How to set up an E commerce license in UAE?

Online shopping has become a huge part of our lives today, and it’s only going to grow more in the coming years especially with the number of e-commerce businesses being launched today.

With UAE currently hailed as having the most advanced e-commerce market in the whole MENA region the demand for e-commerce licenses in Dubai is rapidly increasing, with an average annual growth of 23 percent projected between 2018 and 2022.

This growth is due in part to a number of factors, but more importantly, the UAE government’s decision to support smart transactions between businesses and consumers for different types of purchases and services in the country.

How to get an e-commerce license in Dubai

Decide on your jurisdiction

The two major areas in the UAE for business setup are the mainland and the free zone. If you decide to setup a company on a mainland, your e-commerce license will be issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), and if you go with the free zone, it will be issued by the relevant free zone authority.

What is your legal structure

Are you a sole establishment, LLC, a representative office etc.

Register your trade name

In order to get the initial approval certificate from the DED, you have to reserve your trade name.

Provide all the Required documents these include:

Passport/visa copies of the shareholders

Copy of sponsors passport/ emirates ID

Local service agreement/ Civil works agreement

NOC from the relevant authority

Draft an MOA

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents, to the authorities along with your Tenancy Contract and Ejari, you can open a corporate bank account upon receiving the license.

These are just a few of the steps to keep in mind before starting an online business in the UAE. You may or may not require all the steps mentioned above, but that is based on the nature of your business.

IBG has a team of experienced and professional experts on hand, to guide and assist you through the entire process and ensure your launch is successful. To get started or schedule a meeting simply send us an e-mail.