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Grace Oyinkansola
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Aidina Kursantbek
Business Setup Advisor
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. As per the law, the mode of sales does not make any difference.
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. Just ensure you're using a marketplace that aligns with the regulations for your business type.
The E-Trader license is an affordable option for establishing an e-commerce business in Dubai. This license is available exclusively to UAE and GCC nationals. Additionally, the E-Trader license does not provide a residence visa or the ability to employ staff.
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.
from 12,900 AED
from 5,770 AED
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Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Insurance and agency fees are not included.
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.
You can obtain a Portal license, which allows you to establish a platform connecting buyers and sellers. This type of license is ideal if you plan to act as an intermediary, similar to platforms like Amazon. Most free zones in the UAE offer this license, providing you with the opportunity to build and operate a digital marketplace.
If you prefer to trade through an existing marketplace, you can register a trade company in the UAE and sign an agreement with the marketplace. This option is suitable for businesses that want to leverage a well-established platform while selling their own products. You'll need to comply with the marketplace’s terms and conditions while operating under your trade license.
No commissions to marketplaces but higher expenses for advertising. Logistics is on you, too.
Reach out to your targeted audience and locations.
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.
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:
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.
As per the Amazon regulations, a physical person without a trade license can be a merchant.
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.
Yes, you can. You need to obtain a trade license. You also need to take approvals that your bakery products meet the hygiene requirements during preparation and that you (or your helpers) are not carrying any diseases.
Just follow this step-by-step guide on getting a Dubai e-commerce license:
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).
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.
Elena O.
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