What Every Business Owner Must Know About Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)

Rajinder Singh Nagiyal

December 5, 2025

Business Setup

What Every Business Owner Must Know About Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)

Dubai is a city known for reinventing the way business works—a world leader in digital infrastructure and smart regulation. Now, it is setting a new benchmark with the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) under Law No. 6 of 2023, fundamentally changing how every Dubai business proves, manages, and secures its identity. If you’re a business owner or planning to start a venture in the emirate, this is essential reading. From QR codes and unified IDs to compliance and streamlined approvals, discover everything you need to know for success in Dubai’s vibrant, modern economy.

This comprehensive guide breaks down who the DUL applies to, the game-changing benefits for startups and established enterprises, the rollout schedule, registration steps, and why ignoring new compliance rules could cost your company more than you think. Whether you’re mainland, free zone, or operating both, read on for an easy, current breakdown—and see how RSN Finance can help make your DUL journey seamless.

What is the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)?

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) is a revolutionary business identification system rolled out by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and governed by Law No. 6 of 2023. At its core, the DUL assigns every business in Dubai a unique, verified identification number, no matter if it’s established in the mainland, a free zone, or both. This law is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at making Dubai’s business environment even more globally competitive and digitally connected.

The DUL exists to simplify, unify, and digitise company records across all sectors, eliminating confusion over multiple licence numbers and creating a single trusted digital identity for every registered business in Dubai. Whether your field is commercial, industrial, or professional, Law No. 6 of 2023 ensures you’ll eventually use a DUL as your primary business identity in the emirate.

Who Needs a DUL: Mainland or Free Zone, or Both?

The scope of the Dubai Unified Licence is broad, covering all businesses operating within Dubai, including those in both the mainland and free zones. Even if you hold more than one licence or operate as a dual-licence business across both jurisdictions, you are required to register for a DUL. This makes the DUL one of the first systems of its kind to fully unify business identification for all company types in the region.

For new businesses, the DUL is now a standard part of setup. For existing companies—mainland, free zone, or dual-licence—the DUL will become compulsory in phases. It is designed with inclusivity in mind, so all commercial, industrial, and professional entities, large and small, are brought into a single, central digital system.

What are the benefits of the Dubai Unified Licence?

The introduction of the DUL is about far more than just a new number—businesses of all sizes will see real, tangible improvements:

Unified ID: Each company is assigned a unique identification number recognised across all Dubai government and private sector entities, making business identity in Dubai fast and indisputable.
Accessible QR Code: Each DUL comes with a scannable QR code, which functions as a digital badge. Anyone—from clients to government or service providers—can instantly verify business details, boosting trust and authenticity.
Streamlined Approvals: The DUL facilitates instant data sharing and autofill across government entities, greatly reducing paperwork for permits, certificates, and compliance processes.
Faster Transactions: Banks, utilities, and other service providers will be able to instantly verify your business information for smoother, quicker onboarding.
Single Source of Truth: No more confusion over licences—just one, easy-to-access profile for all your licencing authority records.
Global Standards: The DUL is designed to meet or exceed global digital registry standards, helping Dubai companies build international credibility and seamless cross-border compliance.

How is the DUL rolling out?

The DUL initiative is being rolled out in stages to ensure every business transitions smoothly. Here’s what to expect:

2023: Introduction of the DUL system, with registration prioritised for new businesses.
FTA, Banks, and Utilities: Mandatory integration for Federal Tax Authority (FTA), banks, and key service providers like telecoms and utilities. They now require DUL verification for onboarding and ongoing business relations.
2024–2025: Progressive rollout for all existing businesses, with notifications sent out as your deadline nears.
Mandatory for All: In time, no business—whether new or established, mainland or free zone—will be able to operate in Dubai without their DUL and QR code in place.

This phase-in ensures minimal operational disruption and an easy learning curve for all companies.

DUL vs. Traditional Trade Licence: What’s the real difference?

Traditional trade licences in Dubai have always been issued by a specific authority (such as DET for the mainland or a free zone authority). Each licence number was unique within that system, but often caused confusion when dealing with other regulators, service providers, or clients outside that particular jurisdiction.

The DUL is universal—it supersedes the fragmented licencing landscape by providing a single identification number across all authorities. Instead of needing multiple documents and numbers for different agencies, the DUL is your single reference for all public and private sector transactions. The QR code’s role cannot be overstated—it makes your regulatory information instantly transparent, digitised, and accessible with one scan.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register for a DUL

Registering for the Dubai Unified Licence is designed to be simple and accessible for all business owners, but accuracy and completeness are crucial. Here’s how it works:

Portal Access: Visit the DET’s DUL registration portal. Use your verified UAE Pass for secure access. This system is open to all licence holders, whether mainland or free zone.
Document Upload: Submit required documents, such as existing trade licences, company formation documents, and personal identifications, as specified on the portal.
Licence Linking: For businesses with multiple licences, the platform will prompt you to link all records under your unified DUL account.
Verification & Digital Badge: Once documents are reviewed and verified, you’ll receive your unique DUL number and a QR code as your new business ID.
Activate & Display: Download and display your QR code at your premises, on your website, and within official communications—this is now the accepted verification standard across service providers and government entities.

