How to Get an E-Commerce Licence in the UAE
Planning to launch an online business in the UAE? Smart move. The region’s digital economy is thriving, and whether you’re building a dropshipping empire, running a Shopify store, or launching a marketplace app—getting an ecommerce license in UAE is step one.
From securing an e commerce license in Dubai to applying for an Abu Dhabi e commerce license, the opportunities are real—but so are the challenges. The licensing maze can get overwhelming fast: too many zones, conflicting advice, shady agents, and confusing paperwork.
That’s why smart founders skip the DIY drama and use Binderr Concierge—a human-led business setup service designed for serious entrepreneurs.
Get E-Commerce Licence in the UAE
- Get your ecommerce licence issued fast – Whether through DED Dubai, RAKEZ, SHAMS, or Meydan, we guide you through approvals, flexi-desk options, and commercial activity selection.
- Set up your company in the right free zone – Based on your business model (dropshipping, online retail, services), we match you with the jurisdiction that offers the best mix of cost, compliance, and scalability.
- Open ecommerce-friendly business bank accounts – We connect you with banks and fintechs open to onboarding ecommerce businesses—even if you're high-risk or don’t yet have a UAE residency visa.
- Find all corporate services you need – From VAT registration and payment gateway setup to legal contracts, bookkeeping, and visa processing—we bring the top experts to your side.
So, if you're serious about learning how to get ecommerce license in UAE, this is your go-to guide. And if you want it done right the first time? Let Binderr Concierge handle the heavy lifting.
Get eCommerce License in UAE - Step by Step Process
Step 1: Choose the Right Jurisdiction
The very first decision you'll make when setting up your online business in the UAE is where to license it. This choice determines your ability to operate legally, your access to customers, the tax benefits you’ll receive, and even how easy it will be to open a corporate bank account.
So if you're asking how to get an ecommerce license in UAE, start by picking the right jurisdiction. There are three main paths you can take:
UAE Mainland eCommerce Licence (DED – Department of Economic Development)
If your primary goal is to sell directly to customers within the UAE—especially through local delivery apps, physical inventory storage, or working with UAE-based suppliers—then getting an e commerce license in Dubai or Abu Dhabi e-commerce license via the mainland route is your best bet.
Mainland licence benefits:
- Full access to the UAE market, both B2C and B2B
- Ability to list on marketplaces like Noon, Amazon.ae, and Deliveroo
- Easier integration with local payment gateways and logistics companies
- Stronger chances of approval when opening a UAE-based business bank account
- Allows participation in government tenders and public contracts
However, a mainland setup requires either a physical office or a flexi-desk lease, and tends to have a slightly higher cost compared to some free zone packages. Still, for credibility and market access, it's often worth it.
UAE Free Zone eCommerce Licence
Looking to start lean, sell internationally, or build a dropshipping brand? A free zone ecommerce license in UAE could be the ideal launchpad. Free zones are independent jurisdictions that offer streamlined setup, lower upfront costs, and 100% foreign ownership—even if you’re not a UAE resident.
Top free zones for ecommerce businesses:
- Meydan Free Zone – Great for Dubai address credibility
- SHAMS – Popular for content creators and online service businesses
- RAKEZ – Affordable, scalable, and offers various visa packages
- IFZA – Flexible licensing and easy document process
- Dubai South – Perfect for logistics-heavy ecommerce
Key benefits of free zone setup:
- Tax-free environment (0% corporate and income tax)
- No customs duties on re-exported goods
- No requirement for a local Emirati sponsor
- Quick licence approval (sometimes within 48 hours)
- Affordable visa and desk-sharing options
But here's the trade-off: you generally cannot sell directly to mainland UAE consumers unless you appoint a local distributor or open a branch office. So if your focus is international dropshipping, digital products, or B2B wholesale—this is a great option. If you want to sell to Dubai or Abu Dhabi residents directly, think carefully.
Need Help Choosing the Right Jurisdiction? Let Binderr Do the Heavy Lifting.
Confused between free zones and the mainland? Wondering if your model fits better with a DED Dubai e commerce license or a cost-effective RAKEZ setup? That’s exactly where Binderr Concierge steps in.
We don’t just give you options—we give you the right answer. Here’s how we simplify the process of applying for your ecommerce license in UAE:
- Get expert recommendations
- No more guesswork
- Transparent, human-led advice
- Done-for-you execution
So if you’re ready to apply for an ecommerce business license without wasting time, money, or patience—Binderr is your corporate fixer.
Step 2: Define Your E-Commerce Business Activity
To apply for an ecommerce business license in the UAE, you must clearly define your commercial activity. The UAE doesn’t issue vague, blanket licences—your application must match an approved activity code from the government’s official list.
Here are some of the most common activity types under ecommerce license in UAE:
- Online Retail via Own Platform
- Marketplace Operator
- Dropshipping
- Digital Product Sales
- Influencer Commerce / Social Media Selling
📌 Pro Tip: If you plan to diversify or scale, choose an ecommerce license in Dubai or other zones that allow multiple activities under a single licence. For instance, SHAMS and RAKEZ offer bundled packages covering retail, marketing, and digital services under one licence.
