Question 1

1. What is Dubai Unified licence (DUL)?

Accepted Answer

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) is a project that provides a unique identification number for all existing and newly opened businesses in Dubai with mainland and free zone licenses. As per Law No. 6 of 2023, all businesses registered and licensed in Dubai will receive a DUL. This will be gradually rolled out in stages. At the moment, your DUL and QR code will serve as a unified business identity. However, these will soon be mandatory for government entities and service providers such as telecommunications, utilities, and banks.

Question 2

2. What is the Purpose of the Dubai Unified Licence?

Accepted Answer

The DUL streamlines and improves the process of doing business by providing a single source of trusted, digital information for the general public, suppliers and service providers, allowing them to view licence details for mainland and free zone businesses. This means that anyone can use the DUL portal to search and retrieve data from any business in Dubai. Each business will also receive a QR code that can be scanned to retrieve the latest licence information.

In a later stage, businesses can use their DUL to acquire services from government and private entities in a quicker and more streamlined manner. Access to verified DUL data in a single repository means business verification would take less time and effort in customer-business, business-business or business-government interactions.

With a DUL, businesses will be able to maintain the latest contact details of license members through a unified portal.

Question 3

3. What is the difference between a licence number and DUL?

Accepted Answer

A licence number is specific to the Licensing Authority, whereas a DUL is a unique company identifier applicable across Dubai's mainland and free zones. A DUL will serve as a de facto identifier for licensed businesses in Dubai, allowing public and service providers to retrieve business information.

Question 4

4. What are the benefits of a Dubai Unified Licence for my business?

Accepted Answer

DUL simplifies and streamlines consent-driven data exchange and transactions between businesses and service providers, including government entities, by assigning unique identification numbers to mainland and free zone businesses.

When interacting with government and private entities, businesses can expect improved customer experience and expedited business transactions considering that with a DUL:

NOCs and permit issuances for economic activities by government regulators are unified and simplified.
Opening of business branches between free zones and mainland is made easier.
Transfer of businesses between free zones and mainland is eased by unified and verified data accessibility.
Service providers are equipped with unified means to digitally access company information and provide value-added services (e.g. utility companies).
Banks have access to company KYC data when opening bank accounts and financing companies.
Future business owners will benefit from the availability of unified and verified information about their existing businesses in the emirate.

Question 5

5. What should I expect with the launch of DUL?

Accepted Answer

DUL will launch in Q1 2023 and will be rolled out in multiple stages. All licensed businesses will be issued a DUL and an associated QR code.

You will know if you are among these businesses as you will receive an email and SMS with your DUL and a unique page link to access and download your QR code.

DULs will be issued to all remaining companies in subsequent phases.

Question 6

6. How do I use my Dubai Unified Licence?

Accepted Answer

Your DUL will be your primary business identity in Dubai, and the QR code should be displayed across your business premises, website and social media accounts.

Public and service providers will scan your QR code to retrieve public information about your legitimate business.

As such, the DUL and QR code will be the sole identity that you need to share with government authorities and service providers from the private sector to avail of the services of other businesses.

You will be expected to replace the licence certificate that you usually display at your business premises with the QR code, which should also be displayed on your business premises and published on all their digital platforms, including social media pages and websites. Your customers and suppliers can scan the code to view information pertaining to your registered business and its status.

Question 7

7. When will I receive my Dubai Unified Licence?

Accepted Answer

A DUL will be issued in phases to all licensed businesses in Dubai. You will be contacted and notified once a DUL and QR code are issued to your license.

Question 8

8. How will I receive my Dubai Unified Licence?

Accepted Answer

If you are an existing business, you will receive an email and SMS from DET regarding your DUL details.

You may also be asked to complete DUL requirements at the time of license renewal or if you approach DET for any licence modifications.

Question 9

9. Why was I not provided a DUL for my licence?

Accepted Answer

It is most likely that your existing licence didn't meet the DUL criteria. Please note that you need not take any immediate action; we will be in touch with you to explain the upcoming steps for your DUL and QR code issuance.

Soon, all licence members must log in to the DUL portal using UAE Pass to update and verify their contact details before a DUL and QR code gets issued on their licenses.

Question 10

10. Why did I receive a DUL for one of my licences and not the rest?

Accepted Answer

Most likely that some of your licences didn't meet the DUL criteria. Please refer to question 11 for more details.

Question 11

11. What does it mean if my licence is not verified?

Accepted Answer

Your licence is usually not verified if the identity or contact details of at least one licence member are not verified, or if your licence is missing mandatory information.

