Ecommerce License in Dubai

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Shopping is one of life's greatest pleasures. Online shopping has made a lot of changes the different industries. It has opened doors to new and endless opportunities. Find below the details about the eCommerce license in Dubai, UAE.

Shopping is one of life's greatest pleasures. Online shopping has made a lot of changes in different industries. It has opened doors to new and endless opportunities. Find below the details about the e-Commerce license in Dubai, UAE.

Now, due to the various technical advancements, the world has gone global and has become  one big family. You don't need to leave your house if you don’t feel like it because nowadays you can shop for your favourite thing from any country or anywhere just sitting in front of your laptop or mobile screen.

Setting up an e-commerce store is a great way to make retail sales. However, in Dubai and the UAE, this requires an E-commerce license. The UAE e-commerce license is also known as an 'Internet Trade License' or ITL and covers both the sale of tangible goods and non-tangible items.

Why Do You Need an E-commerce License in Dubai?

Here are the reasons for getting an e-commerce license in Dubai:

 

Legal Compliance

An e-commerce license in Dubai is a legal requirement that gives you the authority to do business and avoid any kind of penalty.

 

Build Trust among Consumers

Getting an e-commerce license in Dubai will help you build trust among consumers. The license proves that your business is legally authorised to engage in trade activities. 

 

Business Credibility

An E-Commerce license in Dubai will also help you improve the credibility of your business, especially among the suppliers. It shows that the business is really serious about what it is doing.

Benefits Of E-Commerce Business in Dubai

Dubai offers several benefits in the e-commerce sector, as listed below:

  • Minimum Tax.
  • Low Capital Investment.
  • Minimum Operation Cost.
  • Business-Friendly Environment.
  • Liberal and Supporting Laws & Regulations. 

How to Get an E-commerce Licence in Dubai?

Obtaining an e-commerce licence in Dubai requires business investors to follow a specific set of steps, which involve:

Steps to Get an E-Commerce License in Dubai

The first step to obtaining an e-commerce license in Dubai is to decide the legal structure of your business.

In simple words, whether to set up an LLC (Limited Liability Company), one-person company, branch of a parent company, representative office, etc.

LLC formation and Branch offices are most common in Dubai as they come with an innate set of advantages.

Dubai's location is a perfect platform for both new and established business entities. A few of the options that the location holds include:

  • Mainland
  • Free zone
  • Offshore

Choosing a brand name is one of the few things that are required to start your business. You can't begin another important process until you have settled on your company, product, or service name.

Getting your products ready to sell online? Then, you'll need a business license. In Dubai, if anyone invests in the Mainland, the Department of Economic Development (DED) issues the same.

On the other hand, if you select a free zone, then the Free Zone Authority (FZA) will be liable to issue the permit.

An Initial Approval Certificate is an NOC from the authority to start your e-commerce business in Dubai. It will be valid for 6 months, and it is not renewable.

One can apply for an initial approval certificate at the same time as submitting their trade name approval application

You must draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the sponsor and submit it to the DED. If you select the location of your company on the mainland, you have to follow this step.

Any legal firm can type out the memorandum, which must specify all partners' special arrangements and ownership percentages. Companies setting up in free zones can skip this step.

The next step would be to set up a physical office in Dubai, as the authorities in Dubai have made it mandatory for a company to have an office to consider it a legal entity.

Your business must be registered with one of the ports and customs authorities so that you can receive an importer’s code.

UAE imposes a 5% customs duty on imported goods. The companies that come under the free zone will not have import duty since they have to sell their products/services within the free zones.

Once you have successfully applied for an e-commerce trade license and established your business, you can set up your corporate bank account.

Documents Required to Obtain an Ecommerce Dubai License

The set of papers that are to be presented to get an ecommerce Dubai license to the government authorities include:

  • Duly filled out the application form.
  • Passport/visa copies of the shareholders.
  • Identity and address proof of the business investors and shareholders.
  • Copy of sponsor passport/ Emirates ID.
  • Local service agreement/ Civil works agreement.
  • NOC from the relevant authority.
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association.

Types of E-commerce Licence in Dubai

Since the e-commerce business has been globally expanding, it has widened the opportunities for business owners at different levels. Thus, the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) introduced several E-Trading License activities. The types of e-commerce licences in Dubai are mentioned below

This license is given to those who wish to provide services or sell products online. The E-traders license in UAE is monitored by the Department of Economic Development and can only be obtained by UAE and GCC nationals residing in Dubai.

An e-trader license can be obtained only under single ownership. You cannot have a physical office space or open a shop with this license.

The Portal license is yet another e-commerce license in Dubai that non-UAE nationals can obtain.

By obtaining this license, you can start an online business in Dubai– to link buyers and sellers. A portal license is also best for a listing website for products, services, or reservations.

The Dubai Economy and DIFC recently launched the virtual company license. The virtual company license permits overseas investors and non-residents of the UAE to undertake commercial activities in the region.

However, this license is limited to only three sectors – computer programming and related activities, designing activities, services related to printing, and advertising.

Advantages of Obtaining an E-commerce Trade License Dubai

Holding an e-commerce trade license in Dubai can be a boon for an investor, as it provides the following benefits:

  • No currency restrictions encourage global trading.
  • The autonomy to repatriate the revenue earned and the capital invested initially.
  • Complete ownership of free zone company.
  • Low operational costs as compared to the offline mode.
  • Flexibility to obtain a resident visa for 3 years.

E-Commerce License Dubai Cost

The E-Commerce license in Dubai with visa costs starts from AED 5,750 and can be extended depending on the number of visas you require.

E-commerce businesses have become necessary since people connect globally through the internet. Over the last few years, Dubai has seen a gradual rise in the online retail business. The e-commerce sector will add more economic revenue in the coming years.

So, if you are ready to take the plunge and take your small business or idea to the cloud, then e-commerce business is a nice option.

Commitbiz is here to assist you with all the legal proceedings at ease. Contact usnow; we’d be glad to assist!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can obtain an e-commerce license in Dubai?

Only those who want to sell digital products worldwide can obtain an E-Commerce License in Dubai.

Do I need an office to obtain the license in Dubai?

A precondition to the license is to obtain and maintain a registered office.

What are the e-commerce activities introduced by the DED?

  • Jewellery and precious stones E-Trading; 
  • Garments, Textiles and Gifts E-Trading; 
  • Publications and Media Materials E-Trading; 
  • Household, Professional and Personal Goods E-Trading; 
  • Vehicles and Transport means E-Trading; 
  • Equipment E-Trading; 
  • Sport and Recreational Events Tickets E-Trading.

When do I need a DED e-commerce license for my online trading activity?

If you target the local market (your future clients are within Dubai), such activity requires the DED e-commerce license.

What is the cost of a Dubai e-Commerce license?

The exact e-commerce license cost in Dubai will depend on many factors. These include the size of your business, the number of visas you apply for, whether you require office space as part of your package, and your choice regarding the free zone or mainland.