How to Get an eCommerce License in Dubai

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in life. In different industries, online shopping has brought about considerable change as it has opened up new and endless opportunities. The world has gone global, and you can obtain anything and everything while sitting in the comfort of your home.

Setting up an eCommerce store is one of the great ways to make retail sales. But in Dubai and other regions of the UAE, it requires an eCommerce license, which is also referred to as an internet trade license. In addition, it covers the sales of both tangible and intangible goods.

The different types of eCommerce licenses in Dubai

The eCommerce industry in Dubai has been growing at a phenomenal pace as it has widened the scope of business at various levels. Hence the Dubai Department of Economic Development has introduced several E-trading license activities as follows

E-Trade license

This license is provided to all those who wish to sell their products or services online. The license can only be applied for by UAE and GCC residents who live in Dubai. which is regulated by DED.

The license can be attained through single ownership. You cannot have a physical space or open a shop with this license.

Virtual company license

DIFC, along with Dubai’s economy, launched the virtual company license. The virtual license enables foreign investors and UAE non-residents to conduct business operations in the area.

The license is limited to three sectors: computer programming and related activities, design activities, and services related to advertising and printing.

Portal License

This happens to be another Dubai eCommerce license that non-nationals in the UAE can obtain. By obtaining this license, you can start a business in Dubai to link buyers and sellers.

A portal license is ideally suited for a listing website for products, services, or recommendations.

Why it is important to avail of an e-commerce license in Dubai

In Dubai, an e-commerce license is a highly desired item. The reason being many people in Dubai are shifting their business from traditional to online modules. Industrialists, traders, and business owners are now thinking of opening an online store in Dubai as a result of the action. Therefore, all you need to begin running your business in Dubai is an eCommerce license.

Investors enjoy tax exemptions, repatriation of profits, hassle-free resource availability, and a lot more in the UAE. It is a no-brainer to launch your digital venture in Dubai and start minting from the word go.

How to get an eCommerce license in Dubai? – Steps

The first thing that you will need to know is how to obtain an e-commerce license Dubai. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the local landscape at this juncture. Though it is a welcome move with low barriers of entry, the UAE differs from other countries when it comes to setting up a business. The first thing that you need to do is perhaps not a priority elsewhere:

Decide on the legal structure.

The first step to obtaining an e-commerce license Dubai is to decide the legal structure of the company. In simple terms, you need to decide whether you need to set up an LLC company, a branch office, or a partnership firm.

The choice and registration of your company name

There are naming guidelines that you must follow in the UAE. There is no need to be concerned because they are all simple and mostly common sense. You need to avoid offensive and blasphemous language or the names of well-known organizations. There are a few other rules with respect to the e-commerce license Dubai that are part of your initial consultation.

Selection of business activities

A firm must also conform to a list of approved activities when it is established in the UAE. There are a lot of options, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.. The best one to opt for is e-commerce, or selling on the internet. These activities are to be listed when you require a Dubai e-commerce license. With the early part of the process negotiated, the companies will help you avail yourself of an e-commerce license. Numerous ways are there by which you can do this.

Apply for an initial approval certificate.

An initial approval certificate is a NOC from a competent authority to set up an eCommerce business in Dubai. It is valid for 6 months and cannot be renewed. When submitting your trade name approval application, you have the option of applying for an initial approval certificate.

Completing your KYC

When making an application, you need to submit a business license application containing all the details about your business and the shareholders. It should include proof of identification or address for the purpose of completing KYC and UBO details.

Completing the visa application, applying for the visa test, and providing biometrics

If you intend to operate your business from the UAE, you will require a visa. As part of the process, you will need to undergo a blood test, fitness test, and chest X-ray. You may also sponsor the visa of others, such as parents or dependent children, a spouse, or domestic staff.

Setting up your business bank account in the UAE

Finally, if you are getting paid in the UAE, then you will need a bank account in the UAE. In the process on how to get ecommerce license in Dubai, professional companies are available who will guide you in setting up your bank account. Most banks provide zero-balance accounts and have partnerships with some of the leading banks in the world.

Cost of an eCommerce license in Dubai

It is difficult to estimate the e-commerce license Dubai cost as they are dependent on various factors. This includes the size of your business and the number of visas that you are applying for your business, the office space requirements, and, of course, whether you intend to set up on the mainland or in a free zone.

To conclude, Dubai is witnessing a transition into a new business hub, and numerous activities can be carried out here. Availing of a Dubai e-commerce license requires a fair understanding of the business process, as people from all over the world are involved in online selling activities.

There are various types of e-commerce licenses available, and you require the expertise of a consultant to help you.

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