Mainland or free zone for e-commerce?

Mainland suits UAE consumer-focused stores. Free zones suit export-focused sellers and lower-cost setups serving international markets.

How much does an e-commerce licence cost in Dubai?

Costs range from approximately AED 10,000 for basic free zone packages to AED 20,000+ for mainland licences with visas.

Do e-commerce businesses need VAT registration?

Mandatory if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 annually. Voluntary registration is possible below threshold.

Can I sell on Amazon or Noon with a Dubai licence?

Yes. Marketplace sellers need a valid UAE licence with matching trading or e-commerce activities.

Is a physical office required for e-commerce?

Most jurisdictions require a registered address — often satisfied by flexi-desk or shared office.

Can I dropship with a Dubai e-commerce licence?

Yes, subject to import regulations, product compliance, and customs procedures for goods entering the UAE.

What products need extra approvals?

Food, cosmetics, electronics, health products, and pharmaceuticals may need Dubai Municipality, ESMA, or MOHAP clearance.

How long does e-commerce licence setup take?

Typically 1–3 weeks depending on jurisdiction and product approval requirements.

Does KPM Global Services help with VAT for e-commerce?

Yes. We handle VAT registration, return filing, and e-commerce tax compliance.

E-Commerce Licence

Ecommerce License Dubai

Obtain the right e-commerce licence in Dubai for your online store — KPM Global Services matches mainland DET or free zone activity codes, consumer protection rules, and payment gateway requirements.

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Online Trading
DET & Free Zones
VAT Ready

E-Commerce Setup

Guided Process

1Model

2Licence

3Comply

4Sell

Licensed online selling

Mainland or free zone e-commerce activities.

500+

UAE Clients Served

15+

Years UAE Experience

24/7

Advisor Support

Service Verticals

Overview

Dubai e-commerce licence explained

An e-commerce licence in Dubai authorises your company to sell goods or services online — whether through your own website, marketplace platforms, or social commerce channels — under UAE consumer protection and commercial regulations.

E-commerce activities are available on both mainland DET licences and multiple free zone packages. Mainland suits UAE consumer-facing stores needing direct market access; free zones suit export-focused or marketplace sellers with international fulfilment.

KPM Global Services helps you select the correct e-commerce activity code, plan VAT registration for online sales, and coordinate any product-specific approvals from Dubai Municipality or other regulators.

Who This Is For

Businesses needing an e-commerce licence

Online retailers selling physical products to UAE consumers
Digital product and subscription service providers
Marketplace sellers formalising a licensed entity
Dropshipping businesses importing goods for UAE delivery
Social media sellers scaling to a registered company
International e-commerce brands entering the UAE market

How We Help

E-commerce licence services

Structure advisory

Compare mainland and free zone e-commerce licensing for your sales model.

Activity selection

Map online sales channels to compliant e-commerce activity codes.

Consumer compliance

Guide UAE consumer protection, refund policy, and terms requirements.

VAT registration

Assess VAT obligations for online sales and register with FTA.

Payment gateway prep

Align licence activities with payment processor KYC requirements.

Product approvals

Coordinate Dubai Municipality or ESMA clearances for regulated products.

Process

Six steps to your Dubai e-commerce licence

1
Sales model review
Define products, customers, fulfilment, and marketplace channels.
2
Jurisdiction choice
Select mainland DET or free zone based on UAE market access needs.
3
Activity approval
Obtain e-commerce activity pre-approval from authority.
4
Premises & documents
Secure registered address and compile shareholder documentation.
5
Licence issuance
Submit application and receive e-commerce trade licence.
6
VAT & gateway setup
Register VAT if required and pursue payment gateway onboarding.

Documents

E-commerce licence documents

Shareholder passport copies and photographs
Business plan describing online sales model and platforms
Website URL or marketplace store details
Ejari tenancy or flexi-desk agreement
Memorandum of Association
Product catalogue or category list
ESMA or Municipality approval for regulated products
NOC from sponsor if UAE resident

Pricing

E-commerce licence cost factors

E-commerce licence costs vary by jurisdiction and whether general trading is included.

Mainland DET versus free zone package pricing
E-commerce only versus combined trading activities
Office or flexi-desk requirements
Visa allocation and establishment fees
VAT registration and product-specific approval costs

KPM Global Services quotes total first-year e-commerce setup cost including government fees.

Timeline

E-commerce licence timeline

1–3 days

Model assessment

Sales channels and jurisdiction confirmed.

3–5 days

Activity approval

E-commerce activity pre-approved by authority.

5–10 days

Licence filing

Complete application submitted.

7–14 days

Licence & VAT

Trade licence issued; VAT registration pursued if applicable.

Avoid Mistakes

E-commerce licence mistakes

Selling online without an e-commerce or trading activity on the licence
Choosing free zone when majority of sales are to UAE mainland consumers
Ignoring VAT registration threshold for online sales
Listing regulated products without ESMA or Municipality approval
Mismatching licence activities with payment gateway application
Operating multiple brands under activities not declared on the licence

Why KPM

Why Choose KPM Global Services

UAE-focused advisory

Practical guidance on e-commerce licensing in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.

Clear documentation

Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.

Connected services

Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.

No generic templates

Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.

Free Consultation

Request a Quote — Ecommerce License Dubai

Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.

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