E-Commerce in Simple Terms (UAE)
You can sell:
Physical products – clothes, electronics, perfumes, etc.
Digital products – courses, e-books, software.
Services – graphic design, consulting, marketing.
Popular E-Commerce Platforms in the UAE
Amazon
Noon
Shein
Souq.com (now merged with Amazon)
Shopify websites
Instagram Shops
WhatsApp Business
Meta Description:
Discover how to get a UAE e-commerce license and business visa in 2025. This step-by-step guide covers costs, required documents, visa allocation, free zone options, the setup process, and key benefits.
Why Start an E-Commerce Business in the UAE?
The UAE offers a thriving environment for online businesses, with advantages such as:
Free zones granting 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, and full profit repatriation.
World-class logistics hubs like Ja FZ a and Dubai CommerCity, offering warehousing and integrated courier services.
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What is a UAE E-Commerce License?
A UAE e-commerce license is an official trade license that allows you to legally sell goods or services online, whether to customers within the UAE or worldwide.
Offered through free zones (e.g. SHAMS, RAKEZ, CommerCity, Meydan) and selected mainland jurisdiction (Dubai DED E‑Trader)
Includes visa allocation options—investor or employee visas depending on package and desk type.
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Types of E‑Commerce License Packages
Free Zone License Only (No Visa) One Visa Package (Including Visa)
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) AED 5,750–6,000 AED 8,000–8,500
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) AED 9,000–9,500 AED 11,000–13,500
RAKEZ AED 11,200–13,500 Includes 1 visa
Dubai CommerCity (DCC) AED 20,000+ AED 20,000+ (visa extra)
Meydan Free Zone ~AED 12,500–15,000 +AED 1,600–2,500 per visa
Mainland DED E-Trader license: AED 1,070 (nationals) / AED 1,570 (residents) but visa not included
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Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Choose a Jurisdiction
Free zones are best for online operations—they provide e-commerce license and visa options.
SHAMS and Ajman Free Zone offer the most affordable packages.
Dubai CommerCity / Meydan offer premium e-commerce infrastructure and integrations 📦
2. Select Trade Activity & Name
Choose activities like “Online Retail Trading,” “Dropshipping,” or “Digital Marketing” approved within free zone list
Reserve trade name with relevant authority.
3. Submit Documents
Possibly includes:
Passport copy (valid ≥6 months)
UAE visa copy (if resident) or entry permit details
Shareholder contact details
Business plan (if required)
NOC from employer (if under employment visa)
Prepare:
Sponsor’s Emirates ID (if needed)
MOA for mainland setups
NOC for employed residents (often not needed in free zones)
4. Lease Office Format
Mainland requires physical office space (Ejari registered)
5. Final Approval & Payment
Submit and pay government and service fees to receive license in 1–3 working days for most FZ; few hours for expedited in Meydan
6. Apply for Visa(s)
If your package includes visa:
Submit visa, Emirates ID, medical, insurance applications.
Initial entry / investor visa conversion process may take additional 1–3 weeks depending on free zone.
7. Open Corporate Bank Account
Use license to open account with UAE banks or fintech options (e.g. WIO Bank, MBank, Mashreq Neo)
8. Setup Payment Gateway & VAT
Integrate payment option (PayPal, Telr, Stripe, local PSPs) and register VAT if turnover > AED 375k/year.
Ensure compliance with Consumer Protection and E-Transaction Law
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Full Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimate)
Zone / Option No‑Visa Package One‑Visa Package
SHAMS AED 5,750–6,000 AED 8,050–8,500
Ajman Free Zone AED 9,000–9,500 AED 11,000–13,500
RAKEZ AED 11,200+ +Visa cost (~AED 2,000)
Meydan Free Zone AED 12,500–15,000 +AED 1,600–2,500 per visa
Dubai ECommer City AED 20,000+ +Visa
Visa Processing Costs:
Visa application + Emirates ID + medical + insurance: AED 1,600–2,500 per visa depending on zone and expedited service.
Renewal Estimates:
License renewal similar to initial license cost. Visa renewal: AED 3,000–3,600 per person including medical and ID.
