If you are running a business in the UAE mainland, a valid DED License is a must. It confirms that your business is legally allowed to operate. The license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). After getting a license, checking it once in a while to make sure it’s still active and updated.
Here is how you can check your DED license details online.
What is a DED License in the UAE?
A DED License is an official approval from the Department of Economic Development. It is a requirement to start and run a business in the UAE mainland. This license shows that your company is legal and follows local rules.
It includes your trade name, business license number, legal status, and the type of work your company is allowed to do. So, it acts like your business identity in the UAE.
This license also helps build trust. It shows customers and partners that your company is real and reliable.
Why Check DED License Details?
Let’s talk about why checking your license details is so important. Whether you own a company or plan to work with one, it matters.
Make Sure It’s Legal
There are many businesses in the UAE. Not all are licensed. When you verify a Dubai trade license, you’re making sure the company is legally approved.
Avoid Trouble
If you work with a company that doesn’t have a valid license, you could face problems. You might even get fines. That’s why a DED license check online is smart.
Stay Up to Date
A license has an expiry date. If it’s expired, the company isn’t allowed to work. So, doing a license expiry date check keeps you in the clear.
Build Trust
Clients feel safer working with registered businesses. A quick online business license check UAE shows your company’s active status and builds confidence.
Know the Real Status
Sometimes businesses shut down or lose their license. A trade license status check UAE will tell you if the company is still active or suspended.
When Should You Check a DED License?
There are many times when doing a license check is useful. Here are some examples:
- Starting a business deal: Before you sign a deal or send money, make sure the company is legal.
- Hiring a service provider: Planning to work with a contractor, consultant, or agency? Always do a UAE company license lookup first.
- Making investments: Before investing in a business, confirm that they are properly licensed.
- Checking a competitor: Want to know what kind of work your competitor is licensed for? A license search can tell you.
- During due diligence: If you’re forming a partnership, search the trade license number UAE to check their history.
How to Check the DED License Online?
You can easily check a DED license on the government website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the DED eServices site
Go to the official Dubai Economy website. - Find the Search License Info Tool
On the dashboard, look for “Enquiries” on the left. Then click “Search License Information.” - Enter Trade Name or License Number
You can use either the company’s trade name or the business license number UAE. - Pass the Security Test
You’ll need to type the code shown in an image. This proves you’re a real user. - Click Search
Hit the “Search” button after entering the details. - Check the Results
You’ll see the company’s trade name and license number in English and Arabic. - View Full Details
Click on the license number to open the full company profile.
This is a fast and secure way to confirm a company’s trade license in Dubai.
What You’ll See in the DED License Info
When you open the license details, here’s what you’ll find:
- Trade Name: The registered business name.
- License Number: A unique code for the company.
- Expiry Date: When the license will expire.
- License Status: Active, expired, under renewal, or suspended.
- Business Activities: What the company is allowed to do.
- Address: Where the company is based.
- P.O. Box: Mailing address.
- Community: The area where the business is located.
- Phone and Fax: Contact numbers, if available.
These details help you understand the legal standing of any business.
What If the DED License Is Invalid?
An invalid license means the business is not allowed to operate. If that happens, you should act quickly.
You may need to update your information on the UAE trade license search portal. This includes uploading missing documents or fixing your license details.
If you’re dealing with customs or other government departments, they may need this info to move forward. Use the UAE Customs portal to manage business registration and activate services.
Always keep your company registration UAE records up to date to avoid delays or penalties.
How to Renew a DED License in the UAE?
You can renew your DED license online. Just follow these steps:
- Check your tenancy contract
It must be valid. - Gather documents
You may need approvals from certain authorities. - Go to the DED portal
Start the renewal by entering your license number. - Upload the documents
Follow the portal steps and provide everything they ask. - Wait for review
The DED will check your info. They may ask for more. - Pay fees
Once approved, pay the amount shown in your payment voucher.
That’s it. Your license will be renewed, and you’ll stay legal.
How to Get a Trade License in the UAE?
Getting a trade license in the UAE is the first step to running your business legally. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
Let’s walk through it:
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Decide what kind of business you want to start. It could be commercial, professional, or industrial. Your business activity will determine the type of license you need.
2. Pick a Business Location
You need to choose between setting up in the mainland vs the free zone. Each has its own rules and benefits. Mainland company setup UAE gives you more freedom to trade across the UAE. Free zones offer tax benefits and full ownership but limit business to within the free zone or internationally.
3. Select a Trade Name
Pick a unique name for your company. It should follow the UAE’s naming rules. Avoid names that are offensive or similar to well-known brands. You’ll need to submit it for approval.
4. Apply for Initial Approval
Once your name and activity are approved, apply for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.
5. Get External Approvals (if needed)
Some businesses need special permission. For example, if you’re opening a restaurant, you’ll need health and food safety approval. These are called external approvals.
6. Rent Office Space
You must have a physical office in the UAE. For mainland companies, you’ll need a valid tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
7. Submit Documents
Prepare the required documents, including:
Passport copies of owners/shareholders
Initial approval certificate
Trade name certificate
Tenancy contract
MoA (Memorandum of Association) or LSA (Local Service Agent) agreement, depending on license type
8. Pay Fees
Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive a payment voucher. Pay the license fee to receive your DED license and trade license number.
9. Receive Your Trade License
After payment, your business license number in the UAE will be issued. Now your company is fully registered and can operate legally.
Get Professional Help
If you want to avoid delays or confusion, consider working with a trusted expert. Bestax offers full support for business setup in the UAE. They help with everything, from choosing the right license type to handling all paperwork.
Here’s how Bestax can help:
- Free consultation to guide your business structure
- Step-by-step help for company formation in Dubai
- Fast processing of your trade license application UAE
- Assistance with approvals, tenancy contracts, and legal forms
- Support for license renewal status and compliance
- Help with VAT registration and accounting after setup
Get in touch today to start your journey.
Quick FAQs
1. How to verify a trade license in the UAE?
You can verify a trade license in the UAE by visiting the official Department of Economic Development (DED) website.
2. How do I check if a company is legally registered in the UAE?
To check if a company is legally registered in UAE, use the UAE company license lookup feature on the government portals, such as Dubai Economy or Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
3. Do I need a trade license to start a business in Dubai?
You must get a trade license in UAE to start a business in Dubai. Whether you choose a mainland or free zone setup, a trade license is required to legally run your company. It defines your business activities and ensures compliance with UAE laws. Without a license, you cannot legally operate or open a company bank account.
4. Is there a way to check license expiry or renewal status?
You can check license expiry or license renewal status using the DED eServices portal. Just enter your license number in the license search section. The system will show the license status, including expiry date and any pending renewals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
