Yes. The UAE Media Council's rules do not depend on nationality. They apply to citizens, residents and visitors alike, so a creator from Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom or anywhere else can hold an Advertiser Permit.
What matters is whether you are visiting or living in the UAE, because the two routes are different. NXTSTAR sets up the resident route for creators relocating from abroad: the company and trade licence, the residence visa and the permit.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
The two routes for a foreign creator
- Visiting: a Visitor Advertiser Permit through an agency approved by the Media Council, valid for three months and extendable once to six.
- Relocating: your own UAE trade licence with an electronic media activity, a residence visa through that licence, and the one-year renewable Advertiser Permit.
Creators who come for a single campaign use the first. Creators who want the UAE as their base use the second.
The resident route, in order
- Choose a licensing authority, mainland or free zone, and an electronic media activity.
- Form the company and receive the trade licence. Several free zones allow this to be done before you arrive.
- Apply for your residence visa through the company. Medical testing and biometrics are done in the UAE.
- Apply to the Media Council for the Advertiser Permit.
- Open a bank account, which is decided by the bank.
What does not change with your passport
- The permit conditions: age 18 or over, good conduct, no previous media content violations, a valid licence.
- The duty to display the permit number on your accounts.
- The rule that gifted and unpaid promotion counts as advertising.
What does vary by nationality is outside the permit: entry visa rules on arrival, and your tax position in your home country. Take tax advice at home before you move. We do not advise on foreign tax.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We run the resident route from start to finish for creators moving from abroad, and much of the company setup can be done remotely before you travel.
We do not act as the approved agency for a visitor permit, and we do not give tax or immigration advice for your home country.
Common questions
Is the advertiser permit only for UAE nationals?
No. The Media Council applies it to citizens, residents and visitors. Nationality is not a condition.
Can I start the process before I move to Dubai?
The company and licence can often be set up remotely, depending on the authority. The residence visa steps are completed in the UAE.
I am American and visit Dubai twice a year for brand trips. Which route do I need?
The visitor route, each time you publish advertising content from within the UAE, unless you become a resident.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote for your situation.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 6 October 2026.
Moving your creator business to the UAE?
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.