How to Get the WhatsApp Verified Badge (Green Tick, Now Blue) in the UAE

WhatsApp's verified badge used to be a green tick; it is now a blue tick, like on Facebook and Instagram. A UAE business can get it in two ways: subscribe to Meta Verified in the WhatsApp Business app, where it is offered, or request Official Business Account status for a number on the WhatsApp Business Platform (API). Meta reviews both.

This guide explains which route fits your business, what you need before you apply, the steps, and why requests get turned down.

Checked on 29 October 2026 against WhatsApp's Help Center (Meta Verified for Business) and Meta's developer documentation (Official Business Accounts, display names). Meta changes plans and availability often; check inside your app or WhatsApp Manager before you apply.

What is the WhatsApp verified badge?

The verified badge is a blue tick (also called a blue checkmark) next to a business name on WhatsApp. It means Meta has verified the account, based on its activity across Meta's apps or documents the business provided.

Customers can see the badge on your business profile, in chats, in the calls tab and on incoming calls from your business. It tells them they are talking to the real business, which matters in the UAE, where scammers often copy shop names, logos and phone numbers.

Is the green tick gone? Yes, the colour changed to blue when Meta brought WhatsApp in line with Facebook and Instagram. According to WhatsApp, a business that already had a verified badge keeps its verified status with no action needed.

Which route should my business use?

The route depends on how you use WhatsApp:

Sources: WhatsApp Help Center and Meta for Developers, checked 29 October 2026.

Which one applies to me? It depends on where your number is connected. Meta says Official Business Account status isn't granted to WhatsApp Business app numbers, so a number on the app uses Meta Verified, and a number on the API uses the Official Business Account request.

How do I get the blue tick with Meta Verified?

Meta Verified is a paid subscription inside the WhatsApp Business app. It is not offered in every country or to every business. To check, open the app and look for Meta Verified under Tools or Settings. If you don't see it, it isn't available to your account yet.

Who is eligible?

According to WhatsApp, the person applying must be at least 18 and have a phone number in a country where Meta Verified is offered. The WhatsApp Business account must:

• have been on the WhatsApp Business app for a certain number of days (WhatsApp doesn't say how many)

• have sent a message recently

• be located in a country where Meta Verified is available

• have a profile name and a profile picture

• not already have a Meta Verified subscription through Meta Business Suite

Government and political organisations can't subscribe at the moment.

Step by step

1. Update your business name and details first. The name must match your business documents, for UAE businesses usually your trade licence. Changing details after you subscribe can cancel the subscription.

2. In the WhatsApp Business app, tap Tools, then Meta Verified, then Continue.

3. Choose the plan the app recommends for your business.

4. Select the account to verify. You can add your linked Facebook and Instagram accounts and verify them together.

5. Add a payment method and pay. The payment is refunded if Meta can't verify your business.

6. Select your business, choose a verification method and submit your details or documents.

7. Wait for Meta's review: up to three business days, sometimes longer. Once approved, the blue tick appears on your profile.

What do the Meta Verified plans include?

WhatsApp lists four plans. Meta decides which ones you're offered based on your business activity, such as how much you message customers.

Source: WhatsApp Help Center, "About Meta Verified for Business on WhatsApp", checked 29 October 2026. Prices are shown in the app and may include introductory offers.

Watch out: the subscription is cancelled if you change your phone number, and it can't be moved to another account. Switching from the WhatsApp Business app back to regular WhatsApp removes the badge.

How do I get the blue tick on the WhatsApp Business API?

For numbers on the WhatsApp Business Platform, the badge comes with Official Business Account (OBA) status. Meta's documentation lists five requirements:

1. Your business follows the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy.

2. You have been on the WhatsApp Business Platform for at least 30 days.

3. The business portfolio that owns the number is verified through Meta's Business Verification (UAE businesses usually use their trade licence).

4. The phone number has two-step verification turned on.

5. The number's display name is approved.

Step by step

1. In WhatsApp Manager, go to Overview and click your business phone number.

2. Turn on two-step verification if it isn't on yet.

3. Under Phone numbers → Profile → Official business account, click Submit Request.

4. Wait for Meta's decision. You'll be told whether the number was granted OBA status.

If you meet the requirements but don't see the option, Meta says to contact your Meta contact, your WhatsApp partner's support or Meta Support.