Question 12

12. If I have multiple businesses, will I receive a DUL for each?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will receive a unique DUL for each of your business licences. A DUL is issued for every license issued in mainland and free zones.

Question 13

13. How do I apply for a DUL for my new licence?

Accepted Answer

Existing licence holders do not need to apply for a DUL and QR code. You will be contacted and notified through targeted DET campaigns once the DUL and QR codes are issued to your licenses.

Soon, existing licence holders with non-verified licence member identities and contact details (mobile & email) will be required to log in to the DUL portal and verify licence member identities and contact details. Please note that there is no immediate action required now, and you will be contacted and notified through targeted DET campaigns once DET initiates this phase of the project.

In subsequent phases, non-licence holders will be informed of the procedure for requesting a DUL via a procedure that DET will publish before qualifying businesses can apply for a licence. Ideally, non-licence holders will be required to log in to the DUL portal and provide basic information about their intended businesses. Thereafter, once a business is issued a licence and verified all licence member identities and contact details, it will be issued a QR code.

Question 14

14. I’m applying for a new business licence. Do I need to apply for a DUL as well?

Accepted Answer

DUL will be issued automatically to a new business licence with verified information.

Question 15

15. I am an existing licence holder. Do I have to pay anything for the DUL?

Accepted Answer

Existing licence holders will not be required to pay any fees to receive their DUL and QR codes.

Question 16

16. How is the number assigned? Can I choose my number?

Accepted Answer

You cannot choose your own DUL number as it is automatically assigned by DET to each business.

Question 17

17. What should I do if I’d like to update the details under my DUL or I find they are incorrect?

Accepted Answer

You will need to visit the licence authority portal or premises to request updates on licence details, including licence member identities and contact details.

In the future, the licence members will be required to visit the DUL portal and log in with their UAE Pass to update their identity and contact details (mobile and email). Any changes to licence details will require a visit to the licensing authority’s portal or premises.

Question 18

18. What happens to my QR code if I cancel my business licence?

Accepted Answer

Your QR code will remain valid, and upon scanning your QR code, the public and service providers will receive a notification that your licence has been cancelled.

Question 19

19. If I have a cancelled licence, will this also be issued a DUL and will I receive it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all licences, including cancelled licences, will be issued a DUL. However, you will only be notified if you have an active licence.

Question 20

20. What if I forget my DUL code?

Accepted Answer

You should have received an email and SMS from DET with your DUL number and link to your QR code. Please revert back to that communication to retrieve your DUL number.

In the future, you will be able to log in to the DUL portal using your UAE Pass to retrieve your DUL and QR code.

Question 21

21. Does DUL work in other emirates to ease transactions with government entities or service providers?

Accepted Answer

DUL is only issued to Dubai businesses with licences from mainland and free zone authorities.

Government entities and service providers in Dubai are mandated to use DULs and QR codes to provide services to Dubai-licensed companies, which can either scan the QR code or integrate with DUL-portal APIs to retrieve licensed company information.

Government entities and service providers in other emirates may use the QR codes to retrieve basic information on licensed companies, if they are integrated with DUL-portal APIs.

Question 22

22. I am a PRO, can I verify my email address and phone number on behalf of the licence members?

Accepted Answer

No, only licence members should verify their own mobile number and email address through the DUL online portal. All licence members will be notified on their current registered mobile number and email address as and when the online functionality to receive OTP to verify contact details on the DUL becomes available.

Question 23

23. Can anyone hack my DUL QR Code?

Accepted Answer

The QR provided for a DUL only includes a webpage link to display publicly available licence information linked to that QR code; QR codes do not grant access to sensitive information.

Businesses are encouraged to publish their DUL QR codes on their websites, social media accounts, business cards, and letterheads, as well as display them at their business premises for customers to scan and get the latest publicly available information about the business licence.

Question 24

24. Can I request to hide my DUL number?

Accepted Answer

No, DULs are unique identifiers for business licences used to request services from government departments, service providers, banks and other businesses. It is also used by customers seeking to learn more about a business.

Question 25

25. I have a main business and branches in Dubai. How many DUL will be issued to me?

Accepted Answer

Each standalone mainland or free zone company in Dubai will eventually be issued an individual DUL. Please note that businesses with main and branch licences will be issued separate DULs for the main and each branch of the business.

Question 26

Are there any restrictions on nationalities?

Accepted Answer

There are no nationality restrictions. However, Immigration reserves the right to reject applicants for national security reasons.

Question 27

Can I apply if I’m already a resident in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No, this programme is not applicable to those holding a residency visa OR who have an application already under process for residency.

