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Dubai E-Commerce License — sell online on Amazon, Noon, Shopify and social media

E-Commerce License in Dubai — Complete Guide

Sell on Amazon, Noon, Instagram, and your own online store with a Dubai E-Commerce License from just AED 1,370/year.

Want to start selling online in Dubai? With a Dubai E-Commerce License, you can legally sell products through Amazon, Noon, your own Shopify or WooCommerce store, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok — all for just AED 1,370 per year. The entire application process is 100% online and takes just a few simple steps.

What Is an E-Commerce License?

The E-Commerce License is a Commercial E-Trader License issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). It is specifically designed for individuals who want to sell physical products online — whether through established marketplaces, social media, or their own e-commerce websites.

Unlike a general E-Trader Professional License (for services), the E-Commerce License covers commercial trading activities including buying, selling, and reselling products online. It is the official license required to become a registered seller on Amazon.ae, Noon.com, and other UAE marketplaces.

Licensed Activity

Activity Code

6312009

Activity Type

Commercial

English Name

Online Seller

Arabic Name

بائع عبر الإنترنت

Description: This activity covers establishments that sell goods, products, and merchandise permitted for trade through electronic platforms or websites. Activities that require external approvals are not permitted.

الوصف: يشمل هذا النشاط المنشآت التي تقوم ببيع السلع والمنتجات والبضائع المسموح بتداولها من خلال المنصات الإلكترونية أو مواقع الإنترنت ولا يسمح بمزاولة الأنشطة التي تحتاج لموافقات خارجية

100% Online Application — No Office Needed

Apply completely online from home. No need to visit any government office, rent a workspace, or hire a PRO. Your license is delivered directly to your email after verification.

Who Can Apply?

UAE nationals
GCC nationals
UAE residents with valid Emirates ID
Expatriates with valid residence visa
Minimum age: 21 years

Requirements to Apply

Valid UAE residence visa
Valid Emirates ID
Dubai residential address
Active online platform or marketplace account
Minimum age: 21 years

E-Commerce License Cost Breakdown

E-Commerce License (Commercial)

AED 1,370

Per year — includes AED 300 Chamber of Commerce registration

Transaction Fees (one-time, per issuance)

Initial ApprovalAED 115.50
Trade Name ReservationAED 115.50
License IssuanceAED 115.50
Total Transaction FeesAED 346.50

Grand Total: AED 1,716.50 — This is the complete cost to get your E-Commerce License in Dubai. The AED 1,370 license fee already includes the AED 300 Chamber of Commerce registration.

Ready to start selling online?

Apply for your E-Commerce License today — 100% online process.

Apply Now

What You Can Do With an E-Commerce License

Sell physical products online (clothing, electronics, accessories, beauty, food items)
Sell on Amazon.ae, Noon.com, Namshi, and other UAE marketplaces
Run Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp shops
Accept online payments via payment gateways (Stripe, Telr, etc.)
Connect payment gateways to your personal bank account — no corporate account required
Dropshipping within approved commercial activities
Cross-border e-commerce within approved scope
Import and export goods after registering with Dubai Customs and obtaining a customs code
Open a business bank account with select UAE banks (with proper residential Ejari)
Use fulfillment centers and third-party logistics (3PL)
Build and operate your own e-commerce website or app
Run paid advertising campaigns legally on Google, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat

Supported Platforms & Marketplaces

Marketplaces

Amazon logoAmazon
Noon logoNoon
Noon

Social Media Selling

Instagram logoInstagram
Facebook logoFacebook
WhatsApp logoWhatsApp
TikTok logoTikTok
Snapchat logoSnapchat

E-Commerce Platforms

Shopify logoShopify
WooCommerce logoWooCommerce
Magento logoMagento
BigCommerce logoBigCommerce
Wix logoWix
Squarespace logoSquarespace
OpenCart logoOpenCart
PrestaShop logoPrestaShop

Payment Gateways

Stripe logoStripe
Checkout.com
Amazon Pay
Telr
Network International
PayTabs
Tap Payments

Payment gateways can transfer funds directly to your personal bank account — no corporate bank account is required.

Benefits of E-Commerce License

Low setup cost — AED 1,716.50 total
No office or warehouse required
Legal online business presence in Dubai
Sell on Amazon, Noon & your own store
100% online application — done in minutes
Simple annual renewal process
Payment gateways transfer to personal account — no corporate account needed

What Is NOT Allowed?

Open a physical retail shop or storefront
Hire more than 3 employees (only UAE national license owners can hire employees of any nationality, max 3)
Trade in regulated products (alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals)
Conduct activities outside approved commercial scope

For larger operations with physical stores, a Mainland License is recommended.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

1
Visit dubaieconomycenter.com

Go to the website and select E-Trader License from the available options.

2
Scan your Emirates ID

Use the online scanner to verify your identity and auto-fill your details.

3
Select Online Seller activity

Choose the 'Online Seller' commercial activity from the list — activity code 6312009.

4
Enter your details

Provide your social media handles, website URL, and Dubai home address.

5
Pay the fees

Pay AED 1,716.50 (license fee + transaction fees) online via card or digital wallet.

6
Receive your license

After verification, your E-Commerce License is sent directly to your email.

No hassle, no complicated process. Your license is issued completely online and sent to your email.

Required Documents

Emirates ID (valid) — primary required document

May be required for additional verification:

Passport copy (only if additional verification is needed)
Passport-holding photo (only if additional verification is needed)
Trade name (chosen)
Contact details (email & phone)
Social media / website URLs

Limitations

No physical storefront allowed
Max 3 employees (any nationality, only if owner is UAE national)
Restricted to approved commercial activities
Visa eligibility depends on license category

E-Commerce License vs Mainland License

FeatureE-CommerceMainland
CostFrom AED 1,716.50From AED 4,000+
Office RequiredNoYes
Online SellingYesYes
Physical StoreNoYes
EmployeesMax 3 (any nationality, UAE owner only)Unlimited
Import/ExportYes (with customs code)Yes
Payment GatewaysYesYes
Marketplace SellingYesYes
Visa EligibilityDepends on categoryYes

Need a Mainland License instead?

Compare and choose the right license for your e-commerce business.

Mainland License

How Dubai Economy Center Helps

E-Commerce activity consultation
Trade name registration
DET License issuance
Documentation support
Payment gateway guidance
Annual renewal reminders
Upgrade support to Mainland when ready

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Selling Online in Dubai Today

Get your E-Commerce License for just AED 1,370/year and start selling on Amazon, Noon, Instagram, and more.

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