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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.
A Portal license allows you to establish your own marketplace, serving as a platform where buyers and sellers connect. If your business will act as an intermediary between them, this activity in the UAE is referred to as a Portal or E-marketplace. A well-known example is Amazon.com, which provides a space for merchants to advertise their goods to buyers. If your business model aligns with this concept, a Portal license is the right choice. Most free zones offer this activity, so finding the right jurisdiction won’t be a challenge.
An e-commerce license allows you to sell digital products, such as software, music, films, programs, and online courses. If your business is focused on selling your own goods through your website, this is the license you need. Whether you're running a small website offering a few products or a large online retailer like Mumzworld.com, an E-commerce license is the ideal choice for businesses selling digital goods directly to customers.
Even with a commercial or service license, you can still conduct e-commerce, but you do so through a marketplace fulfilling the required conditions. Your license may not directly relate to e-commerce, but it doesn’t restrict you from selling your products or services online. You can run any business activity—whether it’s educational training, marketing consultations, or selling food or clothes—through an online platform, as the law does not differentiate based on the mode of sales. However, you must strictly follow the legal requirements for consumer information, return policies, and data security mandated by Decree-Law No. 14/2023.
The E-Trader license is an affordable option for establishing an e-commerce business in Dubai. This license is available exclusively to UAE residents in Dubai with a valid Emirates ID and GCC nationals. It is designed for home-based individuals focusing on B2C sales through social media platforms. Registration is handled via the DET platform with an annual fee of approximately 1 000+ AED (subject to DET tariffs). Additionally, the E-Trader license does not provide a residence visa or the ability to employ staff, and comes with specific restrictions regarding office and warehouse space.
With freelancing now being legalized in the UAE, any freelancer is able to apply for a freelance license. Having the license, you can advertise and provide your services online in UAE and globally.
It’s a perfect solution for designers, IT professionals, tutors, personal assistants, and other typical freelancers.
An e-commerce license can be obtained in one of the UAE free zones, each with its own requirements and regulations. The e-commerce license cost in UAE varies based on factors like business type, size, and structure. The final cost depends on current promotional packages from free zones and is subject to change. Current government fees and rates are published by the respective zones and the DET/ADDED.
| 1-year license | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-commerce license in IFZA (Dubai) | from 12 900 AED |
| E-commerce license in SHAMS (Sharjah) | from 5 770 AED |
| E-commerce license in Masdar (Abu Dhabi) | from 7 000 AED |
| E-commerce license in UAQ | from 8 000 AED |
| E-commerce license in RAKEZ | from 6 010 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included. End costs vary based on promotional offers and are regularly reviewed. Reach our business consultants in Dubai to get the current prices.
Setting up an e-commerce company in Dubai won’t be a problem. Almost all UAE free zones provide a business activity of e-commerce, e-marketplace, or portal.
E-commerce license cost in the UAE depends on a few things:
The cheapest e-commerce licenses are offered by smaller Emirates, for example by RAKEZ. Its e-commerce license can be used for online trading in Dubai, too.
Aidina K.
Calculate the cost of your e-commerce license
The UAE has a few options for licensing an online business. They depend on the type of e-commerce business you are planning to do.
The most effective way of online selling in the UAE is a combination of the above. The majority of online trading businesses in the UAE use all possible channels of internet presence.
Online business in the UAE is governed by several key legislative acts, including Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2023 on trade through modern means of technology, Federal Law No. 15/2020 on Consumer Protection, and Federal Decree-Law No. 46/2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services. Licensing authorities (DET and free zones) apply these laws to ensure safe infrastructure, data protection, and digital invoicing.
Note that products requiring special approvals—such as pharmaceuticals, medical services, financial products, crypto-assets, or alcohol—cannot be sold online without prior authorization from the relevant competent authorities. Consumer protection and return policies also apply to all marketplaces and social media sales.
The importance of e-commerce in the UAE has never been greater than today. However, the market is still far from being saturated, with just a few big names on the list:
The first thing you need to have if you want to launch your own e-business is to set up an e-commerce website in Dubai.
The easiest way to do it is to use e-commerce platforms such as:
Using them will save your time and efforts and will help to launch your e-commerce website faster.
Needless to say, your website should have a payment gateway to enable your customers to pay by card. There are a few online payment providers in UAE that are friendly to new businesses:
Payments can also be received through PayPal UAE or cash on delivery method, which is always good for a start.
The most popular and easy to set up service is Stripe UAE.
Don’t forget that all UAE payment gateway providers charge a commission from each purchase. It usually varies from 2% up to 3.1% depending on the type of goods and sales volumes. Some of them have subscription fees too.
Be ready with the following set of documents for your online payment gateway setup:
The specific list of documents and compliance checks depends on the payment provider and current UAE Central Bank requirements. Therefore, the process may include additional KYC/AML documentation, such as a business plan or proof of source of funds.
An important part that makes online business in Dubai work is delivery service. The majority of e-shops hire a third party for pickup and delivery service in UAE.
Here are some flexible and affordable delivery services in UAE:
Delivery service companies in the UAE mostly offer not only local but also regional and international packages. You also get dedicated managers and user-friendly apps to track and manage your shipments.
When dealing with international customers, businesses should also consider VAT and tax implications in those specific jurisdictions.
Yes, as per the law in the UAE, you need to have a trade license in order to sell online. Your license can be obtained in a free zone or Department of Economic Development.
Prices for e-commerce licenses in Dubai start from 1070 AED (295 USD) for the so-called E-trader license. That license is available only for UAE residents and GCC citizens. In case you are not a resident, you need to consider other solutions, which start from 11,500 AED (3,150 USD).
Just follow this step-by-step guide on getting a Dubai e-commerce license: Decide what type of product you will be selling online: goods or services > If you will be selling goods, search for storage and delivery solutions > Register a license in a free zone or Department of Economic Development > Open a corporate bank account > Make a contract with an online payment gateway provider. Start promoting your business!
As per the law, it is illegal to trade or do any business in the UAE without a business license. Penalties for doing business without a license reach up to 500,000 AED (137,000 USD). Selling through social media is also considered as doing online business
As per the law, it is illegal to trade or do any business in the UAE without a business license. Penalties for doing business without a license reach up to 500,000 AED (137,000 USD). Selling through social media is also considered as doing online business.
As per the Amazon regulations, a physical person without a trade license can be a merchant.
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