How to check if a Dubai or UAE company is real
Check a UAE company in the registry of the authority that issued its licence: the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland Dubai, or the free zone authority (for example DMCC, JAFZA or Dubai South). Confirm the licence number, legal name, activities and expiry date.
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The UAE has more than 40 free zones and several mainland registries. A trade licence number means little until you know which authority issued it. Many trading companies are genuine but small; the point is to confirm the one you are dealing with is the one on the licence.
5 steps
- Find the issuing authority. The licence names the authority: mainland (Department of Economy and Tourism) or a free zone. Each has its own registry.
- Look the licence up. Use the authority's official online search or contact it. Confirm the legal name, licence number, activities and expiry date.
- Check the activities. The licence lists permitted activities. A company licensed for general trading or consultancy is not a refinery or a producer.
- Check the people. Confirm the manager and shareholders against the person you deal with, and screen them for sanctions.
- Check the address and domain. Free zone offices are often flexi-desks; that is normal. Check the e-mail domain belongs to the company and is not new.
Red flags
- A licence number that does not match the authority's registry
- A licence that has expired
- Activities that do not include the trade offered
- A free webmail address for a "refinery"
- Bank details in a third country
- A request for fees before the contract
Documents to ask for
- Trade licence copy. With the licence number, issuing authority, activities and expiry date.
- Certificate of incorporation or registration. For free zone companies, issued by the free zone authority.
- Memorandum or share register. Showing the shareholders and the manager.
- Power of attorney. If the person signing is not the manager named on the licence.
- Bank letter or account details in the company's name. The account holder must be the licensed company.
What a sound deal looks like
A sound UAE counterparty has a valid licence that you can find in the issuing authority's registry, activities that cover the trade, a manager or authorised signatory who is the person you deal with, and a bank account in the company's own name. Its e-mail uses its own domain, and it can explain where the goods come from and who produces them. A small team or a free zone flexi-desk is normal for a trading company; what matters is that the licence, the people, the documents and the bank account match. Screen the company and its people before you sign.
Next step: Free company check › · Check the whole deal free ›
FAQ
Is a free zone company less real than a mainland company?
No. Free zone companies are fully licensed. Check them with the free zone authority that issued the licence.
Can I screen a UAE company for sanctions?
Yes. Our free Sanctions Screening Record screens the name against the UN, UAE Local Terrorist List, OFAC, EU and UK lists.
What does the LEI tell me?
Many UAE companies have no LEI. If one exists, it confirms the legal name and registered address.
What does the Deal Check add?
Company registry and LEI, domain and e-mail age, sanctions, bank and SWIFT format, and document forensics on both sides, for USD 8.88.
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General information, not legal or financial advice. Vanguard Trade Capital Goods Wholesalers DWC-LLC, Dubai South, UAE · [email protected]