Step 3: Incorporate Your E-Commerce Company
Once you’ve chosen your activity, it’s time to legally register your business. This involves selecting a trade name, submitting documents, signing incorporation forms, and receiving your licence and company registration.
Depending on where you’re setting up—whether it’s UAE mainland ecommerce license, or a UAE free zone like IFZA or Meydan—requirements will differ. Expect variations in:
- Required capital
- Office space/flexi-desk
- Shareholding structure
- Document notarisation or translation
- MoA or AoA (for LLCs)
Set Up Your E-Commerce Business in UAE Faster!
Getting a UAE ecommerce license and company formation sounds simple—until you're drowning in paperwork, chasing agents for updates, and watching deadlines slip.
That’s why entrepreneurs trust Binderr to manage it all, start to finish.
- We match you with the right licensed agent or free zone – Not all agents are equal. Based on your profile, budget, and business model, we connect you with the most suitable incorporation provider in our vetted network.
- We help prepare the perfect application – From trade name selection and activity codes to shareholder agreements and ID verification, we make sure nothing is missing or incorrect.
- We follow up relentlessly – You won’t need to chase your agent. We manage communication, fast-track bottlenecks, and ensure your application doesn’t get stuck in bureaucratic limbo.
- We reduce the risk of costly errors – Wrong activity codes? Improper trade name? Incomplete documents? These can delay or even reject your application. With Binderr, you’re in safe hands.
Step 4: Secure Office Space or Flexi-Desk
No matter which route you take—ecommerce license in Dubai, Abu Dhabi e commerce license, or a low-cost free zone licence—having an official business address is non-negotiable.
Even the most flexible jurisdictions require some form of lease agreement to process your company registration.
Here are your options:
- Physical Office Space (Mainland Only)If you're applying for a DED ecommerce license in Dubai, you'll need a lease agreement (Ejari) tied to a physical office or retail space within Dubai. This gives you full access to the local market and strengthens your corporate credibility—especially when applying for business bank accounts.
- Flexi-Desk / Shared Workstation (Free Zones)Most free zones offer low-cost virtual offices or flexi-desk options, which let you maintain a legal address without needing to physically work on-site. Ideal for startups, solopreneurs, and digital businesses.
- Virtual Presence OnlySome zones allow ecommerce entrepreneurs to operate entirely online—great if you’re selling digital products, dropshipping, or targeting markets outside the UAE.
⚠️ Important: Your office setup directly affects your visa eligibility, licensing cost, and even banking success. Many UAE banks require a verified business address—even if you're not physically present. That’s why choosing the right office package isn’t just a formality—it’s strategic.
How Binderr Helps You Find the Right Office Setup
- We compare office/flexi-desk packages across free zones based on your budget and visa needs
- We negotiate on your behalf to get better pricing, better terms, or bundled packages
- We ensure your lease documents match licence requirements for DED or free zone submissions
- We help with Ejari registration (Dubai mainland) and free zone leasing compliance
With Binderr Concierge, you're not stuck figuring out what a “flexi-desk” actually covers. We handle the real estate side so you can focus on growing your business—not chasing paperwork or misreading fine print.
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
After choosing your jurisdiction and securing your address, it’s time to formally apply for your ecommerce business license. Documentation requirements vary slightly between jurisdictions, but here's what’s typically needed:
Basic documents for all UAE e-commerce licences:
- Passport copy of the shareholder(s)
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy (for residents or applicants inside the country)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval form (issued after activity/jurisdiction pre-approval)
- Lease agreement or Ejari (for mainland DED applicants)
- Business licence application form
Additional documents (varies by free zone):
- CV of the founder – Especially in knowledge-based or content-driven businesses
- Business plan – Required in some zones like Dubai South, ADGM, and DIFC
- Bank reference letter – Used to assess financial standing and lower risk rating
Getting this wrong—even one missing document or typo—can delay your licence or lead to outright rejection.
Let Binderr Concierge Handle the Paperwork (and the Stress)
- We double-check every document before submission – saving you from frustrating rejections and back-and-forths
- We know which zones are strict, which are flexible – and how to tailor your application accordingly
- We translate, notarise, or prepare any additional supporting paperwork required for specific jurisdictions
- We submit everything for you through our verified partner agents—no running around or chasing approvals
Step 6: Licence Approval & Issuance
Once you've submitted your application and all supporting documents are in place, your ecommerce license in UAE will be approved and issued.
- Free zones: 1–3 business days
- DED Mainland: 5–10 business days (depending on activity and office type)
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- Your official trade licence
- Certificate of incorporation
- Login credentials for online portals
You’re now legally ready to do business in the UAE!
Step 7: Open an eCommerce Business Bank Account
A business bank account is non-negotiable when running an online business in the UAE. Whether you’ve just secured your e commerce license in Dubai, obtained an abu dhabi e commerce license, or launched through a free zone—you can’t get paid or pay your vendors without it.
But here’s the reality: UAE banks don’t treat all ecommerce businesses equally. High-risk profiles like dropshipping, crypto, or cross-border marketplaces often face strict compliance checks—or worse, silent rejections.
