What is Dubai Unified Licence (DUL): Step-by-Step Process, Costs, and Eligibility Guide

What is Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)?

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) gives one ID number to every business in Dubai. It works for mainland shops and free zone Unified Licence Dubai companies. No more papers from different offices. Scan the DUL QR code Dubai for instant proof. This Dubai business identity system builds trust quick.​

This guide covers all Dubai Unified Licence requirements and everything you need to know. 

Law No. 6 of 2023 Overview

Law No. 6 of 2023 started the Unified Licence Dubai. Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) runs it. The law says every business gets one ID. It covers shops, factories, and professional services. Dubai business licence integration joins all offices together. Data stays safe but shares when needed.​

DUL vs Traditional Licence

Old licences come from one place only. DED for Mainland. JAFZA for free zones. Each has its own number. Hard to check.

Dubai Unified Licence works for all. One scan shows the status and address. Unified Licence verification saves time. No lost papers or waits.​

Timeline and Updates

DUL Dubai registration began in 2023. New businesses got it first. Old ones joined step by step.

Two thousand twenty-four added banks and services. Bank accounts went from 65 days to 5 days. 

Who Qualifies for the Dubai Unified Licence? 

Every business in Dubai gets the Dubai Unified Licence. No special rules block anyone out. Dubai Unified Licence requirements stay simple for all types. Mainland and free zone Unified Licence Dubai owners qualify the same way.​

Mainland vs Free Zone Businesses

Mainland businesses qualify for the Dubai Unified Licence. They work under DED in city areas. Unified Licence Free zone Dubai companies get it too. Zones like DMCC and JAFZA join fast.

Both use one DUL number. DET Unified Licence system links them all. No split checks slow you down.​

Commercial, Industrial, Professional Categories

Commercial shops sell goods and qualify easy. Industrial factories make products and get DUL. Professional services like consulting work too.

All three types meet Dubai Unified Licence requirements. The Unified Business Licence Dubai covers every kind. Pick yours at setup.​

New vs Existing Businesses

New businesses get DUL Dubai registration upon company start. DET adds it to your trade license.

Existing firms receive automatic notice. Over 900K old businesses now have DUL. Update for full use.

DUL for Freelancers in Dubai

DUL for freelancers in Dubai works with gofreelance permits. Free zones issue freelance DUL too. One QR code proves your work to clients and banks.

Freelancers scan the DUL QR code in Dubai for fast pay. UAE Unified Licence updates skills easy.​

Mandatory Requirements for Banks/Utilities

Banks require the Dubai Unified Licence for accounts. No DUL means 65-day waits. Utilities like DEWA need it soon for hookup.

The government uses the Unified Licence Dubai verification for permits. Dubai business licence makes it a must-have.

Key Benefits of Dubai Unified Licence

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) offers big wins for businesses. It cuts the hassle and saves money. The Unified Licence system makes Dubai the top for easy setup.​

One Trusted Information Hub

• Dubai Unified Licence acts as a single source for all business info. 
• No more docs for checks. 
• Dubai business identity shares data safe across offices.

Instant QR Code Verification

• Scan the DUL QR code in Dubai for quick proof. 
• Banks and clients see status fast. 
• Unified Licence verification ends long paper hunts.​

Builds Supplier Trust

• Suppliers trust firms with a Dubai Unified Licence. 
• One ID shows a real address and activity. 
• Dubai business system stops fake deals.​

Speeds Up Payments

• Unified Licence Dubai verification lets payments flow quick. 
• Freelancers and SMEs get paid the same day. 
• No bank delays hold cash back.

Fast Government Certificates

• Get visas, NOCs, and approvals in hours. 
• Dubai business licence integration links DET to all departments.​

Cuts Renewal Red Tape

• Renew once for DUL and trade licence.
• Dubai licence integration auto-syncs dates. Fewer fees and time waste.

Verified Clean Data

• DUL uses clean, checked data only. 
• No errors or old info slow you down. 
• The Unified Licence system keeps records fresh.​

Big SME Cost Savings

• SMEs save AED 15K-20K yearly on papers and waits. 
• Unified Business Licence Dubai drops admin costs big.

90% Faster Bank Accounts

• Bank setup drops from 65 days to 5. 
• DET Licence system shares KYC instant. 
• Open accounts easy now.​

Boosts Global AML Compliance

• Unified Business Licence Dubai meets world AML rules. 
• One ID proves clean ops to global partners.

