In Dubai, every business needs a valid trade license to operate legally. Whether you’re running a small shop, a consultancy, or an online business, your trade license proves your company’s authenticity and legal standing.
But how do you check your trade license online in Dubai? The process is simple and can be done in minutes through the Dubai Economy (DED) portal. In this complete guide by Business Hub DCS, we’ll walk you through every step from understanding what a trade license is to verifying it online.
A trade license Dubai is an official document issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows you to conduct business activities legally within the UAE.
Every company in Dubai must have a trade license, regardless of size or industry. It defines your business category whether commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism and lists your approved business activities.
Without a valid trade license, a business cannot operate legally, open a bank account, or even apply for visas for employees.
Checking your trade license online ensures your business is legitimate and active. It’s important for:
Business owners to confirm license validity and renewal dates
Clients and investors to verify a company’s legal status
Authorities to maintain compliance with Dubai business laws
A valid trade license builds trust and transparency, while an expired or fake license can lead to fines, penalties, or business suspension.
Dubai offers several types of trade licenses depending on your business activities:
Commercial License: For trading or general business activities
Professional License: For service-based businesses like consultants, designers, or freelancers
Industrial License: For manufacturing or industrial operations
Tourism License: For travel and tourism-related services
At Business Hub DCS, we help entrepreneurs choose the right license type and ensure smooth processing with DED or relevant free zone authorities.
The Dubai government has made trade license Dubai verification quick and simple through the DED (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) online platform.
Follow these easy steps:
Go to the official DED Trader License Verification Portal.
You can search by:
Trade license number
Business name
Owner name
Once you enter the details, the system will show your:
License number
Business name
Activity type
Status (active/expired)
Expiry date
This process works for all mainland companies registered under DED Dubai.
If your business operates under a free zone, the process is slightly different. Each free zone has its own website or portal for license verification.
Here are some common free zones in Dubai and their respective verification links:
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): dmcc.ae
Dubai Silicon Oasis: dso.ae
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone): jafza.ae
Dubai Airport Free Zone: dafz.ae
Each site allows you to check the company name or license number to confirm validity.
You can also verify your trade license using the DubaiNow mobile app, an official platform for all Dubai government services.
Steps:
Download the DubaiNow app (available for Android and iOS).
Log in with your UAE Pass.
Navigate to Business & Economy → Trade License.
Enter your business details to view the current license status.
This app makes it easy to manage your company documents from your phone anytime, anywhere.
At Business Hub DCS, we specialize in complete business setup and trade license solutions in Dubai.
Whether you need a new trade license, renewal, or verification assistance, our team ensures a smooth and hassle-free process.
Our services include:
New company registration
Trade license renewal & modification
License verification assistance
DED, Free Zone & Offshore setup
PRO and visa services
We handle all the paperwork while you focus on growing your business.
Sometimes, users face minor issues during online verification. Common reasons include:
Incorrect License Number: Double-check your digits or name spelling.
Expired License: Renewal may be pending with DED.
Different Authority: Your company might be registered in a Free Zone, not DED.
Technical Glitch: Try again or contact DED support.
If you face any issue, Business Hub DCS can assist with verification or renewal.
Your trade license must be renewed every year to stay valid. Here’s how:
Prepare required documents:
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
BR/1 form
Payment receipt of renewal fee
Submit online through DED portal
Pay renewal fees (depending on business activity)
Receive renewed license digitally
Renewal can also be done through Business Hub DCS, saving you time and avoiding late penalties.
Keeping your trade license valid ensures:
Legal business operations
Access to bank accounts and government services
Visa eligibility for employees
Protection from fines or blacklisting
For new or existing business owners, staying compliant with DED laws is essential for long-term success.
Here are some quick tips for a smooth verification process:
Always keep your trade license number handy.
Save a digital copy of your license in PDF format.
Use the official DED website only to avoid scams.
Renew your license at least 30 days before expiry.
Keep your Ejari contract updated to avoid renewal delays.
Business Hub DCS is a trusted business consultancy firm in the UAE, helping thousands of entrepreneurs and investors register, renew, and verify their trade licenses with ease.
Our experts provide:
Personalized business setup advice
DED & Free Zone guidance
Transparent pricing
24/7 customer support
100% legal compliance assistance
With our support, checking or renewing your Dubai trade license online becomes stress-free and quick.
Your trade license is more than just a document; it’s your company’s legal identity in Dubai. Verifying and renewing it on time protects your business from fines and builds credibility with clients and partners.
Whether you’re checking your license for the first time or renewing it annually, the process is simple when you know where to go.
And if you ever need expert help, Business Hub DCS is here to guide you through every step of your trade license journey from setup to verification and beyond.
Dubai's #1 Business setup consultants
Arzoo Building – Office 107 1st Floor – near old Altawar Center – Al Qusais 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
