What Is a D-U-N-S Number and Why Every Business Needs One in Egypt

Before partnerships are built, contracts are signed, or funding is approved, one critical element must be in place: trust. For Egyptian companies, the D-U-N-S® Number is a trusted way to prove legitimacy and gain international recognition.

Issued by Dun & Bradstreet, this 9-digit identifier helps verify your company’s identity, ownership, and operational status. It is widely used by financial institutions, regulators, and global procurement platforms.

This guide explains everything Egyptian businesses need to know about the DUNS Number: what it is, why it’s important, how to register, documents required, and how to update or verify your company’s DUNS profile.

What is a DUNS Number and How to Get One in Egypt?

The DUNS Number (short for Data Universal Numbering System) is a globally recognized 9-digit identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).It is used by governments, banks, buyers, and compliance agencies around the world to verify business identities and evaluate risk.

In Egypt, any legally registered business, whether a sole proprietorship, LLC, Free Zone company, or public entity, can apply for a DUNS Number. The number is tied to your company’s legal name, structure, and physical address.

Getting a DUNS Number in Egypt is a straightforward process. You can apply online through the Dun & Bradstreet portal or via authorized local partners.

Why Do Egyptian Companies Need a DUNS Number for Global Trade?

If your business is looking to export, secure international contracts, apply for tenders, or access trade finance, a DUNS Number is often mandatory. Here’s why:

• Cross-border Verification: Multinational buyers use DUNS to verify suppliers.
• Trade Finance Approval: Banks and financial institutions rely on DUNS data to assess creditworthiness.
• Procurement Compliance: Many government and private-sector tenders require a valid DUNS Number for vendor registration.
• Supply Chain Onboarding: Companies use the DUNS system to screen vendors, distributors, and partners.

In short, if you’re doing or planning to do business internationally, the DUNS Number helps ensure your company can be easily validated and trusted.

Benefits of Having a DUNS Number for Egyptian Businesses

1. Global Business Identity Your business is listed in a global database of over 500 million entities, enabling instant recognition by partners, regulators, and institutions.
2. Access to Trade Finance Financial institutions in Egypt and abroad use the DUNS system to assess business legitimacy and risk, essential for letters of credit or trade funding.
3. Improved Credibility Having a DUNS Number sends a message that your business is legitimate, verified, and ready to engage with international buyers or investors.
4. Better Compliance From AML/KYC to ESG reporting, many compliance frameworks reference DUNS Numbers as part of their verification process.
5. Ease of Registration with Global Platforms Many international procurement portals, marketplaces, and platforms require a DUNS Number to complete onboarding.

How to Check If Your Company Has a DUNS Number

If you're unsure whether your business already has a DUNS Number, here’s how to find out:

• Visit the Dun & Bradstreet Egypt portal or the global DUNS directory.
• Use the DUNS lookup tool by entering your company’s name and location.
• If a match is found, you’ll be able to view the DUNS Number and verify the profile.
• If not found, proceed with a new application to obtain one.
• It’s important to verify your company’s presence in the system to avoid duplicate registrations.

DUNS Number Lookup for Registered Egyptian Companies

To perform a DUNS Number lookup:

• Use D&B’s online search tools to find your company’s profile by name or address.
• Check for accuracy in details like company name, structure, and registration address.
• You can also request support from D&B Egypt for profile corrections or verifications.
• This lookup is useful for business validation and internal compliance processes.

How to Verify a Business in Egypt Using a DUNS Number

Verifying a business before entering into partnerships, contracts, or financial agreements is a crucial step in mitigating risk. The D-U-N-S® Number provides a reliable way for financial institutions, corporate buyers, government entities, and suppliers in Egypt to validate the legitimacy of a company and assess its risk profile.

To verify a business in Egypt using its D-U-N-S® Number, follow these steps:

• Visit the D&B Egypt website.
• Use the Lookup Tool.
• Review the Company Profile.
• Check for Risk Indicators.
• Request a Business Information Report (Optional).
• Use Verification for Onboarding or Compliance.

