DED License Check – How to Do It?

Did you know that every business operating in the Dubai mainland must hold a valid trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)?

This license is not just a formality, it’s a legal requirement that confirms a business is authorised to operate within the Emirate and conduct the specific activities listed on its license.

But how can you ensure that a company is genuinely licensed and its trade license is still valid?

Whether you’re a business owner, investor, customer, or considering a partnership, verifying a DED license is a critical step to protect your interests and ensure compliance with UAE laws.

A quick online check can reveal a wealth of information—from license status and expiry date to registered business activities and legal structure.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to perform a DED license check in the UAE, why it matters, and the official tools and resources available to help you verify a business’s legitimacy with confidence.

What Is a DED License and Why Is It Important in the UAE?

A DED License, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), is a mandatory legal document that authorises a business to operate within the UAE mainland.

Whether you’re starting a consultancy, trading company, or professional service, a DED license confirms that your enterprise meets the regulatory requirements of the local government.

This license serves as a comprehensive regulatory framework that outlines the legal status of the company, its permitted activities, and its trading name. It helps ensure the company operates within the legal and economic frameworks of the UAE.

The importance of this license goes beyond mere legal compliance. It provides potential clients, partners, and authorities with confidence in the business’s legitimacy.

Holding a valid DED license enables the company to open corporate bank accounts, secure office space, sponsor employees, and enter into formal contracts with government or private entities.

Regular checks on the license status are not just recommended for internal control, they are essential for ensuring ongoing compliance, trust, and transparency.

Why Should You Perform a DED License Check?

In a region like the UAE, where entrepreneurship thrives and new businesses are established daily, performing a DED license check is a critical verification step.

This practice confirms whether a company is legally registered, currently operational, and authorised to carry out the activities listed in its license.

There are several key reasons to verify a trade license:

• Verifying Legitimacy: The UAE’s business environment is dynamic, but not all companies are properly licensed. A quick license check ensures you’re dealing with a registered and legitimate business, helping avoid potential scams.
• Ensuring Valid Operation: A valid DED license proves that the business is legally active and allowed to operate within its specified sector. This prevents engagement with companies that may be operating under expired or revoked licenses.
• Accessing Accurate Information: DED license details include the trade name, license number, expiry date, activity list, and license status. Reviewing this information ensures you’re up to date with any structural or operational changes.
• Building Trust: Clients and partners are more likely to engage with businesses that maintain transparent and compliant documentation. A verified license promotes trust and professionalism.
• Avoiding Penalties: In some cases, working with an unlicensed company can lead to legal complications or financial penalties. Performing a DED license check protects your interests.

When Should You Check a DED License?

Understanding when to perform a license check can protect your investments and relationships. While regular checks are ideal, there are specific situations where it becomes particularly important:

• Before signing a contract with a supplier, vendor, or consultant
• When exploring new business partnerships or mergers
• Prior to making significant financial investments in a UAE business
• While hiring a third-party service provider
• When conducting competitor research or industry analysis

Each of these instances involves some level of financial or strategic commitment. A quick verification of the DED license ensures that your decision is grounded in due diligence.

How Can You Check a DED License Online in the UAE?

The Dubai Department of Economic Development has made it simple and efficient to check a business license through its official eServices portal. This digital platform allows users to view real-time information about any business registered under DED in Dubai.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to checking DED license details online:

1. Visit the DED eServices Website: Navigate to ded.ae, the official portal for business services.
2. Go to “Search License Information”: On the left-hand menu of the Business Dashboard, locate the section labeled “Enquiries” and click on “Search License Information”.
3. Enter Relevant Information: You can perform the search using either the trade name or the license number of the company.
4. Complete the Captcha: Enter the security code as displayed in the image to proceed with the request.
5. Initiate the Search: Click the “Search” button to retrieve the results.
6. Review Results: You will see basic license details like the trade name, license number, and company type.
7. Access Full License Details: By selecting a particular license, you can access the full company profile, which contains the following:
   • Trade Name (in both English and Arabic)
   • License Number
   • License Status (Active, Cancelled, Suspended, Under Renewal)
   • Expiry Date
   • Business Activities
   • Legal Form
   • Business Address
   • Contact Information (phone, fax, P.O. Box)

This process is also accessible via the DED mobile app, available for both Android and iOS users. It provides an equally smooth and convenient way to perform checks on the go.

What Information Can You Find Through a DED License Check?

