Dubai E-commerce Trade License and e-Trader License

An e-commerce trade license in Dubai lets you sell online legally through your own site, marketplaces or social media. We help you choose between DET's e-Trader licence, a mainland e-commerce licence and a free zone licence, and set it up.

Description

An e-commerce trade license in Dubai is what lets you sell goods or services online legally: through your own website, on marketplaces such as Amazon.ae and noon, or on social media. There isn't one single "e-commerce license". There are three practical routes, and the right one depends on who you are, what you sell and how big you plan to get: DET's e-Trader licence for home-based individuals, a Dubai mainland licence with e-commerce activities, or an e-commerce licence from a free zone.

**The e-Trader license in Dubai.** The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues the e-Trader licence online through Invest in Dubai, usually within minutes. It is a single-owner licence for running a business from home through websites and social media. It cannot be used for a shop or store, and it is not a route to sponsoring staff visas. Eligibility is the point to check first: DET has reserved e-Trader trading activities for UAE and GCC nationals, and expatriate residents have been limited to certain professional and service activities. All applicants need a UAE residence and a home address in Dubai. If you're an expatriate who wants to sell products, one of the other two routes, or a Dubai freelancer permit for services, is usually the better fit.

**A mainland e-commerce license.** A DET mainland licence with e-commerce activities, issued as a sole establishment or an LLC, suits businesses selling mainly to customers in the UAE. Since June 2021, most commercial activities in Dubai can be 100% foreign-owned. The company can import stock with a Dubai Customs client code, sponsor visas, open a corporate bank account and apply for payment gateways. It needs a Dubai office registered in Ejari, though DET's Instant License lets eligible activities start without one for the first year. If you also sell in a shop or to trade buyers, a mainland commercial license can carry the online activity alongside them.

**A free zone e-commerce license.** Free zones such as Dubai CommerCity, which is built for e-commerce, offer full foreign ownership, desk-based packages and logistics links. They suit cross-border sellers and online-only brands. Check what the zone allows for selling and delivering to customers on the mainland before you choose, as this differs from zone to zone.

**Marketplaces, payments and your website.** Amazon.ae, noon and payment gateways each set their own onboarding rules. Business seller accounts and payment gateways generally ask for a trade licence whose activities cover what you sell, plus a business bank account in the licence holder's name; our corporate bank account opening service helps with that step. If you need the shop itself, see e-commerce website development.

**Products that need extra approval.** Any licence covers only what its activities allow. Cosmetics, food, supplements, medical items and telecom devices need product registration or approval from the relevant authority (for example Dubai Municipality or TDRA) before you sell them, whichever route you pick.

**What affects the e-commerce license cost in Dubai.** The route (e-Trader, mainland or free zone), the legal form, the number of activities, the office or desk, Dubai Chamber membership, the number of visas, and any product approvals. Once your taxable sales pass the mandatory threshold, you must also apply for VAT registration. Tell us what you sell and to whom on WhatsApp or live chat, and we'll recommend a route and send a written quote.

What's Included

Route assessment: e-Trader, mainland e-commerce licence or free zone
e-Trader eligibility check and application on Invest in Dubai (eligible applicants)
Activity selection that matches what and where you sell
Trade name reservation and initial approval (mainland)
MOA preparation and notarisation (LLC route, where required)
Ejari or free zone office coordination
Licence issuance
Dubai Customs client code registration if you import stock
Product approval requirements identified for regulated goods
Establishment card, investor visa and bank account steps (mainland and free zone routes)

Requirements / Prerequisites

e-Trader: UAE or GCC national, or an expatriate UAE resident for an activity DET opens to expatriates; home address in Dubai
Mainland or free zone: at least one shareholder with a passport valid for at least six months
A trade name that follows DET or free zone naming rules
A list of the products or services you will sell, and where your customers are
Mainland: an office registered in Ejari (deferred for the first year under the Instant Licence)
Product registrations or approvals for regulated goods

Required Documents

Passport copy of each owner
Emirates ID and UAE residence visa (e-Trader, and UAE-resident shareholders)
Passport-size photograph
Three trade name options
Product or service list
Website or social media account details, if they already exist
Ejari tenancy contract (mainland) or free zone lease
No-objection letter from your employer, if your visa sponsor requires one
Attested company documents for a corporate shareholder (mainland or free zone)

Our Process

Free consultation: what you sell, who your customers are, your residency status
Choose the route: e-Trader, mainland or free zone
Reserve the trade name and select activities
Get initial approval (mainland) or submit the free zone application
Arrange the office and Ejari or free zone desk, and the MOA where needed
Pay fees and receive the licence
Register a Dubai Customs client code if you import
Obtain product approvals for regulated goods
Open the business bank account and apply for payment gateways and marketplace seller accounts
Register for VAT once you reach the threshold

Pricing

Contact via WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e-commerce trade license in Dubai?

It's a licence whose activities allow you to sell goods or services online. In Dubai you can get it as a DET e-Trader licence (home-based individuals), a DET mainland licence with e-commerce activities, or a free zone e-commerce licence.

What is the e-Trader license in Dubai and who can get it?

It's DET's online licence for home-based businesses selling through websites and social media, issued through Invest in Dubai. It is for one owner and does not allow a shop. Trading activities have been reserved for UAE and GCC nationals; expatriate residents can apply only for certain professional and service activities. We check the current list for your activity before you apply.

Can an expatriate get an e-Trader license in Dubai?

Only for the activities DET opens to expatriates, which have been professional and service activities rather than selling products. Expatriates who want to sell products online usually choose a mainland or free zone e-commerce licence.

How much does an e-commerce license cost in Dubai?

It depends on the route, the legal form, how many activities you need, the office or desk, Dubai Chamber membership, how many visas you want, and any product approvals. Tell us your plan and we'll send a written quote.

Do I need a trade license to sell on Amazon.ae or noon?

A business seller account needs a trade licence, and selling regularly as a business in the UAE needs one anyway. Marketplace rules change, so check the platform's current registration requirements; we make sure your licence activities match what you plan to list.

Can I sponsor visas with an e-commerce license?

With a mainland or free zone licence, yes, within the visa allocation for your office or package. The e-Trader licence is not meant for sponsoring staff.

Mainland or free zone for e-commerce?

Mainland suits businesses selling mainly to UAE customers, holding local stock or wanting to trade with mainland companies. A free zone suits cross-border and online-only sellers. We compare both against your model before you commit.

Do I need an importer code?

Yes, if you import stock. A Dubai Customs client code is registered against your trade licence through the Dubai Trade portal and renewed with the licence.