Hidden third‑party fees often lead to inflated costs—many recommend handling renewal via ICP/GDRFA directly when possible
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Benefits of UAE E-Commerce License & Visa
Legal and Operational Advantages
Legitimacy to run e-commerce operations (sell on websites, marketplaces).
Access to corporate bank accounts.
VAT registration if required.
Business Advantages
Access to free zone logistics and marketplace integrations (MPLus, #Amazon, #Noon) in zones like Meydan #eCommerCity
Visa-Related Benefits
You can sponsor yourself (investor visa) or employee visas under your license.
Residency in UAE allows easier access to local resources, travel, banking.
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Reddit Insights: Real User Tips
Cost clarity: Setup through free zone authority usually cheaper than agencies; handling renewals via official portal saves on "renewal assistance" fees
Visa choice: Director visa vs investor visa trade-offs: investor visa may cost more yearly but requires fewer physical UAE visits
Recommend route: Business license + Emirates ID + investor visa totals approx AED 14k–28k depending on free zone and visa type
Challenges & Considerations
Hidden fees: Middle‑men may charge assistance fees; avoid overpaying by handling renewals yourself
Limits: Free zone license permits online trading only; if you need physical retail presence on mainland, additional packages needed.
Visa quotas: Some zones limit number of allowed staff visas per license.
Renewal costs: Medicine, ID, insurance renewal fees may add additional yearly burdens.
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Process Summary Table
Stage What to Do Timeframe
Jurisdiction Choose free zone (SHAMS, RAKEZ, Meydan, etc.) Day 1
Document Prep Name approval, passport, visa copy, MOA/NOC if required 1–2 days
License Approval Submit & pay to free zone 1–3 business days
Visa Application Submit for residency/emirates ID 1–2 weeks
Bank Setup Corporate account setup 3–7 days
Launch Business Website, payment gateway, logistics Varies
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Final Tips for Success
1. Start with a free‑zone no‑visa package if you don’t immediately need residency—SA cheaper and flexible.
2. Avoid agency markups—most free zones allow self‑service online renewals via ICP.
3. Budget for renewal fees like insurance and medical tests well in advance.
4. Ensure compliance: website must meet UAE consumer protection, VAT and data privacy laws.
5. Plan visa trips smartly—investor visa may require an annual UAE visit to keep Emirates ID active
E-Commerce in UAE 2025 – The Ultimate Guide
What is E-Commerce?
Meaning and examples
Difference between e-commerce and retail
Why Start E-Commerce Business in UAE?
Fast-growing market
Tax-free income
100% foreign ownership
How to Start E-Commerce Business in UAE
Choose your business activity
Select a free zone or mainland option
Register your trade name
Submit documents and get license
Apply for e-commerce visa
Best Free Zones for E-Commerce License
SHAMS (Sharjah)
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
Meydan Free Zone (Dubai)
Dubai CommerCity
Cost of Starting an E-Commerce Business in UAE
License packages with and without visa
Visa, insurance, office, bank costs
Documents Required for E-Commerce License
Benefits of UAE E-Commerce License
FAQs – E-Commerce in UAE
Hindi Keyword English Translation
ड्रॉपशिपिंग क्या है हिंदी में What is dropshipping in Hindi
ई-कॉमर्स वेबसाइट कैसे बनाएं How to make an e-commerce website
भारत में ई-कॉमर्स बिज़नेस E-commerce business in India
अमेजन पर सामान कैसे बेचें How to sell products on Amazon
ऑनलाइन दुकान कैसे शुरू करें How to start an online shop
ई-कॉमर्स बिज़नेस आइडियाज हिंदी E-commerce business ideas in Hindi
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🇵🇰 E-commerce SEO Keywords in Urdu (اردو)
Urdu Keyword English Translation
ای کامرس کیا ہے What is e-commerce
آن لائن کاروبار کیسے شروع کریں How to start online business
ڈراپ شیپنگ کیا ہے اردو میں What is dropshipping in Urdu
ای کامرس ویب سائٹ کیسے بنائیں How to build an e-commerce website
آن لائن شاپ کیسے کھولیں How to open an online shop
ای کامرس بزنس آئیڈیاز اردو E-commerce business ideas in Urdu
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