Over the years, the UAE has seen rapid digital advancements as a part of the Smart Dubai initiative. A few years ago, the UAE government launched the E-trader license, also referred to as the DED trader license for ex-pats. This has made it easy for foreigners to do business in the UAE from the comfort of their homes. Not only is it cost-effective but also the process to get an e-trader license in the UAE is straightforward.
In this blog, you will get to know all the important information about the E-trader license in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What is an e-trade license?
If you wish to promote your products and services through social media platforms or websites, you can apply for an E-trader license in the UAE. This license will also help you gain the trust of your customers. Through the E-trader license, the UAE government aims to keep a track of online sales happening through social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, or other websites.
What are the Types of E-Trader Licenses?
The government of UAE offers two types of e-trader licenses in Dubai, commercial and professional licenses. The UAE national is eligible for both professional and commercial licenses, but, an expat only can only get a professional license.
Why Should You Get an E-Trader License?
Getting an E-trader license in Dubai has a good number of benefits, some of which are listed below:
- The e-trade Dubai license is one of the cheapest licenses available in Dubai. It costs you around AED1,070 plus AED300, which is for a mandatory membership at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
- It allows 100% ownership of your business and there is no need to collaborate with a local sponsor.
- Individuals starting a new business can apply for an e-trader license.
- It is very quick & easy to apply online for an e-trader license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. (If you need some assistance for the same and want to avoid any errors, the experienced business consultants at UAE Expansion Business Setup can help you.)
- An e-trade Dubai license enables you to conduct business activities throughout Dubai. However, if you want to do business in other cities in the UAE, then it is mandatory to obtain a trade license in the respective Emirate.
- A DED e-trader license in Dubai allows you to have multiple activities on one license.
- You are eligible to have a corporate bank account if you’re an e-trader license holder.
- An e-trader license in Dubai increases consumer confidence in your business.
- E-trading license holders can take part in exhibitions conducted in Dubai.
- You are allowed to advertise and promote your products and services through your social media channels.
What are the Steps to Acquire a UAE E-Trader License?
- Apply for the license in Dubai on the DED Trader website.
- Create a DED Trader account, register, and make the payment.
- Provide information about your social media accounts when registering for the license.
- Wait for the confirmation
Once you have completed the registration and initiated the payment, you will get a confirmation from the DED within a couple of minutes.
What are the Requirements to Get a DED E-Trader License?
To get a DED e-trader license in Dubai, you need to attach the necessary documents with the application form as proof of your address, age, employment details, etc. Moreover, you must fulfill the following requirements in order to get an e-trader license in Dubai with ease:
- You must be located in the UAE.
- You must have a valid Emirates ID
- The minimum age to apply for an e-trader license is 21.
- Register the trade name of your company with the concerned authorities.
- Attach the proof of trade name approval with the application.
- Submit your Makani Number as proof of residence.
- Initiate the payment within 24 hours of license issuance.
- Don’t forget to renew your license within a month of the expiry date. If you fail to do so, the license will be automatically canceled.
Once your application and documents are approved, the DED will provide you with your e-trader license within 3 to 5 working days.
What is the Expected Cost of a License in Dubai?
The registration process for an e-trader license in Dubai Mainland can cost you around 1070 AED plus AED 300 in case of commercial operations.
What are the Limitations of the E-Trade Dubai License?
The e-trade Dubai License for expats (non-Emirati national and non-GCC national) has some downsides:
- It does not provide expats with a long-term residence visa.
- The expats are not eligible to hire staff.
- The individual is a sole trader and has to work on their own. They cannot collaborate with friends and family on the same business project.
- An e-trader license does not enable foreign entrepreneurs to lease office space.
- It does not allow to sell goods, either retail or wholesale. However, Emirati nationals and GCC nationals are eligible to sell goods and services through an e-trader license.
Seek Professional Help to Get Your E-Trader License in UAE
With cheap rates, ease of application, and an allowance to do business from the comfort of your home, an e-trader license is the best choice for you to conduct online business in UAE. Although the process to obtain a Dubai e-trade license is very simple, you can always seek help from experienced consultants to avoid any errors.
The business consultants at the UAE Expansion India branch can help you with the necessary paperwork and acquire your e-trader license in UAE with ease. All you have to do is get on a call with us and we will look after the