Question 28

Do I need a visa to work remotely from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners employed outside the UAE interested to work remotely from Dubai can obtain a virtual work visa for 1 year.

Question 29

What is the cost of the visa for remote workers in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

It costs from US$611 in total, including application fees, processing costs, pre-application medical exam and Emirates ID. We accept health insurance with UAE coverage validity, or travel insurance with healthcare coverage, which can then be changed to UAE health insurance once your visa formalities have been completed.

*Note: Payment of processing fee does not guarantee approval of the application.

Question 30

What is the application process for Dubai Virtual Work visas?

Accepted Answer

You can find more information on the application process here.

Question 31

Will I be charged income tax while in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals.

Question 32

What services will I be able to access if I’m living in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

This programme will provide applicants with the ability to live in Dubai in a similar manner to residents, by providing access to phone lines, resident ID cards, banking facilities and the ability to rent accommodation or send children to school.

Question 33

Can I leave the UAE and then return once I have been approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a multiple entry visa during the tenure of this programme; however you cannot be out of the country for more than 6 months continuously or your visa will be automatically nullified.

Question 34

Will I be able to rent a property myself, or will I have to book via a hotel or holiday homes operator?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to rent a property with the Emirates ID; however most private rentals are for a 1-year contract only. For short- and medium-term letting, you can look at holiday homes and hotel accommodation as alternatives.

Question 35

Will I be able to take a loan out from a bank with this programme?

Accepted Answer

This will be at the local banks’ discretion based on their criteria and your eligibility.

Question 36

Will I be able to buy or rent a car under this programme?

Accepted Answer

Renting a car is possible with an Emirates ID. Buying a car is possible but financing the purchase will be at the local banks’ discretion based on their criteria and your eligibility.

Question 37

Will I be able to apply to send my children to school in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will be able to enrol in Dubai’s education facilities.

Question 38

Will I be able to hire a nanny or driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this can only be done via a third-party agency; you will not be able to sponsor one yourself

Question 39

Are you able to renew the visa after one year?

Accepted Answer

As this programme is for one year only, you will need to re-apply as per the standard application process.

Question 40

Will I be able to rent an office?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to rent a property with an Emirates ID; however most private rentals are for a 1-year contract only. For short- and medium-term letting, you can check with Dubai’s many co-working space operators, accelerators and incubators.

Question 41

What working spaces are available in Dubai to use?

Accepted Answer

Dubai has a wealth of co-working spaces offering flexible packages ranging from hour-long meeting rooms through to weekly, monthly or quarterly bookings. These can also be rented as a hot desk or private desk. Dubai’s hotels also have many business centres for use, and most cafés and shopping centres also offer free or paid Wi-Fi options.

Question 42

Will I be able to sponsor other family members or friends who want to visit Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Under the programme, you will be able to sponsor your spouse and children.

Question 43

Is any currency acceptable for the monthly income?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, the equivalent should be a minimum of US$5000 monthly.

Question 44

Can I come to Dubai on a tourism visa and transfer to this programme once there

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can come on a standard tourism visa, get acquainted with the city and apply to transfer to the one year programme once you’re ready. Please note that fees can change depending on whether you are applying from within Dubai or from overseas.

Question 45

Can business events currently be hosted in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai has been open for international business events since 1 October 2020, with robust measures in place to ensure the safety of organisers and delegates.

Delegates from around the world can attend business events in Dubai.

Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, works with planners and organisers to make sure they understand the guidelines to host business events safely and smoothly.

Download detailed requirements for re-opening events in Dubai and our guide on the current measures in place at venues, business events, and across the city.

Question 46

What are the current special procedures and rules in place when arriving at DXB?

Accepted Answer

Precautionary measures implemented throughout the airport include hand sanitiser stations around the airport, protective plexiglass at check-in and immigration counters, thermal and temperature screening, social distancing markers and increased levels of cleaning and sanitisation. Before travel, visitors must check with their airline for specific details relevant to their country of departure.

All visitors arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (including GCC countries) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure.

Visitors arriving from selected countries may be subject to additional testing on arrival. The negative COVID-19 PCR test result must be presented in a printed certificate format by the visitor on arrival to DXB. The certificate must be in English or Arabic only. Handwritten certificates will not be accepted.

Upon arrival at DXB, visitors must download and register on the COVID-19 DXB Smart App (Apple or Andoid).

Find out more details about travel to and from Dubai on our Covid-19 travel advisory page.

