Why this takes time (and can't be skipped)
Apple requires every app on the App Store to be published under a verified Apple Developer account. For an organization (not an individual), that verification is stricter than Google's: you need a D-U-N-S number for your business, a legal entity that matches your trade license, and a listed phone number Apple can call to verify.
We've seen this step take as little as 48 hours and as long as 3 weeks. The variance is usually DUNS, we cover that in a dedicated lesson.
What you need before you start
A legal business entity (LLC, FZCO, sole establishment, etc.) with an active trade license.
An Apple ID that will act as the account holder. Use a permanent email like apple@yourbrand.com, not a founder's personal account, this account can't easily be transferred later.
Your D-U-N-S number (9 digits, free from Dun & Bradstreet, 1-5 business days).
A company phone number listed publicly or on your trade license. Apple calls this number to verify.
The enrollment flow
Sign in at developer.apple.com and click Enroll. Choose Organization, not Individual. Enter your company name exactly as it appears on your trade license, any mismatch triggers a manual review.
Pay the $99 USD annual fee. The fee renews annually and is the only hard cost of being on the App Store.
Apple's automated check runs first. If it flags anything (DUNS mismatch, phone number not verifiable, entity name difference), you get an email requesting documents. Respond within 48 hours to keep the case active.
Common rejections and how to fix them
Entity name mismatch: your D-U-N-S record says 'XYZ Restaurants LLC' but your trade license says 'XYZ Food Services LLC'. Fix: update the D-U-N-S record first (free, 2-3 business days), then resubmit to Apple.
Phone number unreachable: Apple's verification caller is automated and will call during their business hours. Add an extension-reachable mainline; don't use a personal mobile.
Rejected for 'sole trader': you enrolled as an Organization but Apple classified you as an Individual based on entity size. Upload your trade license + MOA to the response ticket.
Once approved
You'll see a confirmation email and can log in to App Store Connect. Invite Habitu to your team as an App Manager, we'll need this access to publish the build and manage TestFlight. We'll walk you through this on your onboarding call.