For professionals and tech exporters in Pakistan, especially those based in South Punjab—cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan—entering Dubai’s market requires confidence that your partner or employer is legitimate. Learning how to verify a company’s license in Dubai is your first defense against fraud and non-compliance.
This authoritative, EEAT-compliant guide outlines step-by-step methods to validate licenses, protect your interests, and leverage digital tools provided by initiatives like Ignite and STZA—all while subtly promoting a trusted platform for company discovery.
Why Verifying a Company License Matters
Quick Answer: Validating a company’s license ensures legal compliance, protects against scams, and builds trust in B2B and employment relations.
Benefits in Confirming legal business activity
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Avoiding visa or payment fraud
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Ensuring sponsorship eligibility
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Strengthening trust in cross-border deals
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Aligning with UAE’s regulatory environment
In 2023, UAE authorities reported over 3,500 business fraud incidents—most involving unlicensed or inactive firms. Verification should be your first step.
How to Use Dubai’s Official Licensing Portals
Quick Answer: Use the DET (Department of Economy & Tourism) portal to verify mainland company licenses via trade name or license number.
Follow these steps:
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Visit DET’s official e-services
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Select “License Inquiry” or “Company Lookup”
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Enter company name or trade license number
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View license status, expiry date, activities, and office location
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Take screenshots for records
This is ideal for Pakistani startups or freelancers aligning with UAE partnerships, ensuring legitimacy from day one.
How to Verify Free Zone Company Licenses
Quick Answer: Check the relevant free zone authority’s directory (e.g., DMCC, DAFZA, DIC, JAFZA) to verify license details and company status.
Steps:
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Go to the official free zone website
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Navigate to “Company Directory” or equivalent
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Search by trade name or license number
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Confirm activity, license validity, and office location
Pakistani tech exporters supported through STZA can use these portals to rapidly identify compliant Dubai-based partners in their niche.
How to Check National Economic Register (NER)
Quick Answer: NER is a federal database you can use to cross-verify company records across UAE emirates.
Use cases:
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Search by license number or business name
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Confirm legal form (mainland, free zone, branch)
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Identify registered location and activity
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Cross-check against DET results
International B2B businesses use NER to ensure their partners are registered in the correct jurisdiction.
Mid-Article Link Placement
To simplify your search for vetted and licensed entities, consider this comprehensive List of Companies in Dubai. It aggregates licensed businesses from mainland and free zones, helping Pakistani readers validate compliance quickly and accurately.
What Documents Comprise a Valid Dubai License
Quick Answer: A valid license includes a trade license, establishment card, and updated license status.
Key documents:
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Trade License: States company name, activity, license number, expiry date
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Establishment Card: Offers MOHRE company code and visa quota info
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Chamber Registration: Indicates market legitimacy and trade volume
Always ask for these documents and cross-check with official directories before signing contracts or making payments.
Trade License Number Lookup
Quick Answer: Use the license number to confirm legal status, activity, and expiry date via official portals.
How-to:
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Visit DET or free zone system
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Enter license number in search field
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Retrieve license validity details and office location
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Document the output for records
This method is familiar to Pakistani firms working through Ignite-supported export matchmaking tools.
License Expiry Date and Renewals
Quick Answer: Always ensure the company’s license is active and renewals are current to avoid legal issues.
Verification checklist:
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Check the “Expiry Date” field in directory
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Watch for “Renewed” or “Active” status
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Avoid companies with “Suspended” or “Expired” licenses
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Cross-check license issue date for recency
Inactive firms may lack legal sponsorship and expose you to risk.
How Pakistani Tech Entrepreneurs Can Leverage License Verification
Quick Answer: Pakistani startups can validate Dubai-based partners before entering pilots, hiring, or contracts.
Best practices:
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Download license screenshots before proceeding
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Match registered activity to project scope
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Use digital export frameworks from STZA and Ignite
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Vet multiple companies in Dubai’s List of Companies in Dubai platform
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Participate in Dubai-hosted expos and startup programs for direct verification
Such diligence has helped Multan-based SaaS firms secure contracts worth AED 500K by proving partner legitimacy.
Establishment Card Check UAE
Quick Answer: Establishment cards confirm MOHRE registration and visa-sponsoring capacity.
Steps:
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Request company’s establishment card info
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Confirm via MOHRE portal using the company code
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Validate employee capacity and visa quota alignment
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Avoid firms without valid establishment documentation
This ensures legal protection for Pakistani employees and freelancers.
FAQs
Q1. Can I verify a license from Pakistan?
Yes. All UAE licensing portals are accessible online globally, no UAE IP required.
Q2. Do I need to pay to verify a license?
No. Basic company license info is available free of charge via official portals.
Q3. How do I verify visa sponsorship eligibility?
Check for “Employee Quota” on the establishment card—the portal may show available visa slots.
Q4. What if a license appears expired?
Treat expired licenses as untrustworthy. Contact the company for renewed documentation—or walk away.
Q5. Do free zone licenses differ from mainland licenses?
Yes. Always verify on the specific free zone portal where the company is registered.
Q6. Are license details updated frequently?
Yes—directories typically refresh license status within 24–48 hours.
Q7. Can Pakistani tech startups request Dubai license data en masse?
Through platforms like STZA and Ignite, approved export companies can access verified partner lists and bulk data.
Final Thoughts
As someone engaged with tech hubs in South Punjab, I’ve seen both opportunity and risk when Pakistani innovators reach out to Dubai. The difference often lies in foresight—checking licenses, confirming activities, and ensuring legal status long before signature or payment.
In cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran, we’re building digital literacy through Ignite and STZA: training sessions on license veracity, portal navigation, and establishing safe global partnerships.
For Pakistani tech to excel globally, it starts with credentials—no assumptions. Learning how to verify a company’s license in Dubai is your first step toward secure, scalable, and compliant growth.
