UAE E-Commerce License — Online Business Setup
An e-commerce license authorises online retail, B2B platforms and digital marketplaces in the UAE. Required for Stripe UAE merchant accounts and Amazon UAE seller status. Setup in 5-10 days from AED 14,500.
E-Commerce License — for Online Retail
A UAE E-Commerce License covers online retail, B2C platforms, B2B marketplaces, digital subscriptions, and any business model where transactions happen via website, mobile app, or third-party marketplace (Amazon, Noon, Shopify). It is REQUIRED to onboard Stripe UAE merchant accounts, Amazon UAE seller central, and many UAE payment gateways.
The license is available across most UAE Free Zones (IFZA, DMCC, Dubai South, Meydan, RAKEZ) and Mainland (DET issues with specific E-Commerce activity codes). Free Zones are usually faster and cheaper for pure online operators, while Mainland is needed for those serving UAE retail customers via own platforms.
Why Choose This Service
What Our Clients Say
How We Deliver
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01
Activity selection
We match your business model — pure marketplace, drop-shipping, branded retail, B2B — to the right activity codes.
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02
Free Zone selection
IFZA for budget, Dubai South for fast track, DMCC for premium, Mainland for UAE retail with own platform.
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03
License application
Standard Free Zone or Mainland license application with e-commerce-specific activity codes.
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04
Payment gateway prep
Concurrently with license — prep documentation for Stripe / Telr / PayTabs onboarding.
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05
Bank + Stripe onboarding
Corporate bank account + Stripe UAE merchant account activation. Live processing typically within 14-21 days from license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Amazon UAE Seller Central requires a valid UAE trade license with appropriate e-commerce activity codes for cross-border sales above hobbyist volumes. We help match the right activities for Amazon-specific compliance.
Yes — Free Zone companies can sell B2C to UAE consumers via online platforms (Amazon, own website with delivery). The restriction on direct retail applies to physical stores, not e-commerce. However, B2C subject to UAE VAT (5%).
Yes, Stripe is live in UAE since 2021. Requires: UAE entity with e-commerce activity codes, UAE bank account, business documentation (license, MOA, expected volumes). We help with the application — typical approval 5-10 days after license issued.
Year-1: IFZA from AED 14,500 (license + 1 visa + flexi-desk). DMCC: AED 28,000+. With bank account opening + Stripe setup + warehousing: typical all-in AED 25K-40K. Mainland (DET) version: AED 20K-30K.
Yes — Shopify accepts UAE-registered businesses. The UAE license is required for Shopify Payments (Stripe-powered) UAE merchant account. We help set up the full Shopify + Stripe UAE stack.
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