E-commerce License

E-Commerce License in Dubai
Start E-Commerce in UAE

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.

E-Commerce License in Dubai
Legalize Your Online Store

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.

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License Includes Visa Access

Launching Your E-commerce Business in Dubai?

Own your business in Dubai with ease.
Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, freelancer, or digital brand, DubaiSetupNow streamlines the process of launching your online business. From e-commerce licensing and visa processing to payment gateway integration and business bank account setup — we handle everything needed to establish your company in Dubai or UAE Free Zones.

Dubai is more than just a place to register your business — it’s a growing hub for the Middle East’s digital economy. With strong logistics, advanced infrastructure, and supportive government initiatives, Dubai offers entrepreneurs credibility, access to regional and global markets, and opportunities to scale.

At DubaiSetupNow, we go beyond licensing. Our experts guide you through compliance, help you set up secure banking, and connect you with reliable payment solutions — so you can focus on building your brand and growing your business.

Let our experts guide your business launch —
Contact us today to get started.


Your Dubai business journey begins with one smart step: reaching out to Dubaisetupnow.

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Start E-Commerce in UAE

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.
Legalize Your Online Store

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.

0% Income & Corporate Tax

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.

Foreign Ownership

 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.

Quick Establishment

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.

Access to UAE & World Markets

 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.

Affordable Setup & Renewals

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

UAE Residency Visa

If you are an overseas company interested in taking part in the UAE market, having a Dubai Phone number and a receptionist will give you instant credibility. We are your local voice, doing your customer support, forwarding messages, and ensuring you can be contacted from anywhere in the world.

Online Payment Gateway Access

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.

Logistics Integration

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

Digital Office & Flexi-Desk Options

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.
E-Commerce License in Dubai
We Simplify Your Start

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!
Compare, Choose, Start Smart

Which Jurisdiction Should You Choose – Mainland or Free Zone?

Choosing the right jurisdiction depends on your target market and budget:

Free Zone

Ideal for selling internationally or B2B. Offers 100% ownership, no tax, lower cost. Popular Free Zones: IFZA, SHAMS, CommerCity, SPC.

Mainland

Required if you want to sell directly to customers inside the UAE (B2C). You can now own 100% of your business in most sectors.

DubaiSetupNow helps you pick the best structure based on your business goals and licensing requirements.

E-Commerce License in Dubai

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.

E-Commerce License in Dubai
License Includes Visa Access

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.

How Can We Help You?

Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support

Can I run from outside of Dubai?

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.

Is a warehouse needed for the e-commerce license?

No, a warehouse is not needed unless your business model is based on physical stock. Many dropship distributors do not warehouse anything.

Can I sell products and services using the same license?

Yes, if both products and services are connected and are applied for and approved at the same time as business activity.

What payment gateways can I use?

You can use Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, Checkout.com, and also local gateways as long as they are approved in the UAE.

Do I need a banking account in the UAE?

Yes, unless you plan to collect payments in AED, or wish to coordinate local logistics and suppliers.

Can I employ staff with this licence?

Yes, you can apply for employee visas depending on the size of your company and size of the visa quota.

Will I get a visa with this licence?

Yes, your are able to apply for both investor and partner visas as well as family sponsorship.

Is my business taxed in Dubai?

Most free zone e-commerce businesses have 0% tax if they meet certain requirements, mainland is different.

How long does it take to obtain the licence?

Free Zone license typically takes 1-3 working days. Mainland could take 3-5 working days depending on the paperwork.

Can I upgrade or expand the licence at a later date?

Yes, as your business develops you can add new activities or upgrade your licence

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Get Your Business License & 2-Year UAE Residency Visa –

From Only AED 5,999 Upfront!

  • Free zone trade license
  • 2-year UAE residency visa
  • 100% ownership
  • 5 business activities
  • Lease agreement, VAT & PRO services
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