After approval: display name changes for an Official Business Account go through Meta support rather than the normal WhatsApp Manager flow, so settle on your name before you apply.

Why do WhatsApp verification requests get rejected?

Meta doesn't publish a full list of reasons, but the usual problems are:

• Name mismatch. The display name or business name doesn't match the trade licence or documents.

• Business not verified. The Meta business portfolio hasn't passed Business Verification.

• Too new. API numbers need at least 30 days on the platform; app accounts need some history.

• Policy problems. Spam reports, blocks or banned products (see WhatsApp's Commerce Policy).

• Low public presence. Meta's OBA page doesn't list fame as a requirement, but WhatsApp partners report that brands with a website, active social pages and press coverage are approved more often. Treat this as experience, not a rule.

If an API request is denied, you must wait 30 days before trying again. Use the time to fix the cause.

Do I need the verified badge to sell on WhatsApp?

No. Most UAE shops sell on WhatsApp without it. Customers find you through your Instagram bio, your website, Click-to-WhatsApp ads and word of mouth, and an approved display name already shows at the top of chats on the API.

The badge is worth it if:

• scammers are copying your business name or number

• you're a known brand and customers ask "is this really you?"

• you want your API number to appear when people search WhatsApp

Never pay anyone who "guarantees" the tick. Only Meta grants it, through the two routes above.

Run your official WhatsApp number with Nodi

Nodi is an official WhatsApp partner ("Partner of Meta"). Nodi doesn't apply for the verified badge for you: that request goes to Meta, through the steps above. What Nodi does is run the number your customers trust:

• Connect your existing business number the approved way in about 5 minutes

• A team inbox, so several staff answer on one number

• AI replies in English and Arabic from your own products, prices and policies, with handoff to your team

• Orders and bookings in the chat, with WhatsApp message fees at Meta's own rates

Plans start from AED 59 a month for shops, and you can try the full Scale plan for 30 days for AED 3.

See the WhatsApp chatbot · Start your AED 3 trial

Related guides: WhatsApp Business in the UAE: the complete guide · WhatsApp Business API in the UAE: pricing and how to get it · WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp API

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the green tick on WhatsApp Business?

The green tick is now a blue tick. On the WhatsApp Business app, subscribe to Meta Verified (Tools → Meta Verified) where it's offered. On the API, request Official Business Account status in WhatsApp Manager.

Is the WhatsApp verified badge free?

On the app, it comes with a paid Meta Verified subscription. On the API, Meta's documentation lists no fee for the Official Business Account request, but you pay for API messages and any partner software.

Is Meta Verified available in the UAE?

Meta offers it in selected countries and to selected businesses, and availability changes. Open your WhatsApp Business app and look for Meta Verified under Tools or Settings; if it's missing, it isn't available to your account yet.

How long does WhatsApp verification take?

Meta Verified reviews take up to three business days, sometimes longer. Meta doesn't publish a timeline for Official Business Account requests.

What documents do I need?

Usually your UAE trade licence, with a business name that matches your WhatsApp name. API numbers also need a verified Meta business portfolio and two-step verification.

What if my request is rejected?

For API numbers, wait 30 days and fix the cause before requesting again. For Meta Verified, the payment is refunded if Meta can't verify your business; check the reason in the app before reapplying.

Will I lose the badge if I change my number or name?

Changing your number cancels a Meta Verified subscription. Official Business Accounts must change their display name through Meta support. Plan your name and number before applying.

Sources

• WhatsApp Help Center, About Meta Verified for Business on WhatsApp, checked 29 October 2026

• WhatsApp Help Center, How to subscribe to Meta Verified for Business on WhatsApp, checked 29 October 2026

• WhatsApp Help Center, Eligibility requirements for Meta Verified for Business on WhatsApp, checked 29 October 2026

• Meta for Developers, Official Business Accounts, checked 29 October 2026

• Meta for Developers, Display names, checked 29 October 2026