now things are made easier and simpler! So, verifying and getting a trade license doesn’t require strong technical skills. With the right information and guidance, you can do it yourself. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai gives you an upper hand. If you still feel stuck, talk to our experts. Get a free consultation now!

As you know, now things are made easier and smoother, so verifying and getting the trade license doesn’t require strong technical skills. With the right information and guidance.