How to apply for an e-commerce licence in UAE?

The application process for an e-commerce licence may differ for each jurisdiction, but we are giving you an overview so you can get a better idea of the documents you need to prepare and the processes you need to go through.

•   Company name
•   Business activity
•   Copy of your passport or visa/entry stamp
•   Share ratio
•   Contact number, email and complete address of all company shareholders
•   Photos (if required by the free zone)

Step 2: Liaise with your chosen free zone / mainland jurisdiction

•   Submit the required documents to the free zone or mainland jurisdiction.
•   Once they have received the documents, your e-commerce licence application will enter the stage of initial approval. In most cases, you have to make a payment to the free zone or mainland to initiate the application process. The rate of an e-commerce licence may start from AED 5,750, depending on the jurisdiction.
•   Most jurisdictions require pre-approval first before they issue your licence. The application process may take 3 to 7 days in free zones, whereas your application can be processed on the same day or up to 2 days in the mainland.

Step 3: Wait for your documents to be released

•   Once your licence has been issued, then the digital documents will be sent to you. Some free zones may require original documents, which will be sent to you at a later date.

Step 4: Start your visa application

• If the e-commerce licence package you chose comes with visa(s), then the visa application process will begin after the immigration card has been issued.