E-commerce License in Dubai
With the growth of the digital economy and high internet penetration, Dubai has become one of the best global cities to start an online business. An E-commerce License in Dubai allows entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international brands to sell products or services and operate online with compliance to the laws in Dubai, UAE, and globally. Whether you are selling via your website, social media, or existing marketplaces such as Amazon, Noon, or Shopify, the E-Commerce License allows you to be legal, take advantage of business banking, operate with Dubai's zero tax structure, and leverage Dubai's robust digital infrastructure.
This license includes a vast range of activities that can be undertaken and conducted online, including dropshipping, affiliate marketing, anything digital media, e-retail fashion, electronics, health products, subscription-based products, etc. It also gives access to UAE residency visas, office & flexi-desk options, payment gateways integration, and logistics providers to help your online business run smoothly.
At DubaiSetupNow - we provide a full setup service for your E-commerce license including selecting your E-commerce activities, getting approvals, documentation, issuance of your license and opening a bank account. We can also assist you with platform integration assistance, domain registration, marketing essentials, and generally make sure you online business is set for success from day one.
What Is an E-commerce License in Dubai?
A business license for e-commerce is a legal license issued by Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED), or applicable Free Zone authorities, that allows you to set up and run a business online. It allows businesses to advertise, sell, and deliver products or services online, via mobile apps, or marketplaces. The E-Commerce License permits you to trade locally throughout the UAE or even globally, depending on your jurisdiction. Some of the best options for Free Zone e-commerce licenses are IFZA, Shams, Dubai CommerCity, and RAKEZ for low cost/startup, 100% foreign ownership, and little restrictions.
E-commerce License in Dubai
Anyone selling goods or services online in or from Dubai needs this license. This includes:
- Dropshipping store owners
- Amazon FBA and Noon sellers
- Freelancers with service packages
- Social media influencers selling products
- Digital consultants and coaches
- Subscription box service
- Businesses offering downloadable products, courses, or software
Without a valid license, promoting or transacting online in the UAE is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or bans.
What Are the Benefits of an E-commerce License in Dubai?
Launching your online venture in Dubai brings a range of advantages, including: • 100% Foreign Ownership
Keep full control over your business. No want or need for a local sponsor.
Dubai’s Free Zones and specific mainland structures now offer the possibility for 100% foreign ownership for e-commerce activities. You can now begin& run a foreign owned online business with no local Emirati partner in general. So you will have full authority over decision making, retain 100% profit, and maximum autonomy to grow and scale your business globally.
Pay less taxes & reinvest the profit into the growth of your business
The UAE is world renown for its tax-efficient ecosystem. E-commerce businesses based out of eligible Free Zones enjoy 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax, assuming your income is derived from outside of the UAE. Further allowing entrepreneurs and startups to reinvest their earnings into marketing, product development, and technology, all to grow the business and reach customers worldwide.
Have full ownership with no local sponsor required
Starting with 100% foreign ownership for e-commerce in Dubai Free Zones and in certain types of onshore structures, you can own and operate your online business without having to partner with a local Emirati. Thus, you have full decision making power, you keep 100% of your profits, and you can pivot and adjust as your business scales globally.
You can have your license in as little as 1-3 working days
Your E-commerce license will be issued in as little as 1-3 working days via digital-first government services and our experts. There are different timelines based upon the Free Zone or type of Mainland jurisdiction; and it's good to know, before you begin operations we will have handled the entire process from activity selection, documents, name reservation and approvals allowing you to begin operation as quick as possible, without bottlenecks.
Sell within UAE or to markets abroad easily
Dubai's location and infrastructure is one of the biggest strategic advantages of online businesses based here. In Dubai, you can send product shipments all over the UAE and expand services to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. You can always use Dubai's ports and free trade jurisdiction to expand locally and abroad.
Great for startups, freelancers and SMEs
An E-commerce license is among the most affordable business license options for new entrepreneurs. Freelancers, solopreneurs, small businesses or entrepreneurs have all the flexibility to operate in Dubai with packages requiring the lowest capital setup costs and ongoing rental of shared office space and renewal licenses – so you can remain lean and relevant to your customers.
Self-sponsor, employee and family
As a holder of an E-commerce license, you can apply for residency visas for yourself (as an investor), your employees, and even dependent family members. A UAE residency enables your legal residency, access to medical healthcare, banking needs, education (schools) and travel access to and from the UAE.
Link your business with PayTabs, Stripe, Telr, and more
With a valid E-commerce license, you can quickly and easily connect your business to any online payment gateway of your choice either local or international. Dubai Free Zones also collaborates with payment service providers including PayTabs, Telr, Stripe, and Network International, providing your customers with the ability to purchase from your store using either cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers which will create more user-friendly ease of transactions and increase their trust to pay.
