Ecommerce Licence in the UAE (2026): Types, Costs and Requirements
What you need to know about an ecommerce licence in the UAE, covering Dubai's e-Trader licence, mainland licences and free zones, with costs, limits and how to apply.
Short answer: to sell online in the UAE you need a valid trade licence. The cheapest option for a Dubai resident is the e-Trader licence, at about AED 1,370 a year. If you want a full company with a corporate bank account and visas, choose a mainland or free-zone ecommerce licence, which typically starts from around AED 6,000.
This article is general information. Fees and rules change, so always confirm with the official authority in your emirate before applying.
Do I really need a licence to sell from home?
Yes. Any commercial activity in the UAE needs a licence, even if it is fully online with no shop. Beyond the legal side, most payment gateways, couriers and marketplaces such as Noon and Amazon ask for your licence before they will work with you.
1. The Dubai e-Trader licence
Issued by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism for individuals and home-based businesses selling online and through social media.
Typical cost: a licence fee of about AED 1,070 plus Dubai Chamber membership of about AED 300, so roughly AED 1,370 a year, based on published figures at the time of writing.
Pros:
- The cheapest legal way to start.
- Fast to issue, usually within a few business days.
- No office needed.
Limits:
- For Dubai residents, with a single owner.
- No visas or office included.
- No physical shop; sales go through your website and social media.
- Some banks and payment gateways have extra requirements for this licence type, so ask first.
Best for: a solo founder starting small and testing the market.
2. A mainland ecommerce licence
A standard trade licence with an ecommerce activity, issued by the economic department of your emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and others).
Pros:
- Sell anywhere in the country, and open a physical store later.
- Easier acceptance by banks and payment gateways.
- Partners and visas are possible.
Limits:
- Higher cost, and usually an office lease is required.
Best for: a brand that plans to grow, hire and open a physical location.
3. A free-zone company
Many UAE free zones offer ecommerce licences in packages with flexi-desks and visas, such as Meydan Free Zone, Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), IFZA and others.
Pros:
- 100% foreign ownership.
- Clear packages, often starting from around AED 6,000.
- Visas depending on the package.
Limits:
- Selling directly to customers inside the UAE can have conditions depending on the free zone, so confirm the exact scope of your activity.
Best for: founders based outside the UAE, or businesses that need visas from day one.
Quick comparison
| Dubai e-Trader | Mainland | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical yearly cost | ~AED 1,370 | Higher, depends on activity and office | From ~AED 6,000 |
| Office | No | Usually yes | Usually a flexi-desk |
| Visas | No | Yes | Depends on package |
| Owners | One individual | Depends on company type | Depends on package |
| Physical shop | No | Yes | Depends on zone |
How to apply, in general
- Choose the activity precisely (general ecommerce or a specific product category).
- Pick a trade name and check it's available.
- Apply through the authority's portal with your Emirates ID and documents.
- Pay the fees and receive the licence.
- Open a bank account in the licence holder's name.
- Register for VAT once your sales reach the mandatory threshold (AED 375,000 over 12 months).
After the licence comes the store
The licence is only step one. Next you need a store customers trust and can pay in easily. Read how to start an online store in the UAE, check the cost of a Shopify store in the UAE, or book a call with us and we'll help you launch.
FAQ
How much is an ecommerce licence in Dubai?
The e-Trader licence costs about AED 1,370 a year including chamber membership. Mainland and free-zone licences cost more, usually from around AED 6,000.
Is an e-Trader licence enough to open a Shopify store?
Legally it covers selling online in Dubai. Check in advance that your chosen payment gateway and bank accept this licence type.
Can I get a licence if I don't live in the UAE?
The e-Trader licence is for residents only. Non-residents usually set up a free-zone company instead.
How long does it take to get the licence?
An e-Trader licence usually takes a few business days. Mainland and free-zone companies can take from one to several weeks.