We get a lot of questions these days from people excited to sell digital products online. With digital products booming, many ask, “Do I need a license to sell digital products in Dubai?” The simple answer is yes! You need a license to run any type of business in Dubai.
In this article, you'll learn the easiest and cheapest licenses to sell your own digital products online. There are three main options, and I’ll explain each so you can sell on your platform, marketplaces, or even sell on Amazon in the UAE.
Let’s get started! Are you ready?
1. E-Trader License
The first option is the E-Trader License, perfect if you already live in the UAE. Whether you're a UAE citizen, a GCC citizen, or an expat with UAE residency, you can apply for this license. Once you have it, you can start selling digital products on social media or online marketplaces.
The cost of the E-Trader license is around AED 1000. But here’s something important:
(i) UAE and GCC citizens can sell both physical and digital products.
(ii) Expats, however, can only sell digital products or services.
Good news! You can easily open a bank account with an E-Trader license. For more info, check out our article about it.
Want to know more about the E-Trader license or opening a bank account? Reach out to us at CSPzone. We have 15 years of experience in helping people set up their businesses.
2. Ecommerce License from a Freezone
The second option is an Ecommerce License, which is great if you don’t have a UAE visa or want to sell physical products too. It’s a bit more expensive than the E-Trader license, but it allows you to sell on platforms like Amazon and Noon or even create your own online store to sell both products and services.
Many Freezones in the UAE offer ecommerce licenses for under AED 6000. Sharjah Freezone has one of the cheapest options. Do note, visa costs will be extra, but you can apply for visas for multiple shareholders with this license.
Need help getting your ecommerce license? We can assist you in setting it up. Contact CSPzone today, and we’ll help you get your business started.
3. Freelance License
The third option is a Freelance License. This is a good choice if you want to run a business under your name alone. With this license, you can also open a bank account. But here’s the thing, we recommend going for the Freezone Ecommerce License because it's often a better deal for running a business.
Check out our article comparing Freelance vs. Freezone licenses. We explain which one is best depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
So, which license should you choose? Here’s the short answer:
1. If you already have a UAE visa, go for the E-Trader License—it’s simple and affordable.
2. If you don’t have a visa or want to sell physical products, choose the Ecommerce License.
Selling digital products in Dubai is easy, all you need is a business license and a bank account to get started!
At CSPzone, we can guide you through the process of getting the right business license. Let’s make your digital business dream come true!