Work with Aramex, Fetchr, DHL, and others for delivery solutions
E-commerce businesses in Dubai have the advantage of being partnered with one of the best courier and logistics providers like Aramex, Fetchr, DHL, Emirates Post, and others, which eliminates the pain and difficulty of managing shipping, tracking, warehousing, and fulfillment when sending domestically and internationally, so that you can enhance customer experience and reliability for deliveries.
No requirement for physical location or warehouse
In Dubai they understand the needs of online-first businesses, and as a result they are not limited when it comes to renting large, physical premises, but rather, your online business may operate from office buildings, flexi-desks, and shared work space in physical offices whenever needed. This not only reduction operating costs but gives more flexibility to digital entrepreneurs and allows them to operate their online stores wherever they may be even remotely
How to Get an E-commerce License in Dubai?
Here’s the simplified process:
- Define Your Activities – Choose the specific e-commerce activity (e.g., online trading, web portal, online services).
- Choose Jurisdiction – Decide between Mainland and Free Zone based on your market.
- Register Trade Name – Choose a unique, brandable name for your online business.
- Submit Application – Prepare passport copies, visa, business plan (if needed).
- Lease Digital Office or Flexi-Desk – Required for license issuance.
- Get Your License – Issued in 1–5 days depending on jurisdiction.
- Apply for Visa – Investor, employee, or dependent visas.
- Open a Business Bank Account – Set up with top UAE or international banks.
- Connect Payment Gateways – Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, or your chosen processor.
- Launch Your Store or Platform – Start selling!
Which Jurisdiction Should You Choose – Mainland or Free Zone?
Choosing the right jurisdiction depends on your target market and budget:
Free Zone
Mainland
DubaiSetupNow helps you pick the best structure based on your business goals and licensing requirements.
What Documents Are Required?
To apply for your E-commerce license, you’ll need:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo
- Three proposed trade names
- Office lease agreement (for some Free Zones or Mainland)
- No Objection Certificate (for UAE residents with existing visas)
We handle the complete paperwork and approvals process on your behalf.
Can I Sell on Amazon, Noon, or Shopify with This License?
Yes. With a valid e-commerce license, you can:
- Register and sell on Amazon.ae or Noon.com
- Build your own Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix store
- Offer products or digital services through your website
- Dropship from global suppliers (AliExpress, Oberlo, etc.)
- Use Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for sales and marketing
We assist you with platform registration and compliance where needed.
Can I Get a Visa and Bank Account With an E-commerce License?
Absolutely. An e-commerce license allows you to:
Apply for UAE residency visas for yourself and employees
Sponsor your family or dependents
Open a multi-currency corporate bank account
Access payment gateways and business loans
Our team will guide you through visa processing, medicals, Emirates ID, and banking KYC to ensure a seamless launch.
Why Choose DubaiSetupNow for Your E-commerce License?
At DubaiSetupNow, we’re not just service providers - we’re your business launch specialists! We have trained personnel to help walk you through the entire process. We provide A to Z support starting with a free consultation and a thorough business map to align your end goals with the best set up. We take care of fast trade license appointments, proving government coordination, and ensuring that your applications are completed correctly so that you can have a smooth approval process. Our e-commerce solutions empower you to set up secure payment gateways on day one and teach you how to use platforms like Shopify, Amazon and Noon. We even process your UAE visa and immigration paperwork, provide you with a dedicated account manager, and help with your branding and CRM setup and website development. With DubaiSetupNow, your company is built for zero delays, full compliance with the law, and a future-focused scalable establishment.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
Yes, many Free Zones allow you to operate remotely. If you are a UAE resident and want a bank account, you may need to visit Dubai on a temporary basis.
No, a warehouse is not needed unless your business model is based on physical stock. Many dropship distributors do not warehouse anything.
Yes, if both products and services are connected and are applied for and approved at the same time as business activity.
You can use Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, Checkout.com, and also local gateways as long as they are approved in the UAE.
Yes, unless you plan to collect payments in AED, or wish to coordinate local logistics and suppliers.
Yes, you can apply for employee visas depending on the size of your company and size of the visa quota.
Yes, your are able to apply for both investor and partner visas as well as family sponsorship.
Most free zone e-commerce businesses have 0% tax if they meet certain requirements, mainland is different.
Free Zone license typically takes 1-3 working days. Mainland could take 3-5 working days depending on the paperwork.
Yes, as your business develops you can add new activities or upgrade your licence
Launching Your E-commerce Business in Dubai?
100% ownership. 0% tax. Go live in just a few days.
Whether you’re a dropshipper, freelancer, or digital brand—DubaiSetupNow simplifies the entire journey of launching your online business. From E-commerce licensing and visa approvals to payment gateway setup and bank account opening, we handle every step for a seamless, compliant, and future-ready business setup in Dubai or UAE Free Zones.
Let our experts guide your business launch —
Contact us today to get started.
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