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Mainland · licence type

E-commerce Licence in the UAE — Mainland vs Free Zone (2026)

An e-commerce licence lets you sell online — through your own website or marketplaces. Mainland lets you sell and deliver to UAE customers directly; a free zone can be cheaper if you mainly sell internationally or through approved arrangements.

Get a written quote → Free zone vs mainland 💬 WhatsApp
ActivitiesOnline retail, marketplaces, dropshipping
Mainland optionSell and deliver to UAE customers directly
Free zone optionLower cost; onshore delivery needs a distribution arrangement

E-commerce Licence cost (2026)

ItemCost
Dubai licence (government)≈ AED 11,500–13,500 plus approvals
Other emiratesQuote required
Office and visasExtra — see emirate pages

Dubai figures are government costs published as at July 2026. Where a row says “quote required” there is no reliable public price, so we do not publish a number.

Benefits

  • Sell on your own site and marketplaces
  • Direct delivery to UAE consumers on mainland
  • Simple to add product categories
  • Access to UAE payment gateways with a valid licence

Requirements and documents

  • E-commerce activity on licence
  • Approved trade name and MoA
  • Premises (mainland) or desk (free zone)
  • Bank account and payment gateway

Who is it best for?

  • Online retailers and D2C brands
  • Marketplace sellers
  • Dropshippers

What to watch out for

  • Your licence lists the exact activities you may perform — adding activities later costs extra
  • Government fees change — confirm the live figure for your activity before paying
  • Regulated activities need approval from other authorities

Step-by-step: how to set up

  1. Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
  2. Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit the name and activity for approval to the economic department.
  3. Lease premisesSign a tenancy contract for a physical office or shop — the office size affects your visa quota. Dubai requires Ejari registration.
  4. Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets out shareholders, capital and management; it is signed before a notary where required.
  5. Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities (health, education, food, finance, etc.).
  6. Pay fees and receive the trade licencePay the government fees to receive your licence and commercial registration.
  7. Establishment card, visas, bank account and taxGet the immigration card, residence visas and Emirates ID, open the bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT.

FAQs: E-commerce Licence

Do I need a licence to sell online in the UAE?

Yes — operating an online business needs a trade licence with an e-commerce or related activity. Some marketplaces also have their own seller requirements.

Mainland or free zone for e-commerce?

Mainland is simpler for local delivery and consumers; a free zone is cheaper if you mainly export or use approved distribution arrangements.

Are there dedicated e-commerce free zones?

Yes — Dubai CommerCity is a dedicated e-commerce free zone; Meydan and IFZA are popular low-cost options for online sellers.

What documents are needed for a mainland licence?

Typically passport copies for shareholders and managers, an approved trade name, a Memorandum of Association, a premises lease and approvals for regulated activities. Foreign corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents.

Do mainland companies pay corporate tax and VAT?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income, and 5% VAT with mandatory registration above AED 375,000 of taxable turnover. Small Business Relief may apply for eligible businesses — check current Federal Tax Authority guidance.

How long does a mainland licence last and how is it renewed?

Mainland trade licences are issued for one year and renewed annually with the licensing department, together with the office lease, establishment card and any external approvals. Renewal fees are broadly comparable to the first-year licence fee, and late renewal attracts fines.

How many visas can a mainland company have?

The visa quota depends mainly on the size of your registered office space, plus the activity and shareholder count. Larger premises support more visas, which is why the office lease is the key sizing decision.

Can a mainland company also operate from a free zone?

Yes — many groups keep a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international work or holding. Each is a separate licence with its own costs and compliance.

Can ZoneWise help me choose between mainland and free zone?

Yes — send us your activity, customer location and visa needs and we will recommend the most cost-effective route, with a written quote.

Get a written quote for E-commerce Licence

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the licensing department before paying.

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