Dubai Unified Licence Cuts Bank Account Time by 90%

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) drops business bank account openings from 65 days to 5 days. This 90% cut uses the DUL QR code Dubai for instant checks. The Unified Licence system shares data fast across banks.​

Service Providers Project (Oct 2024 Launch)

Launched in October 2024, the Service Providers Project links banks like Emirates NBD to the Dubai business identity system. DEWA and Etisalat join too. One Unified Licence Dubai verification ends multiple KYC steps.​

3,000+ New Accounts, 134K+ Profiles Updated

Project opened 3,000+ accounts quick. Banks updated 134K+ profiles for mainland and Unified Licence Dubai free zone firms. SMEs save big on waits and fees.​

D33 Agenda Alignment

DUL aligns with D33 to double Dubai’s economy by 2033. Dubai licence integration cuts red tape and boosts FDI. UAE leads in business ease.

How to Get Dubai Unified Licence: Step-by-Step Process

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) comes automatic with your trade licence setup. Pick jurisdiction and structure first for fast DUL Dubai registration. DET Unified Licence system handles the rest in days.​

Step 1: Choose Business Jurisdiction

• Select Mainland for city-wide trade or a free zone Unified Licence in Dubai for tax perks. Mainland uses DED. 
• Free zones like DMCC suit exports. Both get one DUL QR code.

Step 2: Decide Corporate Structure

• Pick LLC for partners, Sole Proprietorship for one owner, or a branch for foreign firms. 
• Freelancers choose permits. 
• Your Dubai business system base is structured.  

Step 3: Reserve Company/Trade Name  

• Are checked and booked from the DET portal or the free zone site. 
• Do not select words that are prohibited. 
• Approval is granted in one day. 
• These will link to your future Unified License Dubai.  

Step 4: Seek Initial Approval and NOC  

• Obtaining their first approval is from the DED authority or the zone authority.
• Obtain a sponsor NOC if necessary. 
• This is the initial approval that will begin the Dubai business license integration.  

Step 5: Prepare the Legal Documents  

• Prepare the MOA, AOA, tenancy contract, and passports. 
• Notarize if Mainland. 
• Free zones skip some steps. 
• Ready docs speed DUL QR code Dubai issue.

Step 6: Submit Licensing Application

• File online to DED or free zone.
• Pay fees (AED 10K-50K). 
• Trade licence approves in 3-7 days. 

Step 7: Arrange UAE Residency/Visas

• Apply for investor visas via the Pass Unified Licence. 
• Link to DUL for stamps. 
• Takes 2 weeks max.​

Step 8: Receive DUL After Approval

• DET emails DUL number and QR post-approval. 
• Print or save the digital. 
• Active for banks right away.​

Step 9: Open Business Bank Account

• Use the UAE Pass Unified Licence scan at Emirates NBD or FAB. 
• 5-day setup now, no old 65-day wait.

Step 10: VAT/CT Compliance

• Register for VAT if over AED 375K turnover. 
• CT starts at AED 3M profit. 
• DUL pulls data easy.

Key Documents for DUL

• Passport copies for all shareholders/owners and managers (or Emirates ID if resident)​
• Valid UAE residence visa or entry permit copies for foreign owners and authorised signatories​
• Trade name reservation certificate and initial approval from DED or the relevant free zone​.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)​.
• Tenancy/lease agreement, Ejari (Mainland) or free zone office/flexi-desk agreement.
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor or employer, where required for sponsored individuals​
• Any activity-specific approvals issued by the relevant regulatory authority​

Requirements by Business Type

• Mainland companies

Must follow DET/DED document rules, including Ejari-based lease and notarised MOA/AOA for most LLCs before the DUL is activated.​

• Free zone entities

Provide the authority’s application forms, shareholder KYC, and office contract. The free zone then pushes the data into the unified licence system.​

• Professional firms/freelancers

Need personal ID, visa, NOC (if sponsored), and office/desk arrangement; MOA/AOA may be simplified or not required depending on the structure.

How to Use Your DUL & QR Code

Scan the DUL QR code in Dubai to share business details instantly. Use it for banks, clients, and the government without extra papers. The DET Licence system makes verification quick.​

• Display on the office door, website, and invoices for trust.
• Share with banks like Emirates NBD for 5-day accounts.
• Send to suppliers and clients for fast payments.
• Upload to portals for visas, DEWA, or NOCs.
• Download from the DET app; update via UAE Pass.

How to Search Businesses Using DUL

Search Dubai businesses fast via the Invest in Dubai portal with DUL numbers or QR scans. UAE Pass Unified Licence login unlocks full details like status and ownership. No extra apps needed.​

5-Step Invest in Dubai Portal Guide

• Go to the official portal and click “Search License Information”.​
• Log in with UAE Unified Licence or guest mode for basics.​
• Enter DUL number, QR scan, or company name in the search bar.​
• Review results: licence status, address, activities, and expiry.​
• Download or share a verified report for banks/suppliers.​

UAE Pass Login Demo

Open the UAE Pass app, select the Invest portal. Tap “DUL Services” for your business or public search. Scan the DUL QR code in Dubai to pull data instantly. The Unified Licence system shows clean KYC in seconds.

