Who needs a Dynamics 365 license?

The basic rule is simple: anyone who accesses data in Dynamics 365 needs a license. This also applies when access is obtained through something else.

Indirect access counts

If you build a simple app or portal that retrieves data from Dataverse, its users will still need some form of license. This is the classic budget surprise.

There are exceptions

External users such as customers and suppliers are covered by separate license types, not standard user licenses. If you are planning to create a customer portal, this should be clarified early on — it affects the solution’s entire business model.

System accounts

Integrations that run as an application user do not require a user license in the same way. Confirm this specifically with your licensing advisor rather than making assumptions.