Find the Right Banking Partner
That’s where Binderr Concierge steps in to turn the odds in your favour.
- Get matched with right banks that actually onboard businesses like yours
- Avoid rejection by identifying red flags before you apply
- Prepare a bank-ready application—from business plans to KYC profiles, and docs
- Speed up the process—what takes others weeks or gets ghosted, Binderr moves forward in days with human follow-up
Step 8: Set Up Your Payment Gateway
Getting your ecommerce license in UAE is a great milestone—but without a payment gateway, you can’t transact, scale, or serve customers. Whether you’re running a Shopify store, selling through WooCommerce, or building a custom checkout experience, you need a licensed, compliant payment processor.
A payment gateway will help you with
- Accepting Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local wallets
- Processing payments in AED, USD, EUR, or multi-currency
- Handling one-off purchases, subscriptions, or donations
- Settling funds into your UAE business bank account
- Generating VAT-compliant invoices for your sales
However payment gateway onboarding in the UAE can be surprisingly complex. Approval isn’t automatic—even with a valid ecommerce license dubai or UAE free zone trade licence.
Banks and gateway providers often scrutinise new ecommerce businesses—especially if you’re in dropshipping, crypto, Web3, or multi-jurisdiction setups. A mismatch between your activity, licence, and payment partner could mean frozen funds, blocked payouts, or worse—blacklisting.
Binderr ensures you launch with a compliant, revenue-ready payment stack.
Here’s where Binderr makes it easy:
- We recommend the right gateway based on your jurisdiction, currency flows, customer base, and product type (digital, physical, or subscription-based)
- We connect you with top UAE-approved providers like Telr, Tap Payments, PayTabs, Checkout.com, and Network International
- Selling globally via Shopify or WooCommerce? We help you integrate Stripe and international gateways via trusted local partners
- Need wallet support? We guide you through enabling Apple Pay, Google Pay, STC Pay, and other regional wallets
- We handle onboarding, compliance, and integration—so you’re not left figuring out API keys, KYC docs, or merchant approval delays
Step 8: Launch Your E-Commerce Business and Start Selling
With your ecommerce license approved, business structure in place, and bank account ready, you're all set to go live. Start listing your products, activate your online store or marketplace account, and begin accepting payments. Whether you're selling locally or internationally, you're now fully compliant and equipped to grow your brand, reach customers, and scale your operations.
Total Cost Breakdown of Ecommerce Business License in UAE
| Cost Component | Free Zone (AED) | DED Mainland (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Ecommerce Licence | 5,750 – 15,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Flexi-Desk / Office Space | 0 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Company Incorporation Fees | Included in package | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Establishment Card | 500 – 1,000 | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Investor/Partner Visa | 3,000 – 7,000 | 3,000 – 7,500 |
| Medical + Emirates ID | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Bank Account Setup | 0 – 3,000 | 0 – 3,000 |
| VAT Registration (Optional) | 1,000 – 2,000 | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Payment Gateway Setup | 0 – 2,000 | 0 – 2,000 |
| Corporate Service Support | 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5,000 |
What Affects Your Cost?
- Jurisdiction: Dubai licences are more expensive than RAKEZ or SHAMS
- Visa count: Each visa adds 3k–7k
- Physical space: Flexi-desk is cheaper than leased offices (mandatory for mainland)
- Activity complexity: If you're doing marketplace + logistics + digital goods, you may need multiple activity approvals
- Banking profile: High-risk (crypto, dropshipping, forex) may need compliance support or pay higher onboarding fees
Why Use Binderr Concierge for Your Ecommerce Setup?
With Binderr, you don't just get a list of prices—you get a setup strategy tailored to your budget, business model, and growth plan.
Here’s what Binderr helps you save on:
- No hidden charges – We show you the all-in price from day one
- Avoid penalties – Mistakes in activity codes, documents, or lease terms can cost thousands
- Faster licensing – We reduce setup time from weeks to days by managing providers directly
- Better bank success rates – We pre-match you with banks based on your licence and activity
- Bundled cost packages – Want licensing, visa, banking, and VAT in one quote? We’ve got it.
Bottom Line
Launching your e-commerce business in the UAE isn’t just about getting a license—it’s about positioning yourself in one of the world’s most future-ready digital economies. With simplified regulations, tax-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, and a government actively supporting entrepreneurs, the UAE offers everything you need to start strong and scale fast.
But here's the truth:
Knowing how to get an ecommerce license in the UAE is one thing. Executing it quickly, correctly, and cost-effectively is another.
From choosing the right jurisdiction and applying for your licence, to opening a bank account, setting up payment gateways, managing VAT, and staying compliant—the steps are many, and the margin for error is real.
That’s why entrepreneurs choose Binderr.
When you apply for an ecommerce business license through Binderr Concierge, you get more than just a setup service. You get a strategic partner that:
- Cuts through red tape
- Speeds up approvals
- Matches you with the right providers (not whoever’s paying for placement)
- Protects you from common mistakes that delay launches and kill momentum
- Supports your growth long after you’re live
If you're ready to stop Googling and start building, let Binderr Concierge take it from here.
👉 Apply for your ecommerce license today—with less friction and more firepower.