E-Commerce License in Dubai, UAE
Looking to sell products or services online? An e-commerce license from Dubai DED lets you operate legally across the UAE and international markets. Launch your website, mobile app, or social store, open a corporate bank account, sponsor employees, and grow your business in the UAE’s fast-growing digital economy.
What is an E-Commerce License?
An e-commerce license in Dubai is an official permit that allows you to run a business online, whether through a website, a mobile app, or even social media platforms. It is issued either by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or by one of the UAE's free zones. This license is designed for modern digital businesses, traditional companies that want to sell online, or hybrid models that mix online and offline sales.
To operate legally, every online business must also get approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). If you set up in a free zone, you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, while mainland setups may require a local service agent. The e-commerce license is valid for one year and can be renewed. It also allows business owners to sponsor visas for themselves, their employees, and in some cases their families, making it easier to build and manage a growing online enterprise.
This license is perfect for online store owners, dropshippers, marketplace sellers, and anyone using platforms like Amazon, Noon, Instagram, or TikTok to sell products. It's also ideal for UAE residents or global entrepreneurs who want to enter the GCC market. With an e-commerce license, businesses can operate smoothly, stay compliant with Dubai's regulations, and take advantage of the region's rapidly expanding digital economy.
Benefits of E-Commerce License in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership Available
Free zones offer full ownership for online business; mainland uses a service agent with no equity.
Digital Business Authority & Credibility
A DED e-commerce license boosts trust, supports payment gateways, and validates online trade license activity.
Legal Multi-Platform Operations
Sell online via websites, apps, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, or Noon across Dubai, UAE, and global markets.
Tax Benefits & Cost Efficiency
Dubai offers no income tax, UAE corporate tax relief under AED 375k, plus free zone duty-free imports.
Flexible Business Model & Scalability
Launch from home with low cost; scale fast without retail space as your e-commerce business model grows.
Global Market Access & Export
Enable cross-border sales, global marketplace access, and smooth international payment and shipping flows.
Requirements for E-Commerce License
- Valid e-commerce activity from DED approved list (online retail, marketplace, digital services, subscriptions).
- Choose structure: sole proprietorship (eTrader), LLC, one-person company, or free zone establishment.
- Reserve unique business trade name via DED or free zone portal complying with UAE naming rules.
- Provide passport copies, visa pages, Emirates ID for all owners, shareholders, and management personnel.
- Obtain TDRA No Objection Certificate (NOC) for online activity via tdra.gov.ae portal (free, 2 days processing).
- Provide website domain (.ae extension mandatory), mobile app details, or social media account information.
- Secure virtual office (no physical space required) or physical office with Ejari registration if preferred.
- Complete DED application form with platform details, activity codes, and digital business information.
- Obtain DED initial approval confirming e-commerce activity acceptance and TDRA NOC verification.
- Submit complete license application with TDRA NOC, platform documentation, and all supporting files.
Documents Required for E-Commerce License
| Personal Documents | Business Documents | Digital Platform Details | Office & Regulatory |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport copies (all owners) | Trade name reservation | Website domain (.ae required) | Virtual office agreement |
UAE visa & Emirates ID copies | Business plan & model | Mobile app details & screenshots | Ejari certificate (if physical) |
Recent passport-size photos | Memorandum of Association | Social media accounts & links | TDRA NOC certificate |
Birth certificates (if applicable) | Initial approval certificate | Platform registration proof | License fee payment receipt |
E-Commerce Business Types: Key Requirements
01.Online Retail & Product Sales
Requires a TDRA NOC for websites or apps, a .ae domain for UAE stores, and setup with payment gateways (Telr, PayTabs, Stripe). Must follow UAE consumer rules for refunds, returns, warranties, and shipping clarity.
02.Marketplace Seller (Amazon, Noon)
An e-commerce license is required before onboarding. Sellers need a UAE IBAN and should maintain product liability insurance. Must comply with strict marketplace rules for quality, authenticity, and labeling.
03.Social Media Commerce
Requires a TDRA NOC specifying the platform or account. Meta Commerce eligibility may need domain verification. Any major account name or activity change requires a new approval.
04.Dropshipping & Third-Party Fulfillment
Needs supplier agreements and customs documents. Import license required if products enter UAE. Must offer clear refund policies, tracking, and customer service despite no physical inventory.
05.Digital Products & Subscriptions
Requires IP protection, clear digital terms, and VAT compliance for digital services. Must follow UAE data rules and provide transparent subscription cancellation and invoicing.
06.Food & Beverage E-Commerce
Requires Dubai Municipality food safety approval and HACCP for perishables. Needs temperature-controlled delivery, compliant packaging, and adherence to multi-emirate food rules.
07.Fashion & Apparel Online Sales
Must meet GCC textile labeling standards. Requires accurate sizing charts, detailed descriptions, and a 15-day minimum return policy under UAE law.
08.Electronics & Technology E-Commerce
Requires UAE safety and EMC certifications. Must offer mandatory warranties, after-sales support, and clear defect or repair policies under UAE consumer protection regulations.
E-Commerce License Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare
Renew TDRA NOC 4 weeks before expiry, update website/app details, confirm platform activity compliance.
Step 2: Submit
Upload renewal application via DED portal with updated TDRA NOC, platform documentation, and business activity proof.
Step 3: Verify
DED verifies TDRA NOC validity and platform compliance within 2-3 working days. Request updated documentation if needed.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Upon approval, pay annual renewal fees (AED 5,000–10,000) including regulatory charges and TDRA compliance.
Step 5: Download
Receive renewed e-commerce license valid for one more year. Continue online sales and digital commerce operations legally.
Is E-Commerce License in Dubai Costly?
E-commerce license costs in Dubai start from AED 5,750 in free zones like Dubai CommerCity and SPC Free Zone. First-year costs (AED 5,750–15,000) cover government fees, TDRA NOC, virtual office, and minimal overhead—far lower than traditional retail requiring physical stores and high operating expenses.
Dubai free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, full e-commerce license approval, and simplified online business regulations. Rizmona helps reduce costs by selecting the best free zones, managing TDRA approvals, coordinating virtual office setups, and guiding clients on tax incentives to stay compliant and within budget.
Dubai E-Commerce License Cost Calculator
Get a comprehensive cost breakdown for your e-commerce license setup in Dubai.
E-Commerce License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up e-commerce licenses for online retailers, reaching 90% faster approvals and legal operations across Dubai and UAE markets. We handle activity selection, documentation, TDRA approvals, and marketplace registrations from start to finish. Our licensed experts provide reliable, timely guidance on regulations, helping you sell online across websites, apps, and social platforms.
E-Commerce License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up e-commerce licenses for online retailers, reaching 90% faster approvals and legal operations across Dubai and UAE markets. We handle activity selection, documentation, TDRA approvals, and marketplace registrations from start to finish. Our licensed experts provide reliable, timely guidance on regulations, helping you sell online across websites, apps, and social platforms.
Get Your E-Commerce License Fast
Expert guidance for rapid 3-5 day approval. Complete support from TDRA NOC to marketplace registration.