A COMPLETE GUIDE TO
E-COMMERCE LICENCE IN DUBAI
If you are planning to apply for an e-commerce licence in Dubai or in any other Emirate, we have prepared a simple guide that will help you easily understand everything you need to know to launch your own e-commerce company and be a part of the UAE’s booming online retail industry.
What is an E-commerce License?
The UAE’s e-commerce market is absolutely thriving! If you are wondering why many people are trying to get an e-commerce licence in Dubai, that’s because the UAE e-commerce market’s value skyrocketed to USD 3.9 billion in 2020, which is equal to a 53% year-on-year increase. Market analysts believe this is just the start – and that the UAE’s e-commerce sector will reach a value of USD 8 billion by 2025. That’s more than double its current value in just four years!
With such huge opportunities awaiting aspiring entrepreneurs, it is no wonder that many are looking to set up their own online business and start taking advantage of this huge opportunity – which is probably why you are here.
How to apply for an e-commerce licence in the UAE
The application process for an e-commerce licence may differ for each jurisdiction, but we are giving you an overview so you can get a better idea of the documents you need to prepare and the processes you need to go through.
Step 1:
Prepare the following details and documents
Company name
Business activity
Copy of your passport or visa/entry stamp
Share ratio
Contact number, email and complete address of all company shareholders
Photos (if required by the free zone)
Step 2:
Liaise with your chosen free zone / mainland jurisdiction
Submit the required documents to the free zone or mainland jurisdiction.
Once they have received the documents, your e-commerce licence application will enter the stage of initial approval. In most cases, you have to make a payment to the free zone or mainland to initiate the application process. The rate of an e-commerce licence may start from AED 5,750, depending on the jurisdiction.
Most jurisdictions require pre-approval first before they issue your licence. The application process may take 3 to 7 days in free zones, whereas your application can be processed on the same day or up to 2 days in the mainland.
Step 3:
Wait for your documents to be released
Once your licence has been issued, then the digital documents will be sent to you. Some free zones may require original documents, which will be sent to you at a later date.
Step 4:
Start your visa application
If the e-commerce licence package you chose comes with visa(s), then the visa application process will begin after the immigration card has been issued.