What applies to existing & new licence holders?

New Businesses: From late 2023, all new licences automatically receive a DUL at the point of issue. There is no need to apply independently; the DUL is integrated with the business setup process.
Existing Businesses: Throughout 2024, phased notifications invite all existing businesses—mainland, free zone, and dual-licence—to complete DUL registration. You will be contacted by DET or your relevant free zone authority when your window opens.
Full Activation: By the end of the rollout period, all company operations (banking, utilities, government approvals) will require use of your DUL and QR code for transaction and identity validation.
Proactive Step: Businesses are advised not to wait—early registration can avoid delays in operations and demonstrate compliance readiness.

How does the DUL QR code work in practice?

The QR code associated with your DUL is not just a formality—it’s your company’s new digital badge in Dubai, unlocking a host of practical uses:

Verified Identity Anywhere: QR codes can be displayed in offices, on delivery slips, on websites, and in digital applications, making business verification instant for partners, customers, and suppliers.
Streamlined Government Approvals: Service providers, inspectors, and officials scan your code for immediate confirmation of licence validity, status, and activities—eliminating paper checks and phone calls.
Digital KYC & Onboarding: Banks, telecoms, and utilities use your QR badge to retrieve official company data directly, speeding up account opening and service application (including KYC compliance).
Stakeholder Trust: The publicly accessible digital badge shows your business has met all regulatory requirements, supporting reputation and transparency in every deal.

What happens if i don’t register?

Ignoring your DUL obligations can quickly backfire, with serious compliance and operational consequences:

Service Delays or Disruption: Government entities, banks, or utilities may refuse transactions, close accounts, or suspend services that do not match an active DUL record.
Fines and Penalties: Regulatory authorities are authorised to impose fines for non-registration or incorrect use of licence numbers, as the DUL is now central to business identity in Dubai.
Reputation Damage: Clients and suppliers increasingly require DUL verification as a standard. Absence of a registered QR code can create doubts and delay deals.
Transaction Blocks: Non-compliant companies may face obstacles with VAT registration, bank loans, lease agreements, and other essential business processes.

To ensure seamless, uninterrupted operations—and full regulatory alignment—register and display your DUL QR code as soon as possible.

RSN Finance: Your Partner for Hassle-Free DUL Registration

With new rules come technicalities and RSN Finance is here to ensure your transition to the Dubai Unified Licence is fast and stress-free.

Expert Guidance: Our consultants have in-depth knowledge of the DUL system, DET requirements, and free zone processes.
Complete Support: We manage the full registration process—from portal access and document preparation to multiple licence linking and QR code rollout.
Ongoing Compliance: RSN Finance stays ahead of new DUL updates, ensuring your licence remains valid, details are up-to-date, and deadlines are never missed.
Customer Care: If any issues arise with QR scanning, licence updates, or stakeholder verification, our team resolves these directly with relevant government entities and service providers.

With RSN Finance, you get peace of mind knowing your DUL obligations are handled by experts, enabling you to focus on business growth.

Secure Your DUL Seamlessly Today

Ready to register for your DUL, or want clarity on what’s next? RSN Finance offers personalised, step-by-step support for every stage of the Dubai Unified Licence journey. Contact us now for a consultation or submit your details to receive a tailored roadmap to seamless DUL compliance—ensuring your business stays future-proof in Dubai’s thriving economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my company’s DUL number?

You can access your company’s DUL by logging in to the DET’s DUL portal using your UAE Pass, searching for your existing licence number or company name, and downloading the unified licence certificate and QR code.

Is the Dubai Unified Licence required even if I already have a trade licence?

Yes—all new and existing businesses, whether mainland or free zone, must receive a DUL. Your existing licence remains valid for activity permissions, but the DUL links and verifies all records under a single business identity.

Can one DUL cover multiple licences for dual-registered businesses?

Yes—the DUL is specifically designed for dual-licence (both mainland and free zone) companies. During the registration process, businesses must link each licence, resulting in a single DUL reference covering all operations.

When must I start using my DUL QR code?

As soon as you complete the DUL issuance process, display your QR code in your premises, on all business cards, websites, and contracts. For new companies, this is immediate; for others, it is as soon as phased rollout notifications are received.

How does the DUL impact banking, utilities, or government transactions?

Banks and utilities will now request your DUL number and scan your QR code as proof of identity and registration for KYC, onboarding, and compliance. Failure to present this can delay or block essential services.

What happens if my business information changes after DUL registration?

You must update licence details (such as address, shareholders, or legal status) via the DUL portal. RSN Finance can help you manage updates, ensuring all linked authorities and partners always have your latest verified details.

How can RSN Finance help my company with DUL compliance?

RSN Finance provides comprehensive assistance: registering your company for DUL, updating records, troubleshooting QR issues, and ensuring all future compliance steps are managed—keeping you focused on business, not paperwork.

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The FTA can freeze your business bank accounts to recover unpaid VAT, making it impossible to pay suppliers, staff, or other obligations.

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What Every Business Owner Must Know About Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)