There’s never been a better time to start selling online in the UAE — and getting an e commerce license in Dubai is surprisingly straightforward if you know where to look.
Whether you're running a full-scale dropshipping operation, launching a niche product store, or offering digital services, the UAE government has made clear efforts to support ecommerce founders — especially expats setting up from abroad.
The two most common routes are the E Trader Licence and a standard free zone ecommerce license. The right one depends on how you plan to operate: are you selling to consumers inside the UAE? Do you need a visa? Will you hold stock? These are the questions that guide the structure.
We help UK founders and side hustlers alike get their setup right — from choosing the right free zone to matching it with bank account support that actually works for online-first businesses. If you’re not sure whether a lean ecommerce licence or a broader trade license makes more sense, our guide on Dubai trade licensing is a great place to start.
The e trader licence Dubai is ideal for solo entrepreneurs selling online without a physical store or office. It's issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and is designed to encourage UAE-based residents — including expats — to monetise digital platforms legally.
Here’s what it includes:
This licence doesn’t come with a visa. That’s a key limitation — it’s best suited to residents who already hold another visa (e.g. family or employment) and want to start a side hustle or test a business idea online.
If you're planning to sell physical products, hold inventory, or hire staff, the e-trader model might fall short. In that case, you’re better off exploring a free zone setup that supports ecommerce with storage, logistics, and full trading permissions.
If you’re aiming to go beyond a personal hustle — and build something scalable — a proper e commerce license in Dubai via a free zone is the smarter play. These licences allow full business operations, visa sponsorship, and access to logistics partners like Aramex, DHL, or Amazon FBA UAE.
Here’s what you get:
Zones like Meydan and SHAMS are particularly ecommerce-friendly, offering packages that support digital-first founders without the need for a full office lease. You can even get multiple activities under one licence — useful if you sell both physical goods and digital services.
If you’re a UK entrepreneur planning to relocate, pair this structure with the right freelance or investor visa and you're fully operational in weeks — not months.
The e trader licence and the free zone ecommerce license might seem similar at a glance, but they’re built for very different business models — and it’s crucial you know the difference before committing.
The e trader licence is ideal for UAE residents who already hold a visa — for example, through family or employment — and want to sell via social media or a basic website. It’s home-based, doesn’t allow for a physical office or staff, and is restricted to sales within the UAE. You also can’t hold inventory in a warehouse or import products under this licence. It’s meant for individuals running simple, local online shops.
In contrast, a proper free zone ecommerce license is a full-fledged company setup. It allows for trading locally and internationally, offers visa eligibility, lets you lease flexi-desks or offices, and supports hiring. Most importantly, banks recognise this structure — so you can open a business account, apply for a payment gateway, and deal with couriers and platforms like Amazon UAE or Noon.
If you're starting out small and already live in the UAE, the e trader option could make sense. But if you’re planning to scale, need a visa, or want to run things professionally — especially from abroad — then a free zone ecommerce licence is what you’ll need. We help founders choose the right fit based on exactly how they plan to sell and grow.
The cost of an e commerce license Dubai depends on the structure:
You’ll also need to factor in:
We help clients map out the full cost of launching and maintaining their ecommerce licence — including hidden fees like lease registrations, activity changes, or name amendments.
If you’re comparing this to general trade, take a look at the difference in general trading license costs, especially if your store blends online and physical retail.
Yes — but it depends on the type of licence. If you’ve got a proper company setup under a free zone, most UAE banks will allow you to open a corporate bank account in Dubai tied to your ecommerce business.
Digital-friendly banks like Wio and Mashreq Neo Biz are particularly accommodating to online founders — especially those using platforms like Shopify, Amazon UAE, or WooCommerce.
With an e trader licence, it’s more complicated. Many traditional banks won’t open accounts under that structure unless you already hold UAE residency and can demonstrate revenue. That’s why some founders start with e-trader and eventually “upgrade” to a free zone structure once things take off.
We assist in opening business bank accounts for ecommerce companies with a clear pathway that includes KYC support, business model documentation, and optional POS or payment gateway advice.
If you're serious about relocating or hiring, you'll want a licence that allows for visas. That rules out the e-trader model — but opens the door to ecommerce-focused licences in free zones like SHAMS, Meydan, and SPC Free Zone.
With these structures, you can:
The process is clean — license first, visa second, then Emirates ID and medical. Many zones now bundle this into 1–2 week packages, especially if you’re applying with all documents ready.
If you're running the business remotely but want UAE residency for travel or banking, this can be tied into a lean freelancer setup that operates under an ecommerce licence.
If you’re testing an idea on Instagram and already live in Dubai, the e trader licence is a fantastic low-cost starting point. But if you're building a proper brand — with plans to import, advertise, scale, or open a storefront — the e commerce license in Dubai under a free zone is the smarter long-term structure.
It’s all about matching your ambition to your paperwork.
We help founders every day get this balance right — from picking the right zone to opening the bank account, launching the website, and renewing the license year after year.
Whether you're brand new or moving your business from the UK, book a consult. We’ll walk you through both setups — and tell you clearly which one fits your goals.
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