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To check a trade license online in Dubai, use the official portal of the authority that issued the license. Mainland Dubai licenses can be checked through the Dubai DED/DET portal, while free zone companies must be verified through their own authority portals such as DMCC, DAFZA, DSOA, JAFZA, or DIFC. Enter the trade license number or company name to view key details such as license status, expiry date, business activities, and issuing authority. The check is usually free and helps confirm whether a business is legally registered before you sign a contract, make a payment, open a bank account, sponsor employees, or apply for visas.
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.
Understanding the license-issuing authority is key before you begin the verification process:
Licensed by independent authorities such as:
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.
The DED provides a simple tool called “DED Trader Lookup.”
Steps:
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.
Each Free Zone has its own online search system:
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.
If you’re unsure of the business’s exact jurisdiction:
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.
Once you’ve searched using the correct platform, here’s what you’ll typically find:
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.
If the result isn’t showing:
This is particularly useful when dealing with businesses undergoing renewal or cancellation processes.
Here are practical situations where knowing how to check trade license online in Dubai is critical:
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.
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.
To check a trade license online in Dubai, visit the official portal of the authority that issued the license. For mainland companies, use the Dubai DED or DET license inquiry service. For free zone companies, use the relevant free zone portal such as DMCC, DAFZA, DSOA, JAFZA, or DIFC.
Yes, trade license verification through official Dubai government or free zone portals is generally free. You can usually search using the trade license number or company name without paying a fee.
A Dubai trade license check may show the company name, license number, license type, business activities, legal structure, issue date, expiry date, registered address, and current status such as active, expired, suspended, or cancelled.
Yes, both mainland and free zone trade licenses can be checked online, but they are not always listed on the same portal. Mainland licenses are checked through Dubai DED or DET, while free zone licenses must be checked through the specific free zone authority that issued them.
If you cannot find a company license online, check the spelling of the company name, try searching with the trade license number, and confirm whether the company is mainland or free zone. If it still does not appear, contact Dubai DED, DET, or the relevant free zone authority directly.
Trade licenses in Dubai are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland businesses and by individual free zone authorities for companies registered in free zones such as DMCC, DAFZA, DSOA, JAFZA, DIFC, Dubai South, and other jurisdictions.
Verifying a trade license helps confirm that the company is legally registered, active, and authorised for the activity it claims to provide. It reduces the risk of fraud, expired licenses, suspended companies, and business disputes before signing contracts or making payments.
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 a 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.
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