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What is an e-commerce license in Dubai?
An e-commerce license is a UAE trade license that lets you sell goods or services online. It is issued by one of three authorities:
- A free zone authority, for example SPC, Shams, Meydan, IFZA or Dubai CommerCity
- Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), for a mainland company
- DET's e-Trader program, for home-based sellers who qualify
The right choice depends on your nationality, whether you need a visa, and where your customers and stock are.
E-commerce license cost in Dubai (2026)
| License type | Starting cost (first year) | Visas | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free zone, no visa (SPC, Shams) | from AED 5,750 | 0 | Sellers already on a UAE visa who want the lowest cost |
| Free zone, 1 visa | about AED 12,000 to 13,200 | 1 | Founders who need their own residence visa |
| Meydan Free Zone (Dubai) | from AED 12,500 | Optional | A Dubai address and the Dubai brand |
| Mainland (DET) | about AED 12,000 to 25,000 | Yes | Selling across the UAE plus a physical shop or warehouse |
| e-Trader (DET) | AED 1,070 + AED 300 Dubai Chamber | None | Home-based sellers: UAE and GCC nationals; expat residents mainly for services |
Prices vary with your activities, the number of visas and the office type. Entityz gives you a fixed, itemised quote before you pay anything. You can also estimate your own total with the setup cost calculator.
Which e-commerce license do you need?
Free zone e-commerce license
- 100% foreign ownership and the lowest starting cost in the UAE
- Fast, fully online setup
- Good for dropshipping, Amazon and Noon sellers, digital products and online stores
- Limit: you cannot open a physical shop on the mainland with a free zone license
Mainland (DET) e-commerce license
- Sell to any customer anywhere in the UAE, online and offline
- Open a physical retail store or showroom, and bid for government contracts
- Limit: higher cost, and an office lease is usually required
e-Trader license
- The lowest-cost option, run from home
- Limit: UAE and GCC nationals can sell products. Expat residents can apply, but mostly for service activities. There are no visas and no physical premises.
Compare the two company routes in full on our free zone company setup and mainland company setup pages.
Not sure which license fits?
Tell us what you sell and to whom. We will recommend the cheapest license that is fully compliant.
Ask an ExpertHow to get an e-commerce license in Dubai: 6 steps
- Choose your activity. For example "E-Commerce", "General Trading via e-commerce" or a product-specific activity. The activity decides what you are allowed to sell. Search every code in our activities finder.
- Pick your jurisdiction: free zone, mainland or e-Trader, based on budget, visas and sales channels.
- Reserve your trade name. Pick 3 options in case your first choice is taken.
- Submit documents and get initial approval.
- Sign and pay. In most free zones the license is issued within a few working days.
- Visa, Emirates ID and bank account. Entityz supports your residence visa and corporate bank account application.
Entityz handles the company setup from step 1 to step 6. You approve, sign and start selling.
Documents required
- Passport copy for every shareholder
- Passport-size photo
- UAE visa and Emirates ID, if you are already resident
- 3 proposed trade names
- List of the products or services you will sell
- NOC from your current sponsor, if the free zone requires it
What can you sell with an e-commerce license?
- Physical products through your own website or social media stores
- Products on marketplaces such as Amazon.ae and Noon
- Dropshipping and print-on-demand
- Digital products, courses and subscriptions
- Services sold and paid for online
Some products need extra approvals: food, cosmetics, supplements, medical items and electronics. We check this before you apply so your license is not rejected.
VAT and corporate tax for e-commerce businesses
- VAT: registration is mandatory once taxable sales exceed AED 375,000 a year. You can register voluntarily from AED 187,500.
- Corporate tax: 0% on taxable profit up to AED 375,000, then 9%.
- Small Business Relief: businesses with revenue up to AED 3 million can elect relief and pay no corporate tax. The relief now runs to tax periods ending by 31 December 2029.
Read the full VAT registration guide, or check your numbers with the VAT calculator and the corporate tax calculator. Marketplace sellers can read about VAT registration for Amazon sellers.
Why set up your e-commerce license with Entityz
- One partner from license to first sale: licensing, visas and bank account support, plus store setup, payment gateways and marketing through our e-commerce team
- Honest pricing: a full breakdown before you pay, with no surprise renewal fees
- Every major free zone compared for you, so you get the cheapest compliant option
Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate. See the full e-commerce license service.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Prices are market starting figures gathered in September 2026; official fees are set by each licensing authority and change from time to time. We confirm the current price for your activities and visas before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an e-commerce license cost in Dubai?
A free zone e-commerce license starts from about AED 5,750 without a visa. With one visa, expect about AED 12,000 to 13,200. A mainland DET license costs about AED 12,000 to 25,000 in the first year.
What is the cheapest e-commerce license in the UAE?
Sharjah free zones such as SPC and Shams are among the cheapest, starting from about AED 5,750 a year without visas. For UAE and GCC nationals, the Dubai e-Trader license costs AED 1,070 plus AED 300 for Dubai Chamber membership.
Can expats get an e-commerce license in Dubai?
Yes. Expats can own 100% of a free zone or mainland e-commerce company. Expat residents can also get an e-Trader license, but mainly for service activities.
Do I need a license to sell on Amazon.ae or Noon?
Yes. UAE marketplaces ask sellers for a valid trade license. An e-commerce license from a free zone or the mainland meets this requirement.
Can I get a UAE residence visa with an e-commerce license?
Yes, with a free zone or mainland license that includes a visa allocation. The e-Trader license does not come with a visa.
How long does it take to get an e-commerce license?
Most free zone licenses are issued within a few working days once your documents are complete. A mainland license can take longer, depending on approvals and your office lease.
Can I run my e-commerce business from home?
Yes. Free zone licenses usually come with a flexi-desk or virtual office, so you can work from home. The e-Trader license is designed for home-based sellers.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Only once your taxable sales pass AED 375,000 a year. You can register voluntarily from AED 187,500.
Ready to start your UAE business?
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