E-Trader Licence in Dubai
Official Licensing for Home-Based and Social Media Businesses
Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this licence provides individuals with legal authorisation to conduct commercial or professional activities online without renting a physical office or commercial premises. Registration covers business conducted through websites, social media platforms, and digital channels, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok.
The licence is registered under a single owner only and is structured as a sole proprietorship instrument. It does not permit the holder to open a physical shop, hire employees, or issue residence visas.
EGSH is an authorised Dubai Economic Department centre. EGSH consultants confirm applicant eligibility, verify the selected business activity against the official DET approved activities list, and manage the registration process through official DET systems. EGSH submits the application; the DET issues the licence.
- Authorised Dubai Economic Department Centre
- VIP service without queues
- Official government-regulated fees
- Most procedures completed in one visit
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), an e-trader licence is issued within approximately five minutes of a complete and verified submission through the official Invest in Dubai portal.
Apply for an E-Trader Licence in Dubai
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 2,660
How to Get an E-Trader Licence in Dubai
A Compliant Process Through the Official DET Portal
01
Visit EGSH
Visit the EGSH centre during working hours or book your appointment online, with no queues and immediate assistance from a dedicated consultant.
02
Document Review
An EGSH consultant confirms your eligibility, verifies your Emirates ID, and checks your selected activity against the official DET approved activities list.
03
Application Submission
EGSH submits your application through the official DET systems, ensuring all documentation meets DET eligibility and activity compliance requirements.
04
Receive Your E-Trader Licence
The DET issues the licence upon approval, authorising you to legally sell products or provide services through online platforms and social media channels.
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Documents Required for E-Trader Licence Registration
Prepare the Required Documentation for Compliant Authority Submission
Identification Document
A valid Emirates ID is required for all applicants; applicants must be residents of Dubai holding a valid UAE residence visa and must meet the minimum age requirement applicable under current DET registration criteria.
Trade Name
A unique trade name must be selected and submitted for approval, in accordance with DET naming conventions and prior to finalising the registration.
Contact and Location Details
A registered UAE mobile number, email address, and a valid Dubai residential address with the corresponding Makani number are required for licence issuance.
Activity Details
The specific business activity chosen from the official DET approved activities list, confirming it does not require physical premises or external regulatory approval from a sector authority.
Take a 3D Tour of EGSH
Authorised Processing with VIP Service and Officially Regulated Fees
Why Choose EGSH for E-Trader Licence Registration
VIP Service
Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.
Affordable Fees
Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.
All Services in One Place
Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.
One-Visit Completion
Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.
What Is an E-Trader Licence in Dubai
Formally known as the Rukhsat Tajer, this registration category sits within the DET mainland licensing framework established under the Dubai Trader Programme. It was introduced to bring home-based and online-only businesses under formal legal regulation without requiring commercial premises or a traditional trade licence structure.
The instrument is a sole proprietorship and cannot be held by a company, partnership, or any entity with more than one owner. The DET administers the programme and issues all registrations through the official Invest in Dubai portal.
Eligibility Criteria
UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai are the primary eligible applicant categories under the standard DET framework. Applicants must hold a valid Emirates ID, maintain a verified Dubai residential address with a Makani number, and meet the applicable minimum age requirement at the time of application.
Eligibility for expatriate residents who do not hold UAE or GCC nationality is restricted and programme-specific. Non-GCC expats should not assume eligibility under the standard framework and must verify their current status directly with the DET before proceeding with an application. Where an applicant holds a valid UAE residence visa under employer sponsorship, a No Objection Certificate from the sponsor may be required, depending on the terms of the visa.
The licence does not confer the right to sponsor residence visas or hire employees.
Approved Activities
The DET maintains an official list of activities approved under the programme. UAE nationals and GCC nationals may apply for commercial activities, including the online sale of garments, handicrafts, cosmetics, and home-prepared food, as well as professional activities such as digital marketing, graphic design, photography, IT services, online consulting, and tailoring.
