Selling to customers over WhatsApp in Dubai — through broadcast lists, WhatsApp Business catalogs or one-to-one DMs — is treated by Dubai DET as commercial online selling and requires a valid trade license. The E-Trader License is the specific product for this use case: AED 1,716.50/year under the Online Seller activity (DET code 6312009), issued in 1–3 working days, home-based, no office required.
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Apply for the Dubai E-Trader License online — issued in 1–3 working days.
Dubai DET rules for WhatsApp selling
Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution 33 of 2013 (Governance of Direct Sales in the Emirate of Dubai), any individual using messaging apps to sell in Dubai must hold either an E-Trader License or a Mainland trade license.
WhatsApp broadcasts, catalog sales and DM-based orders all fall inside the rule. Unlicensed sellers face fines from AED 1,000. The E-Trader License removes the risk for AED 1,716.50/year.
WhatsApp Business catalog and verification
The WhatsApp Business app catalog is free and requires no license to enable; however Meta's green-tick verification (WhatsApp Business Platform) requires a business registration document — the E-Trader License PDF is accepted.
For automated flows (chatbots, order confirmation, catalog integration through the WhatsApp Business API) you route through a Meta-approved BSP (Business Solution Provider); the license is required at onboarding.
Payment links inside WhatsApp
Cash on delivery is allowed. Bank transfers to your UAE account are allowed. UAE-licensed payment links (Telr, PayTabs, Tabby, Postpay, Tamara) require merchant KYC and the trade-license PDF.
Do not send personal PayPal / non-UAE Stripe payment links to UAE buyers — this bypasses UAE VAT law and is a common trigger for DET enforcement.
WhatsApp advertising and click-to-chat ads
Meta Ads Manager click-to-WhatsApp campaigns targeting UAE users increasingly require Business Manager verification. The E-Trader License is accepted by Meta as a valid registration document.
What you can do
- ✓Sell products through WhatsApp DMs, broadcast lists and catalogs
- ✓Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (BSP) and green-tick verification
- ✓Run click-to-WhatsApp ads on Meta targeting UAE audiences
- ✓Register for VAT and issue tax invoices from WhatsApp sales
- ✓Accept payment via UAE-licensed gateways and BNPL providers
What you cannot do
- ✕Sell without a license — Dubai DET issues fines from AED 1,000
- ✕Sell regulated products (cosmetics, supplements, medical) without extra approvals
- ✕Send payment links from non-UAE personal payment accounts for UAE sales
- ✕Hire expatriate staff (UAE nationals only, up to 3, under E-Trader)
What it costs
E-Trader License fee: AED 1,070 for Professional activities or AED 1,370 for Commercial activities (including the Online Seller code 6312009). DET transaction fees add AED 346.50 (3 × AED 115.50). Total annual cost: AED 1,416.50 or AED 1,716.50.
Get your E-Trader License in 1–3 working days
Dubai Economy Center handles activity selection, tradename, DET application and approvals.
Step-by-step: how to apply
- 1Choose activity
Online Seller (6312009) for physical products; Professional activity for services.
- 2Reserve tradename
Match your WhatsApp business name — tradename reservation is included in DET fees.
- 3Submit E-Trader application
Upload Emirates ID, residence visa and Dubai address; approval within 24 hours.
- 4Receive license
E-Trader License issued digitally in 1–3 working days.
- 5Upload license to WhatsApp Business Platform
Use the E-Trader PDF for green-tick verification and BSP onboarding.
- 6Connect a UAE payment gateway
Onboard Telr, PayTabs, Tabby or Postpay to accept in-chat payment links legally.
Frequently asked questions
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