I recently faced the task of registering for the Apple Developer Program as a sole proprietor (IP) from Russia. If you want to publish apps on behalf of a legal entity, Apple requires business verification through a DUNS number. It seemed like a straightforward procedure, but as it turned out, not for Russia.

What is DUNS?

DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique nine-digit company identifier assigned by the international organization Dun & Bradstreet. Apple needs it to confirm that you are actually running a business. Without a DUNS number, registering a business developer account is impossible.

How Does Getting a DUNS Number Work in Russia?

Unlike the US and Europe, where you can simply submit an application through the D&B website, in Russia DUNS numbers are issued by the company "Interfax". Yes, the same "Interfax" we know from the news.

If you go directly to the Interfax website, you may encounter a paid service — obtaining a DUNS seemingly "at a set price." However, it is important to understand: DUNS for Apple must be provided free of charge. This is explicitly stated on Apple's website.

How I Got My DUNS Number Through Apple

Here is my step-by-step experience of how I obtained a free DUNS number as a sole proprietor from Russia:

1. Went to Apple's website: https://developer.apple.com/support/D-U-N-S/

2. Filled out the application, providing information about myself as a sole proprietor: full name, TIN (INN), business registration number (OGRNIP), legal and physical address (in my case they were the same).

3. Submitted the application and a couple of days later received an email from Apple asking to confirm my details. The letter stated that the company (sole proprietorship) should be in the international D&B database.

4. Since my record was not in the database, I wrote directly to D&B, and they responded that applications for Russia are handled by @interfax.

5. Contacted Interfax by email, confirmed my details: TIN, business registration number, full name, address.

6. After a few days (approximately 7–8 business days), I received my DUNS number for free.

Important to Know!

✔️ Submit your application through Apple's website — only then does it go through the "free" route.

✔️ If you contact Interfax directly through their website, they may offer you a "paid verification" or "expedited processing," but DUNS itself is always free.

✔️ The process took about 10 days. If you urgently need access to Apple Developer as a legal entity — it's better to start in advance.

✔️ In your emails to Interfax, be sure to specify that you are applying specifically for the Apple Developer Program, as this speeds up processing.

Where to Check for a DUNS Number?

After receiving your number, you can verify that your company (sole proprietorship) has been added to the international D&B database by visiting:
Check DUNS in D&B database

Enter your full name or company name in Latin characters, along with the city. If everything was done correctly, the entry will appear, and you can continue registering your Apple developer account.

Getting a DUNS number for Apple Developer in Russia in 2025 is a real and achievable task. The main thing is not to pay for something that should be free.

If you are a sole proprietor, simply follow Apple's instructions, process everything through their website, and interact with Interfax only via email. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and get everything done quickly.