An e-commerce or commercial licence. Selling through a website, a marketplace or a social media account is a business activity and needs one. Dubai's eTrader licence is the simplest route, but it is only open to UAE and GCC nationals who live in Dubai.
Everyone else uses a free zone or mainland company with an e-commerce activity. NXTSTAR sets that up and tells you which goods need extra approval.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
The eTrader licence, and its limits
- It is for UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai.
- It lets them run a business through social media networks.
- It is registered in the name of a single owner.
- The holder cannot open a shop or issue visas.
- In a legal dispute the licensee alone is responsible.
A foreign resident does not qualify for eTrader and needs a company licence instead.
Routes for foreign residents and overseas founders
- A free zone company with an e-commerce activity. RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone each list an e-commerce licence, and general zones such as IFZA, Meydan and Shams carry e-commerce activities.
- A mainland company with an e-commerce activity, which lets you sell and deliver directly to customers across the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi's Tajer licence, for certain commercial activities without a physical site.
What you may sell
The federal portal sets two rules for digital traders. You may sell only goods and services that are legally approved for trade in the UAE. And you must not sell anything that needs special approval from a competent authority until you hold that approval. Cosmetics, supplements, food and electronics are common examples.
Marketing and customer data
Online sellers must follow the competent authorities' conditions on promotional and marketing campaigns and on sharing customer data. If you promote other brands' products for a fee or commission, the UAE Media Council's Advertiser Permit also applies.
If the goods come from abroad
Importing stock in the company's name needs customs registration. Dropshipping from an overseas supplier straight to the customer avoids holding stock, but you are still the seller and still need the licence.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We choose the authority and activity, form the company, and register it with customs where you import.
We do not build your store, set up payment gateways or register products with regulators.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to sell on Instagram?
Yes. Selling through social media is a business activity. Dubai's eTrader licence exists for exactly that, for those who qualify.
Can an expat get an eTrader licence?
No. It is for UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai. Other residents need a company licence.
Can I sell on Amazon or Noon with a free zone licence?
Marketplaces set their own seller requirements. Check them before choosing the authority, and tell us which marketplace you plan to use.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates authority fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 7 October 2026.
Selling through a website, marketplace or Instagram?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.