Question 47

What are the current procedures in place when departing Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Only valid ticket holders will be allowed into the airport building. Travellers must not go to the airport more than four hours before their scheduled flight time. A protective mask must be worn by all travellers. Passengers displaying symptoms are advised to not come to the airport.

Passengers departing Dubai Airports will need to do a PCR test only if it is mandated by the country they are travelling to. A rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport to travellers departing from Dubai if their destination country requires it.

Passengers are advised to check the travel protocols of their carrier and arrival destination.

Find out more details about travel to and from Dubai on our Covid-19 travel advisory page.

Question 48

What are the health safety precautions related to Covid-19 followed at events in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Repeated sanitisation of all venues takes place before, during, and after all events.

All staff must wear face masks and gloves (if in contact with people).

All attendees must wear face masks.

All attendees and staff must maintain 2 metres distance, as indicated on all floors especially in high traffic areas.

Venues can accommodate up to one person per 4 square metres of available space.

Hand sanitiser provision is mandatory throughout all venues.

Question 49

How is food safety being ensured?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 2 metres physical distancing in buffet queues, and staff must serve; there is no self-service.

All other food and beverage must be individually pre-packed and served by staff.

Special public areas must be designated for delegates to consume food and beverages.

Question 50

What rules are in place when staying and moving around Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai is open and as a destination, the city adopts the highest international health and safety standards enabling the city to ensure the wellbeing of all our visitors remains the highest priority.

Everyone must observe physical distancing guidelines and abide by the instructions and preventive measures outlined by concerned authorities for example wearing masks and washing hands regularly.

Family entertainment, attractions, observation decks, public transport, parks, beaches, pools as well as shopping malls and restaurants & cafes are open and operating whilst adhering to strict safety measures as announced by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

Question 51

How do hotels maintain safety standards?

Accepted Answer

Hotels are open and continue to operate rigorous sterilisation and disinfection procedures as per Dubai Municipality requirements, extensive and strict contact rules for staff; and, compulsory wearing of masks for staff who are in direct contact with customers.

Question 52

Are taxis operating in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Taxi drivers wear face masks and gloves, with frequent sanitation of vehicles. A maximum of two passengers can be seated at the back and no passenger in front.

Question 53

Is it safe to travel to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai is one of the world’s safest destinations.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) along with other relevant authorities continue to prioritise and assure the safety and the well-being of all visitors and residents of Dubai.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism continues to work diligently in cooperation with UAE’s public health authorities, including the Dubai Health Authority, to ensure rigorously high standards of public hygiene and safety – in line with international best practices – are adhered to so the well-being of all residents and visitors remain uncompromised at all times.

Question 54

Do I need travel insurance when coming to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

You may need medical travel insurance when travelling to Dubai. It is best to check with your airline or when applying for a visa to the UAE about your specific travel insurance requirements.

Question 55

What are the procedures to follow ahead of travelling to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Please check your country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips, as well as the requirements of the airline.
Ensure that you have met all entry and visa requirements to visit the UAE.

Question 56

Do I need a COVID-19 test when travelling to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

- Effective 8 November 2022, passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries do not need to provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results.
- Passengers travelling onward from Dubai or transiting through the airport must check requirements for their destination.

Question 57

Are transit travellers required to follow the same procedures related to conducting Covid-19 PCR tests?

Accepted Answer

For transit passengers, the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination will apply.
Passengers must check their country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips, as well as the requirements of the airline.

Question 58

What are the procedures when departing from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Passengers departing Dubai Airports will need to do a PCR test only if it is mandated by the country they are travelling to.
A rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport to travellers departing from Dubai if the destination they are travelling to requires it.
Passengers are advised to check the travel protocols of their carrier and the destination they are travelling to. Note: Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.

Question 59

Do I have to wear a mask during my holiday in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Masks are compulsory, as is keeping a one-metre physical distance.
You must wear a mask unless exercising, eating or drinking, in a car with your family, or driving alone.

Question 60

Do tourists have to pay for the treatment and quarantine stay in a hotel if they show symptoms and/or require a second test and the test is positive?

Accepted Answer

The traveller will bear the cost of treatment and quarantine were required.
For more information, please visit this Dubai Health Authority page.
If the COVID-19 test result is positive, the traveller is required to adhere to the isolation guidelines.

Question 61

Do I need a visa and if yes, how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

For all the visa related information please reach out to The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and check your country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips.

Question 62

Are the Emirates airline flight routes fully restored?

Accepted Answer

Please click here for information on which destinations Emirates is flying to and from.

Frequently asked questions

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