Integrated Banks & Partners

Major Dubai banks integrate with the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) for fast account openings. The Unified Licence system links them to verified data. Utilities and government join too.​

• Emirates NBD: Cuts SME onboarding 35%; updates 4,000+ profiles.​
• Emirates Islamic Bank: Full DUL connectivity since March 2025.​
• Mashreq Bank: Instant KYC via DUL QR code, Dubai.​
• Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD): Supports 3,000+ new accounts.​
• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB): Quick verification for mainland/free zones.​
• Emirates Development Bank (EDB): SME-focused integration.​
• Ruya Bank: Digital-first DUL access.​

Other Partners

• DEWA: Utilities hookup in hours.​
• Etisalat: Telecom services streamlined.​
• MoHRE: Labour and visa processing.​
• RTA: Transport approvals.​
• Dubai Trade: Trade docs fast.

Dubai Unified Licence Cost

Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) has no separate fee—it’s free and auto-issued with your trade licence. Costs tied to standard licensing via DET or free zones. Total setup ranges AED 20K-70K; renewals AED 15K-50K yearly.​

Setup Costs (One-Time)

• Trade licence issuance: AED 10K-15K (mainland) or AED 5.5K-15K (free zone).​
• Trade name reservation: AED 620-2K.​
• Initial approval/NOC: AED 120-300.​
• Legal docs (MOA/AOA notarization): AED 500-2K.​
• Ejari/tenancy: AED 2.5% of rent (min AED 250).​
• Visas (per person): AED 3.5K-6K.​

Renewal Costs (Annual)

• Trade licence renewal: AED 10K-18K (matches issuance).​
• Chamber of Commerce: AED 1.2K-3K.​
• Visa renewals: AED 3K-6K each.​
• Market/innovation fees: AED 250-10K.​
• Office rent: AED 15K-50K+ (ongoing).

Compliance & Renewal Rules

Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) renews automatically with your trade licence. There are no separate fees or a Dubai Unified Licence process. Use the Invest in Dubai portal for all updates.

Digital Repository & Data Sharing

DUL creates one central profile synced across DET, DED, and the free zones. Banks and services access status, ownership, and activity through a QR code or a number. There are no duplicate documents required.

AML/CFT Integration 

DUL provides clean data feeds for the AML checks banks perform. Real-time updates on suspensions or changes. Aligns with UAE global standards.​

Mandatory Requirements Timeline

New businesses get DUL at setup. The recent phase will migrate existing ones. Banks and utilities now require it for services.​

The licensed experts from Company Formation in Dubai can take the hassle out of you. They are the top business setup consultants in Dubai with 12+ years of experience. 

FAQs

Q1. Does DUL entirely replace my trade licence?  

No, DUL does not replace your trade licence. It acts as a digital supplement license. DUL provides a unified QR-linked ID for verification. However, your trade licence will continue to be your primary legal operating document.  

Q2. Can free zone businesses get DUL without a mainland setup?  

Yes, free zone businesses such as DMCC and JAFZA automatically issue DULs with their licences. One DUL number integrates free zone benefits with mainland services such as expedited banking.  

Q3. What happens if my DUL data mismatches with my bank records?  

Banks will flag mismatches as a result of scanning the DET Unified Licence System. Ensure that your documents with DED/free zone are updated first. Changes will sync automatically within 24 hours to prevent account freezes and service interruptions.  

Q4. Is DUL required for Golden Visa applications?  

Not exactly. However, that is the only form of DUL that DET is currently using for investor visa KYC purposes. The scanning process indicates that business activities are compliant, which in turn reduces delay times by 70%.  

Q5. How does DUL manage eight emirate operations in the UAE?

DUL is Dubai-only now, but 2026 pilots link with Abu Dhabi/Sharjah via the federal registry. Use separate IDs across emirates until full UAE unification.

Conclusion

The Dubai Unified Licence, or DUL, is like one magic ID card for your business in Dubai. It has a QR code you scan to show banks, shops, and the government your company details super fast—no more piles of papers!

It cuts bank account waits from 65 days to just 5 days. It also saves small businesses AED 15K-20K a year, and works for shops, factories, or freelancers in the city or free zones. Get it free when you start or renew your trade licence on the Invest in Dubai site.

Contact the team of Company Formation in Dubai!