By using the DUNS Number, you can:

• Confirm Legal Identity and Registration: Instantly verify a company’s registered name, legal form (LLC, joint-stock, etc.), physical address, and operational status.
• Assess Business History and Operations: Gain insight into how long the company has been in operation, what sectors it operates in, and the size and scope of its business activity.
• Identify Ownership and UBOs: Review the company’s ownership structure, including parent companies, subsidiaries, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)—critical for anti-money laundering (AML) and KYC compliance.
• Review Risk Indicators: Identify red flags such as legal issues, sanctions, poor payment behavior, or other compliance alerts that may affect your decision to work with the company.
• Access Business Information Reports (BIRs): For a more comprehensive view, you can request a Business Information Report from Dun & Bradstreet, which includes financial stability ratings, payment patterns, and credit risk assessments.

This makes the DUNS system a valuable part of supplier onboarding and due diligence.

Step-by-Step Process to Register for a DUNS Number in Egypt

Here’s how to register your business for a DUNS Number in Egypt:

Make sure your business is legally registered with a valid commercial registration number or trade license.

To apply for a DUNS Number in Egypt, you will typically need:

• Commercial Registration Certificate or Trade License
• Tax ID or VAT Certificate
• Company Address & Contact Details
• Ownership/Shareholder Information
• National ID or Passport Copy of authorized signatory
• Company Stamp (if applicable)

Additional documents may be requested if your business has complex ownership or offshore structures.

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet Egypt website or apply via an authorized partner or consultant.

Provide your company’s legal name, registration info, address, ownership structure, and contact details.

D&B will review your application, verify details, and issue your DUNS Number if everything is in order.

How Long Does It Take to Get a DUNS Number in Egypt?

The standard processing time is 7 to 30 business days, depending on the completeness of documentation and the need for verification.

If needed urgently, for example, for a tender or export document, you can request an expedited service, which may deliver your DUNS Number within 3 to 5 business days.

Where to Get Assistance for DUNS Registration in Egypt

If you need help registering or verifying your DUNS Number, assistance is available through:

• Dun & Bradstreet Egypt Office: They offer direct support for registration, verification, and profile updates.
• Local Business Consultants: Many firms in Egypt offer DUNS registration as part of business setup or trade compliance packages.
• Industry Associations: Chambers of commerce or export councils may also provide guidance or recommend registration pathways.
• Banks and Trade Finance Advisors: If you are applying for trade finance, your bank may assist in facilitating DUNS registration.

Conclusion

Your next opportunity could be one verification away. In today’s global market, being easily verified and trusted gives your business a competitive edge. The D-U-N-S® Number helps Egyptian companies build that trust, simplifying trade, improving credibility, and supporting access to finance and partnerships.

In a landscape where transparency, legitimacy, and speed matter more than ever, securing a DUNS Number is a smart, strategic step. It positions your business for scalable growth, strengthens your global footprint, and opens the door to long-term, cross-border opportunities.

If your company is looking to expand internationally or streamline its financial credibility, now is the time to take action. Connect with us to get started.

FAQs

A: To register for a DUNS Number in Egypt, you’ll generally need the following:

• Valid Commercial Registration or Trade License
• Tax ID or VAT Certificate
• Company address and contact information
• Details of ownership or shareholders
• National ID or passport copy of the authorized signatory
• Company stamp (if applicable)

A: No, but it’s often required for international trade, finance, tenders, and supplier registration. It’s highly recommended for global credibility.

A: No. The commercial registration number is issued locally by Egyptian authorities; the DUNS Number is a global ID from Dun & Bradstreet.

A: Not always, but global platforms like Amazon or Alibaba may require it for verification. It boosts trust for cross-border selling.

A: Contact Dun & Bradstreet Egypt, submit your DUNS Number with updated documents, and request a Company Update.

A: Sometimes. Especially for tenders involving international funding or procurement platforms. Always check tender requirements.