E-commerce Licence in Dubai & the UAE: Which One Do You Need?
Yes. To sell online in the UAE you need a licence that includes e-commerce activity. On the mainland that is a licence from your emirate’s economic department, which in Dubai can be the eTrader licence. Free zone companies use a licence from their free zone authority. Online trade is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023, and some licences also need a TDRA no-objection certificate.
Do you need a licence to sell online in the UAE?
The UAE Government says you must have the appropriate licence to conduct e-commerce. The rules cover selling goods, services and data through websites, mobile apps, social media and online marketplaces.
What governs e-commerce
- Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 on Modern Technology-Based Trade
- Applies to digital products and to physical goods sold online
- Related: Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services
Authorities involved
- TDRA regulates the e-commerce framework and transactions
- Emirate economic departments issue mainland licences
- Free zone authorities issue free zone licences
Mainland or free zone for an online business?
Commercial or eTrader licence
- A commercial licence that includes e-commerce activity from your emirate’s economic department
- Some emirates offer a standalone e-commerce licence; others add the activity to a regular commercial licence
- Dubai’s version is the eTrader licence, issued through Invest in Dubai
- E-commerce licences also need TDRA approval through a no-objection certificate
Specialised online-selling licences
- Issued by the free zone authority, such as Dubai CommerCity or other zones
- Free zone companies can operate within the zone and internationally
- Selling directly on the mainland may need a local distributor or extra approvals
What must an online seller comply with?
These obligations come from the UAE Government’s e-commerce page.
How do you choose the right route?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to sell on Instagram or WhatsApp?
The UAE Government says e-commerce rules cover sales through social media as well as websites, apps and marketplaces, so you need an appropriate licence. Advertising on social media also has its own permit requirements.
Do I need a licence to sell on an online marketplace?
Online marketplaces are covered by the same e-commerce rules, so yes, you still need a licence that includes the activity.
Who regulates e-commerce in the UAE?
TDRA regulates the framework and transactions. Economic departments issue mainland licences and free zone authorities issue free zone licences.
Can a free zone company sell to customers in the UAE mainland?
Not directly under a standard free zone licence. It may need a local distributor or additional approvals, so plan this before you choose.
Do I have to charge VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year, and optional above AED 187,500.
Do I need to issue invoices to customers?
Yes. The UAE Government requires a digital invoice for every e-commerce transaction.
Planning to sell online?
Tell us what you sell and where your customers are. We will confirm which licence route and approvals apply and guide you through the application.
Sources. UAE Government: eCommerce and VAT; Virtuzone: eTrader licence explainer (a provider page, not an official source). Checked October 2026. Requirements change, so confirm current details with the authority before applying.