The DED license check reveals a comprehensive company profile, offering crucial insights into the business’s registration and current legal standing. The typical data includes:

• Trade Name: The official business name registered with DED.
• License Number: A unique identifier for the business license.
• Expiry Date: When the license will expire or needs renewal.
• License Status: Indicates whether the license is active, suspended, or expired.
• Authorised Activities: Details of services or operations the business is legally allowed to conduct.
• Company Address: Registered location including community name and zone.
• Contact Details: Telephone, fax, and post box information, where applicable.

This information is especially useful for verifying operational scope, legal status, and contact accuracy.

Are There Other Ways to Verify a DED License in Dubai?

Besides the online platform, the DED offers several other ways to verify trade licenses:

• DED Contact Centre: You can speak to a DED representative by calling 600 545 555. Provide the trade name or license number to receive verification details.
• DED Service Centres: These in-person centers are located throughout Dubai and provide complete support for all licensing services.
• Dubai Chamber of Commerce: If the company is a member, its profile and business license details may also be listed on the Chamber’s business directory.
• Dubai Municipality: For businesses that require municipal approval or inspection, Dubai Municipality records can help cross-verify trade information.
• DED Trader License Verification Tool: This dedicated tool is especially useful for freelancers or home businesses operating under the Trader license.
• Dubai Trade Portal: The UAE Trade Portal offers tools to check business registration status, update VAT profiles, and more.

What Should You Do If You Encounter Issues During a DED License Check?

If the system returns a “license not found” error or if the business information appears outdated, it’s important to:

• Double-check the spelling of the trade name or the accuracy of the license number
• Retry the search using alternative keywords or license types
• Contact DED support directly to confirm any recent changes or renewals

For business owners discovering an invalid status on their own license, the first step is to log in to the UAE Trade Portal, navigate to the Service Centre, and update your registration. Submitting required documentation and updating VAT details can help reactivate the license and avoid penalties.

How Do You Renew or Update a DED License?

To ensure continuous operation, businesses must renew their DED license annually. The renewal process has become simpler with the introduction of digital tools.

Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure your Ejari tenancy contract is valid and active.
2. Access the DED eServices portal and go to the license renewal section.
3. Enter your license number and upload all required documents.
4. Wait for a payment letter issued by the DED.
5. Settle any outstanding dues and download the renewed license.

For updates such as changes in trade name, activities, or business address, a separate license modification request can be initiated through the same portal.

What Are the Different Ways to Check a DED License – Compared Side-by-Side?

Method	Platform	Info Required	Time Taken	Cost
DED Official Portal	Online (ded.ae)	License No/Trade Name	Instant	Free
DED Mobile App	iOS/Android	Trade Name/License ID	Instant	Free
DED Service Center	In-person	Emirates ID/Trade Info	15–30 mins	May vary
DED Contact Center	Phone	Trade details	10–15 mins	Free

How Can You Keep Your DED License Active and Up to Date?

To maintain an active license and avoid operational hiccups:

• Set calendar reminders a few weeks before your license expiry
• Ensure your office tenancy contract is renewed before your license renewal date
• Regularly verify that your business activities are accurately reflected in your license
• Update any changes to ownership, trade name, or business address promptly via the DED portal

Platforms like Filings.ae can assist new businesses with license registration, renewal, and compliance documentation in the UAE mainland.

Conclusion

Conducting a DED license check is a simple yet essential step for anyone doing business in Dubai or the broader UAE mainland.

Whether you are a business owner, investor, customer, or consultant, verifying the license status of any entity helps you maintain compliance, reduce risk, and establish trust in your business relationships.

With easy-to-use platforms and mobile applications, the process has never been more accessible. Making this check a routine part of your business workflow is a smart move toward transparency and security.

FAQs About DED License Check in the UAE

How can I check if a business is registered with DED Dubai?

Visit the DED portal or mobile app and enter the trade name or license number in the search section. The system will show the company’s registration and license status.

What documents do I need for a DED license inquiry?

Online checks require only the trade name or license number. For in-person inquiries, you may need an Emirates ID or a business reference.

Can I check a company’s license with just the trade name?

Yes, the DED system allows searches using either the trade name or license number.

Is there a fee for checking DED license status?

No, it’s completely free to check license validity through DED’s online or mobile platforms.

How long does it take to verify a DED license?

It takes only a few seconds when using the official portal or mobile app.

What if a DED license is invalid or expired?

If your own license is invalid, update your documents and initiate renewal on the UAE Trade Portal. For other companies, contact them or DED for clarification.

Can I verify DED licenses for freelancers?

Yes, the DED Trader Tool is designed to verify trader licenses, including those issued to freelancers or small-scale businesses.