What is an e-commerce license?

An e-commerce license in Dubai is a legal permit that allows businesses to conduct online trading and other digital commercial activities, subject to regulations based on the licensing authority.

E-commerce company in the UAE is a company that sells its products or services online. In the current market, literally any company can be considered as e-commerce. Everyone has some kind of online presence and the trend is growing dramatically.

But even if your license does not relate to e-commerce as such, it does not mean you cannot sell online in the UAE. You can open a company in Dubai with any business activity and conduct it online. While the online format does not change the base type of your trade or service license, you must comply with the requirements of Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2023 on trade through modern means of technology, as well as regulations from DET, free zone authorities, and the Central Bank of the UAE.

Then why do people go for e-commerce license in Dubai? Usually because it’s a requirement from their partners or vendors, or even UAE payment gateway providers.

How to get an e-commerce license in the UAE?

  1. Choose a jurisdiction - mainland or a free zone
    On the mainland e-commerce licenses are issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). In UAE free zones - by the relevant registering authority.
  2. Submit the required documents
    1. Passport copies of all shareholders.
    2. Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).
    3. Emirates ID (if applicable).
    4. Trade Name Reservation Certificate
  3. Get your e-commerce license
    Remember that it should be renewed annually.
  4. Obtain UAE residency
    As a business owner, you are eligible to apply for a 2-year residence visa in the UAE and sponsor your family members. 
  5. Open a corporate bank account
    Mind that as a personal account holder you cannot receive money for business transactions. That’s why you need to set up a corporate bank account.

RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

  • Company setup from

    from 6,000 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses, plots of land

RAKEZ is a designated free zone ideal for trading companies, offering a wide range of business activities and warehouses of all…

SHAMS — Sharjah Media City Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    5,750 AED

Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices

Shams Free Zone offers low-cost business setup and maintenance with flexible visa packages ranging from 0 to 6 visas. It supports…

JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    52,636 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Offices, warehouses, plots of land

A lot of well-known food and consumer goods manufacturers are located in JAFZA, thanks to its wide range of warehouses and…

DWTC — Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    8,000 AED

Registration in 3 weeks
Flexi-desks, offices

Nestled within the heart of Dubai's commercial hub, DWTC presents an exceptional environment that is not only perfect for startups…

SPC — Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    4,999 AED

Registration in 7 days
Offices, co-working spaces, warehouses

The SPC Free Zone is a purpose-built business hub designed to meet the unique needs of the publishing and media industries. It…

DSO — Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    12,000 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Workstations, office spaces, light industrial units

Dubai Silicon Oasis offers an affordable setup for IT companies within a modern technological park featuring ready-made…

Dubai South Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    12,500 AED

Registration in 3 weeks
Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses, land plots

Dubai South is a well-connected free zone next to Al Maktoum Airport, just 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai. It offers convenient…

AFZA — Ajman Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    5,555 AED

Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses

As opposed to business setup in Dubai, Ajman Free Zone company setup is attractive to those who start a new business from scratch…

SAIF — Sharjah Airport Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    10,800 AED

Registration in 5 days
Offices, warehouses, plots of land

SAIF Zone is located next to Sharjah Airport, offering easy logistics and strong connectivity. It supports a wide range of…

DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

  • Company setup from

    35,484 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Flexi-desks, offices

DMCC is a prestigious free zone in the heart of Dubai and a top choice for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. It allows up to…

MFZ — Meydan Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    12,500 AED

Registration in 6 days
Flexi-desks, offices

Meydan Free Zone offers low-cost licenses and fully remote company formation. It also allows businesses to rent office space…

DAFZ — Dubai Airport Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    15,020 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Offices, warehouses, light industrial units

Dubai Airport Free Zone is the best choice for logistics or transportation companies, who need to re-ship their goods though UAE,…

IFZA — International Free Zone Authority

  • Company setup from

    12,900 AED

Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices

IFZA is a low-cost business setup solution in Dubai, perfect for startups and SMEs involved in trading, consulting, or services.…

KIZAD — Khalifa Free Zone Abu Dhabi

  • Company setup from

    9,450 AED

Registration in 2 weeks
Offices, warehouses, plots of land

KIZAD is a low-cost business setup solution in Abu Dhabi, ideal for industries, trade, or logistics businesses. It is the most…

UAQ — Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

  • Company setup from

    8,000 AED

Registration in 3-5 days
Flexi-desks, offices, warehouses

UAQ Free Zone offers a wide range of business activities, including creative and unique categories not found in other free zones.…

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