Start your home business with the e-trader licence in Dubai

• E-Trader Licence in Dubai
• Eligibility Criteria
• Rules and Regulations
• Fees
• FAQs

Have you always wanted to start your own small business in Dubai but been put off by potential processes and fees? It’s way easier than you think! With an e-trader licence, you can sell your handmade accessories through social media accounts from the comfort of your own home. Here’s everything you need to know about the e-trader licence in Dubai.

THE E-TRADER LICENCE IN DUBAI

Launched in 2017 by the Department of Economic Development (DED), the e-trader licence in Dubai regulates home entrepreneurs who do business over social media. The licence allows UAE and GCC nationals residing in the country to sell their services and products on social media.

It also bolsters customers’ confidence when shopping online. DED announced the E-Trade licence in the wake of efforts to crack down on counterfeit and fake products being sold on social media platforms like Instagram. The licence aims to regulate the sale of products and services conducted through social media in Dubai.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE E-TRADER LICENCE IN DUBAI

If you are an individual who promotes or sells products and services through your social media accounts or a personal website, then you’ll need an e-trader licence in Dubai. For instance, this home business licence would apply to stay-at-home mothers promoting handmade products or photography services and selling on Instagram in Dubai.

• Home entrepreneurs who don’t have or require a physical office space are eligible to apply for the E-Trade licence in Dubai, as it does not require you to register with Ejari Dubai.
• It’s ideal for single-owner home-based businesses that don’t require a local partner and freelancers.
• UAE and GCC Nationals can apply for the e-trader licence in Dubai, with the condition that the individual is based in Dubai and is over the age of 21 years.

PERKS OF HAVING THE E-TRADER LICENCE IN DUBAI

• With this licence, individuals can legally promote and sell products and services through their social media accounts including Instagram, Facebook, personal website and more.
• You can also feature your products and services on online marketplaces. With a DED E-Trader licence, individuals and single-owner businesses can legally participate in and reach out to customers at exhibitions and conferences.
• It will also protect your trade name and any other intellectual property. The DED also holds training and workshops for E-Trader licence-owners that you can attend!
• An E-Trader licence is strictly for a single-owner home-based business in Dubai or a freelancer. Individuals with a Dubai E-Trader licence cannot open a physical shop or issue visas.

CONDITIONS FOR E-TRADE LICENCE FOR ONLINE BUSINESS IN DUBAI

It’s important to note there are conditions on what you can sell on social media with an e-trader licence in Dubai. Let’s have a look:

• UAE and GCC National entrepreneurs with the licence can conduct commercial activity (i.e. sell physical products and goods) and professional activity (i.e. sell professional services) on their social media accounts.
• This e-trader licence is only for UAE and GCC Nationals. Other foreign nationals can conduct business activity in Dubai provided they have relevant professional licences.
• While food products are most often not allowed under this licence, it would be best to double-check with DED for more information as the licences are issued on a case-by-case basis.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN AN E-COMMERCE TRADE LICENCE IN DUBAI?

The process to obtain the e-trader licence in Dubai is simple and quick:

• Apply for the licence in Dubai on the DED Trader website.
• Create a DED Trader account, register and make the payment.
• Provide information about your social media accounts when registering for the licence.
• Wait for the confirmation. Typically, you’ll get the licence confirmation within five to ten minutes, which you can then print out as well!
• The licence needs to be renewed every year.

DUBAI E-TRADER LICENCE FEES

You can sell all professional services like design, event and marketing management by purchasing an E-Trader licence for AED 1,070.

FAQS

HOW TO GET E-TRADE LICENCE COPY ONLINE IN DUBAI?

You can get an E-Trade licence copy online in Dubai by following a couple of simple steps. Here you go.

• Go to DED’s website
• Select ‘My Transactions’ on the Business Dashboard page
• Click ‘Print Licence’
• Type your licence number
• View/Print

HOW TO RENEW TRADE LICENCE ONLINE IN DUBAI?

• Click ‘Renew Licence’ under My Transactions
• Go to ‘Licence renewal information sector’
• Type your licence number
• Click Renew

CAN YOU SELL YOUR PRODUCTS WITH AN E-TRADER LICENCE OUTSIDE OF DUBAI?

With the E-Trade licence, you can sell your products and services within the emirate. Should you want to sell in other emirates, you must approach the respective Department of Economic Development for that emirate and ask for approval. You may have to obtain another E-Trader licence to sell in that emirate.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT FOR THE E-TRADER LICENCE?

Applicants must be above 21 to apply for the licence.

WHAT IS THE CONTACT NUMBER FOR DED DUBAI?

The contact number for DED Dubai is +971-4-445-5555.

This concludes our guide to the E-Trader licence for those who have a home-based business in Dubai. If you have any other questions about the E-Trade licence, visit the official DED Dubai website.

If you’re looking to step into the business world, it’s imperative for you to learn about other business licences in Dubai. You can also follow the top influencers in Dubai to get some tips and tricks on promoting your own brand.

You can also check out our guide to the breakdown of the recent UAE influencer licence to stay informed.