Expatriate applicants, where eligible, are generally restricted to the professional activity category and may not conduct commercial trading of physical goods. Any activity not on the DET approved list requires a full mainland trade licence. Activities requiring sector-specific regulatory clearances from the Dubai Health Authority, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, or other competent bodies must obtain those approvals prior to or alongside registration.
Government Fees
The government fee for registration is AED 1,070, comprising the licence fee together with the Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham charges. Mandatory Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership adds AED 300, bringing the total government-set cost to AED 1,370. These figures are established by the DET and the Dubai Chamber and are current as of the date of publication, subject to change at the discretion of the relevant authorities. Applicants must complete payment within 24 hours of the payment voucher being issued, or the application may be cancelled automatically.
Validity and Renewal
The licence is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Annual renewal is required to maintain lawful authorisation to conduct online business activities. Renewal is processed through the official DET platform using the Emirates ID linked to the registration. The renewal fee structure mirrors the initial registration cost. Operating with an expired licence constitutes unlicensed trading under UAE commercial regulations and may result in penalties.
Operational Limitations and Upgrade Criteria
This licence category covers online and social media operations only and does not permit the holder to lease commercial premises, open a physical retail location, or engage in warehousing or large-scale import and export. It does not create a legal company entity, and intellectual property rights, including trademarks and copyrights, must be registered separately with the Ministry of Economy or the relevant authority.
Where a business expands in scope, requires employee sponsorship, or moves into activities outside the approved framework, the appropriate course of action is to upgrade to a full mainland trade licence or to explore a free zone licence structure, depending on the nature of the activity and business objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this licence?
UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai are the primary eligible categories under the standard DET framework. Applicants must hold a valid Emirates ID, a Dubai residential address with a Makani number, and meet the applicable minimum age requirement. Expatriate residents who do not hold UAE or GCC nationality should verify their eligibility directly with the DET before applying, as non-GCC expat eligibility is restricted and programme-specific.
How long does it take to receive an E-Trader Licence in Dubai?
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), registration is completed within approximately five minutes of a complete and verified submission through the official Invest in Dubai portal. The payment voucher must be settled within 24 hours of issuance, or the application may be cancelled.
What are the government fees for registration?
The government fee is AED 1,070, which includes the licence fee and the Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham charges. Mandatory Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership costs an additional AED 300, bringing the total to AED 1,370. These amounts are set by the DET and the Dubai Chamber and are current as of the date of publication, subject to change.
What activities does the licence permit?
The DET maintains an official list of approved activities. Commercial activities, including the online sale of fashion items, handicrafts, cosmetics, and home-prepared food, are available to UAE nationals and GCC nationals. Professional activities such as digital marketing, graphic design, IT services, photography, online consulting, and publishing are available across eligible applicant categories. Expatriate applicants, where eligible, are generally limited to the professional activity category. Any activity not on the approved list requires a full mainland trade licence.
How often must the licence be renewed?
Annual renewal is required. Renewal is completed through the official DET platform using the Emirates ID associated with the registration. The renewal fee structure is the same as the initial registration cost. Operating with an expired licence constitutes unlicensed trading under UAE commercial regulations.
Can I sell on Instagram and social media with an E-Trader Licence?
Yes. This licence authorises holders to promote and sell products or services through social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, provided the selected activity is listed on the DET approved activities list. It does not permit physical retail operations or the opening of a shop.
Does this licence allow visa sponsorship or employee hiring?
No. The licence is a sole proprietorship instrument and does not confer the right to sponsor residence visas or hire employees. Business operators requiring employee sponsorship should consider upgrading to a full mainland trade licence or a free zone structure.
What is an e-trader licence in Dubai, and who is it for?
Issued by the DET under the Dubai Trader Programme, this sole-owner business permit authorises individuals to conduct approved commercial or professional activities online through social media platforms, websites, and digital channels, without requiring a physical office or commercial premises. It is suitable for home-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individuals operating small-scale digital businesses.
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