Step-by-Step Guide to Enroll in the Apple Developer Program for Businesses

If you want to publish an iOS app for your business – whether it’s a Shopify store, SaaS tool, or anything else – you’ll need to go through Apple’s official route. That means enrolling in the Apple Developer Program.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: if your app represents a business or brand (not you personally), you must create a Company or Organization account. Individual accounts won’t work for business-branded apps, Apple will reject them.

This guide will walk you through the process of how to enroll in Apple Developer Program, and Apple Developer Program for businesses step by step. No jargon. No guesswork. Whether you’re using a no-code app builder like Twinr or hiring an agency, enrolling properly is the first step to getting your app on the App Store.

What Is the Apple Developer Program (and Why It Matters)

Apple’s Developer Program is a membership that gives you the tools and permissions to build and distribute iOS apps on the App Store. It costs $99 per year and includes:

• Access to App Store Connect for uploading and managing your app
• TestFlight for internal and beta testing
• Developer tools for managing users, analytics, and push notifications
• Support for in-app purchases, subscriptions, and monetization features

According to Statista, as of 2024, the App Store hosts over 1.8 million apps, making it essential for businesses to comply with App Store submission requirements.

More importantly: your app can’t go live on the App Store without this.

There are two types of Apple developer program organization account:

• Individual – for personal apps, not tied to a business
• Organization – required if your app is tied to a registered company or brand

If you’re a Shopify store, a registered business, or using a brand name, you’ll need to enroll business Apple Developer account if you don’t have one. Now let’s show you how to get one.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin (Requirements Checklist)

Before you start your Apple Developer account setup, gather the following company Apple Developer account requirements:

A D-U-N-S Number

This is a unique business ID from Dun & Bradstreet. Apple uses it to verify your company is legit. If you don’t have one, you can request it free at Apple’s D-U-N-S page.

⚠️ Make sure your business name, address, and phone number match your legal documents.

A Company Email Address

Create or use an email that looks professional – for example:
you@yourcompany.com
Avoid personal Gmail or Yahoo addresses.

Apple ID

You’ll use this to log into Apple’s developer portal. You can use an existing one or create a new one for your business (recommended).

Legal Business Entity

Your company must be registered as a legal entity – such as LLC, LLP, Pvt Ltd, or Corporation. Sole proprietors typically don’t qualify for an Apple Developer Program Organization account.

Authority to Sign Legal Agreements

Apple will verify that you (the person applying) have the right to act on behalf of the company. You’ll need to be the founder, legal representative, or have a letter of authorization.

Read More: How to Get Your App Featured on Apple’s App Store

Step-by-Step: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program (Organization Account)

Follow these steps to learn how to enroll in Apple Developer Program. Most of this takes under 30 minutes if you’ve got the details ready.

Step 1: Create an Apple ID (if you don’t have one)

• Go to appleid.apple.com
• Use a business email address
• Add two-factor authentication (Apple requires this for login)

Step 2: Check Your D-U-N-S Number

• Visit Apple’s D-U-N-S lookup tool
• Enter your business name and address
• If your business doesn’t show up, request a new D-U-N-S (can take 5–7 days)

Step 3: Go to Apple Developer Enrollment

• Sign in at developer.apple.com/programs/enroll
• Choose “Organization” when asked for account type

Step 4: Fill in Your Business Details

• Legal business name
• Website (Apple may verify it)
• Business phone number (you’ll get a verification call)
• Your role in the organization

Step 5: Wait for Apple to Verify Your Info

• Apple may email or call to confirm your identity and business
• If you’re not the owner, they’ll ask for a signed authorization letter

Step 6: Pay the Annual Fee

• Once approved, you’ll get a link to pay the $99/year fee
• After payment, your membership activates within 24 hours

Step 7: Access App Store Connect

• Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com
• This is where you’ll upload apps, manage builds, and submit for review

Done! You are now officially enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. Just wait for Apple enrollment processing time, which is usually 1 to 4 weeks.

Common Mistakes That Delay Approval

Here are issues many people run into, and how to avoid them:

1- Using a personal email or Gmail account
→ Use a business domain email instead (like hello@yourbrand.com)

2- Mismatched business name or address in D-U-N-S
→ Make sure your legal documents, D-U-N-S info, and Apple form match exactly

3- Not being authorized to enroll
→ Only legal owners or people with written consent can complete the process

4- Missing website or placeholder domains
→ Apple checks if your site looks legit. Avoid “Coming Soon” pages

5- Skipping verification steps
→ Always answer Apple’s phone or email within 48 hours to avoid delays

How Long Does Enrollment Take?

Usually, Apple enrollment processing time takes 3 to 5 business days.

• D-U-N-S number issues? Add 5–7 more days
• No response to Apple verification? Add delays
• Wrong business type (like sole prop)? Application may be rejected

To speed things up:

• Use correct business info on first try
• Respond promptly to any emails or calls from Apple
• Call Apple Developer Support if you don’t hear back in a week

What Happens After You’re Approved?

Once your account is active, you can:

• Access App Store Connect
• Invite teammates (developers, marketers, etc.)
• Connect your account with no-code platforms like Twinr.
• Submit your app for review following App Store submission requirements.

If you’re using Twinr or another app builder, you’ll get Apple developer account setup guide so you can link your Apple Developer Account during the publishing phase easily. It’s usually just entering your Team ID or logging in with your Apple credentials.

Conclusion: You’re Now Ready to Launch on iOS

Enrolling in the Apple Developer Program for businesses can seem overwhelming, but following this step-by-step guide makes it manageable.

Once you’re set up, your app is one step away from the App Store – where you can finally unlock push notifications, mobile-first checkout, native loyalty experiences, and everything else your brand deserves.

The process is about control. It gives you full ownership over your app, your updates, your users, and your brand identity.

So take the time to do it right. Future-you – and your customers – will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business account for the Apple Developer Program?

Yes. If your app is for a business, brand, or company (not a personal project), Apple requires that you enroll as an Organization with a D-U-N-S number and legal business entity.

How much does it cost to join the Apple Developer Program?

The Apple Developer Program costs $99 per year. This fee gives you access to App Store Connect, developer tools, TestFlight, and app publishing rights.

How long does it take to get approved by Apple?

Most business accounts are approved within 3–5 business days. If you need a D-U-N-S number or Apple requests additional verification, it may take 7–10 days.

What is a D-U-N-S number and how do I get one?

A D-U-N-S number is a unique business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Apple uses it to verify your company. You can request one for free from Apple’s D-U-N-S lookup page.

Can I use a no-code platform to launch my iOS app?

Yes. Platforms like Twinr and Tapcart let you launch iOS apps without code. However, you still need an apple developer program organization account to publish your app under your business name.