Dubai E-commerce License
Get your Dubai E-commerce License through DET to sell online legally in the UAE — e-trader, marketplace selling, social media selling, and full e-commerce LLC options with payment gateway support.
Description
A Dubai E-commerce License authorises selling products and services online in the UAE — through your own website, marketplaces like Amazon.ae and Noon, and social media channels. DET offers several routes: the E-Trader license (for UAE/GCC resident individuals selling via social media from home), the portal license for online-only businesses, and the full e-commerce LLC for businesses combining online sales with warehousing, importing, and physical operations. Selling online without an appropriate license risks fines and platform delisting.
The right structure depends on your model. Marketplace sellers (Amazon.ae, Noon) need a trade license to register as professional sellers and to import inventory. Social sellers can start with E-Trader but cannot sponsor visas or import commercially under it. Businesses building a brand with their own site, inventory, and fulfilment need the full e-commerce LLC with importer code, which supports payment gateways, visas, warehousing, and VAT registration. We match the license to your model so you do not overpay or hit operational walls later.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete Dubai e-commerce setup — license route selection, DET approval, trade name reservation, MOA drafting (LLC route), Ejari registration, license issuance, importer code registration, payment gateway application support (Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, Ziina), marketplace seller account guidance (Amazon.ae, Noon), and corporate bank account introduction. Standard e-commerce LLC setup completes in 7 to 12 working days.
What's Included
- DET E-commerce Trade License
- License Route Assessment (E-Trader vs Portal vs Full LLC)
- 100% Foreign Ownership (LLC Route)
- Sell via Own Website, Amazon.ae, Noon, and Social Media
- Trade Name Reservation
- MOA Drafting (LLC Route)
- Ejari Registration Coordination
- Importer Code Registration (For Physical Goods)
- Payment Gateway Application Support (Stripe, Telr, PayTabs, Ziina)
- Marketplace Seller Account Guidance (Amazon.ae, Noon)
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1 included, LLC route)
- VAT Registration Coordination
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- E-commerce or trading activity selection
- Trade name following DET naming rules
- Ejari office (LLC route; virtual options available)
- Product category compliance (regulated goods need NOCs)
- Shareholder passport with 6+ months validity
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- Product Category List
- Website / Platform Details (if existing)
- Office Lease / Ejari (LLC route)
- NOC for Regulated Product Categories (if applicable)
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
Our Process
- Consultation on e-commerce license route and product category
- Trade name reservation with DET
- DET initial approval
- Ejari registration (LLC route)
- MOA drafting and notarisation (LLC route)
- Product category NOC (regulated goods, if applicable)
- License issuance
- Importer code registration
- Payment gateway application
- Marketplace seller registration guidance
- Establishment Card and investor visa
- Corporate bank account opening
- VAT registration (if threshold met)
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 12,000
- Service Fee: AED 3,500
- VAT (5%): AED 775
- Total: AED 16,275
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell on Amazon.ae or Noon?
Yes. Both Amazon.ae and Noon require a valid UAE trade license to register as a professional seller. Selling without a license also prevents you from importing inventory commercially, opening a business bank account, and registering for VAT — all of which marketplaces and customs eventually require.
What is the difference between E-Trader and a full e-commerce license?
E-Trader is a low-cost DET permit for UAE/GCC resident individuals selling via social media from home — but it cannot sponsor visas, import commercially, or open most corporate bank accounts. The full e-commerce LLC supports importing, warehousing, payment gateways, visas, and scaling. Most serious sellers outgrow E-Trader within months.
How much does a Dubai e-commerce license cost?
The full e-commerce LLC route typically costs AED 12,000-16,000 in government fees plus Ejari. E-Trader permits cost approximately AED 1,070/year but with the limitations above. Free zone e-commerce alternatives (Meydan, IFZA, Dubai CommerCity) range from AED 12,500-30,000 depending on the zone.
Can I get a payment gateway with this license?
Yes. UAE payment gateways (Telr, PayTabs, Stripe UAE, Ziina, Network International) require a valid trade license, corporate bank account, and a compliant website. We support the gateway application as part of setup — approval typically takes 1-2 weeks after the bank account is active.
Do I need an importer code?
Yes, if you import physical inventory into the UAE. The importer code (Customs Client Code) is registered with Dubai Customs against your trade license and is required for clearing commercial shipments. We register it as part of the setup.
Can I sell regulated products online (cosmetics, supplements, electronics)?
Yes, with the appropriate product registrations — cosmetics and supplements require Dubai Municipality / MOHAP product registration, telecom equipment requires TDRA approval, and food requires Food Safety registration. We identify the NOCs your catalogue needs during activity selection.
Mainland or free zone for e-commerce — which is better?
Mainland (DET) is better if you sell primarily to UAE customers, need local fulfilment flexibility, and want direct mainland B2B wholesale. Free zones (Meydan, IFZA, CommerCity) are better for cross-border sellers and cost-sensitive starts. We compare both against your model before you commit.