D-U-N-S Number
A D-U-N-S Number is a unique 9-digit code used to identify a company in the Dun & Bradstreet database. In short, it is an international identifier for your company, used by large companies to verify that the business exists, where it is registered, and whether its data is consistent.
For a game studio, D-U-N-S becomes important mainly when you want to work with large platforms. Today, Apple Developer Program and Google Play Console require a D-U-N-S Number for organization / business accounts. If you want your apps or games published under the company name, not just as an individual, you will need this code.
A D-U-N-S Number can be obtained for free. Some flows may push you toward local partners or services that charge a processing fee, but the D-U-N-S code itself should not be treated as a product you have to buy.
Why you need D-U-N-S for games
If you publish mobile games, you will most likely run into D-U-N-S in two contexts:
- when you create or verify an Apple Developer organization account;
- when you create or verify a Google Play Developer organization account.
Platforms use D-U-N-S to verify the company: legal name, address, company status, and data consistency. That is why it is important that your company details are written correctly and consistently everywhere: at the Trade Register, ANAF, the bank, Apple, Google, and Dun & Bradstreet.
If you have an SRL, you will use the company data exactly as it appears officially. If you have a PFA, check carefully whether the platform you want to publish on accepts your legal form for the account type you want.
How to get D-U-N-S
There are two paths. For a company that already appears in the database, start with the first one, it is faster and free.
| How to get it | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Via Apple Support (recommended) | You use the D&B support flow for Apple Developer. If the company is found in the database, you get the code quickly and for free. |
| Via a third party (may cost) | The flow for international companies may send you to the local D&B partner (iCAP). It can take longer and may involve processing costs. |
Practical recommendation
For a game studio in Romania, try the D&B / Apple Developer Support flow first. If the company is found, you can get the D-U-N-S Number quickly without going through a separate process with the local partner.
If the company is not found, then contact D&B or the local partner and prepare the company documents. Even then, keep the main idea in mind: a D-U-N-S Number can be obtained for free, and its purpose is to verify the company, not to sell you an optional service.
Next step
Once you have the code, save it in MY OWN COMPANY DETAILS. You will reuse it when verifying your Apple and Google accounts.