Did you know that you can build a business just like Airbnb or Bayut in Dubai? Imagine running a platform where buyers and sellers connect, and you earn commissions without even owning any physical products. Sounds exciting, right?
Well, to do that legally in Dubai, you need an Online Portal License from Dubai Mainland. This license allows you to create websites that connect people - whether for property listings, hotel bookings, holiday rentals, or any other online marketplace.
For example, let’s say you want to start a vacation rental platform in the UAE. Instead of renting out your own properties, you simply connect homeowners with travelers, take a commission on every booking, and grow your business! The Portal License cost is around AED 18,000, but it may vary based on visa quotas and additional requirements.
Need help getting your Portal License? Our team at CSPzone can assist you with every step of the process. Let’s make it happen!
What Type of Online Platforms Need a Portal License?
According to Dubai Economic Department (DED), the Portal License is required for businesses that act as a bridge between buyers and sellers through an online platform. Here’s what the official description states:
Activity Code: 6312004
License Type: Professional
Activity Description: Includes firms operating websites that act as portals to the internet, linking buyers and sellers. This includes listing sellers’ products, hotel rates, and allowing consumers to shop online or make travel reservations. These businesses only act as brokers and do not complete the final transaction.
Simply put, if your business model is based on connecting people (without directly selling products yourself), you need a Portal License!
Let’s Understand This With Real-World Examples
To make things super simple, let’s break it down with two practical examples:
Real Estate Listing Website (Like Bayut or Property Finder)
Imagine you want to create a property portal where people can rent or buy homes. Here’s how it works:
1. Sellers (homeowners, agents, or developers) list their properties on your website.
2. Buyers or tenants browse the listings and contact sellers through your platform.
3. You charge a fee for each listing, lead, or successful deal. Some platforms take a percentage commission from every sale!
Your role?
You’re just the middleman, making the connection between buyers and sellers.
Hotel Booking Platform (Like Booking.com or Airbnb)
Now, let’s say you want to create a hotel booking website where people can find and book hotels in Dubai. Here’s how your business operates:
1. Hotels sign up and list their rooms on your website.
2. Customers browse available hotels and book rooms through your platform.
3. Your system automatically notifies the hotel about the reservation.
4. You take a commission! For example, you could charge: 10% from the customer as a service fee and 10% from the hotel for listing on your platform.
Total profit = 20% per booking!
Pro Tip: To make this work smoothly, you need a Channel Manager Software integrated with your platform. This ensures that once a hotel room is booked on your site, it is automatically blocked on all other platforms (to avoid double bookings).
Portal License Registration Cost & Business Setup Steps
Starting your online portal business in Dubai is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Initial Approval
Get approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for your business activity.
Step 2: Trade Name Reservation
Choose a name for your business. Since you’re applying for a Portal License, your name must include the word “Portal.” Example: DubaiHomesPortal LLC
Step 3: Prepare the MOA (Memorandum of Association)
This is a legal document that outlines the ownership and structure of your company.
Step 4: Pay the License Fee
The Portal License cost is around AED 18,000, but it may change based on visa quotas and additional services.
Step 5: Post-Registration Formalities
After getting your license, you need to:
Open a business bank account, register for corporate tax and VAT (if applicable).
Want expert guidance? CSPzone can handle everything for you, making the process quick and hassle-free!
How Do Portal Businesses Make Money?
One of the biggest advantages of an online portal business is the multiple revenue streams. Here’s how you can earn profits:
Commission Model
For a vacation rental platform, you can charge:
1. 10% from the customer as a service fee
2. 10% from the property owner for providing bookings
Total profit: 20% per booking!
Subscription Model
For a real estate portal, you can offer monthly subscription plans for agents to list properties.
Lead Selling Model
If your platform generates a lot of inquiries, you can sell leads to businesses that need them!
Conclusion
Starting an online portal business in Dubai is a brilliant opportunity if you want to run a tech-based platform without managing physical inventory. Whether it’s real estate listings, hotel bookings, job portals, or any other online marketplace, the Portal License is your gateway to success.
Need help setting up your online business? CSPzone specializes in business licensing and setup in Dubai. Let’s get your Portal License and launch your business today! Contact us today! or email us at info@cspzone.com
