If you’re wondering, does social media influencers needs to get business license in Dubai UAE, the answer is yes if you earn money from your content. Since May 2025, the UAE requires influencers to get two licenses: a business (trade) license first, then a media permit from the UAE Media Council.
This rule covers paid promotions, brand deals, affiliate marketing, and product sales. The business license lets you legally operate and earn in Dubai, while the media permit regulates your content. The good news? The media permit fee is waived for three years to help influencers adjust. So, if you want to build a career or start a company in Dubai as an influencer, getting a business license is a must.
Does Social Media Influencers Needs to Get Business License in Dubai? Yes, Here’s Why
Yes, you absolutely need a license to operate as a social media influencer in Dubai if you earn money from your content. The UAE government, through the UAE Media Council, mandates this for legal compliance, which helps regulate the digital media industry.
Having an official license also boosts your professional credibility, building trust with brands and your audience. It is a legal requirement for any form of monetization, including paid promotions, brand collaborations, or sponsored posts.
As of May 29, 2025, a new dual-license system is in effect. You must first secure a business license before you can apply for the required media permit.
Source: The information presented here is based on the latest 2025 regulations and guidelines from UAE media law experts and official government announcements, as detailed in reports from sources like DAMAC Properties, UAE Ahead, Gulf News, and other business advisories.
The New 2025 UAE Media Law: What Every Influencer Must Know
The new UAE Media Law, Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, started on May 29, 2025, and changes how social media influencers do business in Dubai. Now, you must get a business license—like a trade license or freelance permit—before you can apply for the media permit from the UAE Media Council. This dual-license rule applies to anyone earning money from brand deals, paid posts, or digital marketing.
To help influencers adapt, the government offers a three-year exemption on media permit fees, but you still pay for the business license. Influencers must also follow 20 strict content rules, which ban posts that disrespect religion, the government, or local culture.
Source: The information here is based on the latest updates from UAE government regulations and expert business setup guides, including sources like Decisive Zone, Gulf News, and DAMAC Properties, which detail the dual-license process and legal standards for influencers in Dubai.
Types of Influencer Licenses and Costs in 2025
When you decide to get your influencer license in the UAE, you have a few paths to choose from, and your choice affects the total cost and process.
For solo influencers who manage their own brand deals, the Individual License is the standard route. You must first get a personal trade license. The cost varies widely by emirate. In Dubai, the total annual cost can range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000. In contrast, Abu Dhabi offers a much lower cost for its permit, at around AED 1,250.
Alternatively, you can join an NMC-approved agency. This is often a more affordable option because the agency typically covers the licensing fees. However, this arrangement usually means you’ll share a portion of your revenue with the agency.
A very popular and budget-friendly option for your initial business license is a Freelance Permit, especially from a UAE free zone. These permits are designed for individual creators and can be much cheaper. For example, a freelance permit without a visa can cost around AED 4,020 per year, making it an excellent starting point.
Source: The information presented here is based on detailed 2025 guides and cost breakdowns from UAE business setup consultants, media law experts, and official government service portals, including sources like Decisive Zone, DAMAC Properties, and JobxDubai.
How to Get Your Influencer License: A 5-Step Guide
Getting your influencer license in the UAE follows a clear, updated process. Here is a simple guide to help you get started on your business setup in Dubai.
Step 1: Secure Your Business License
Your first move is to get a business license. This is the mandatory starting point for any influencer wanting to earn money in Dubai. You can choose between a mainland license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a more flexible license from one of the many free zones.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Next, you will collect all the needed papers. This includes a copy of your passport, your UAE residence visa, your Emirates ID, and a copy of the new business license you just obtained.
Step 3: Apply for the NMC Media Permit
With your documents ready, you can now apply for the media permit from the National Media Council (NMC). You can complete the application online through the official NMC website. For those in Abu Dhabi, the process is handled through the TAMM platform.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
The primary cost in this process is for the business license itself. The good news is that the government has waived the media permit fee for three years to support content creators.
Step 5: Stay Compliant
After you receive your license, you must follow the NMC’s rules for all your content and advertisements. Following these guidelines helps you maintain your license and operate legally.
Source: The information for this guide is based on the detailed 2025 licensing steps provided by UAE business setup consultants and official government portals, with insights from sources like DAMAC Properties, and Decisive Zone.
Simplifying Your Business Setup with Firmz
Getting a business license in Dubai can feel confusing, especially with choices like mainland versus free zone and all the paperwork involved. That’s where companies like Firmz step in to help influencers and entrepreneurs.
Firmz offers expert advice to help you pick the right business setup for your needs—whether you want a mainland DED license or a flexible free zone option. Their team handles every step, from preparing your documents to submitting them to the right authorities. They also help with visa processing and guide you on staying compliant with UAE rules.
With Firmz as your partner, you can focus on your influencer career while they take care of the business setup process, making it much easier to get your business license in Dubai UAE.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: What Are the Risks?
Operating without the proper licenses in Dubai carries serious risks. Under the new law, fines for unlicensed activity can reach up to AED 1 million for severe violations. This is a significant increase from the previous fine of around AED 5,000 . You might also face account suspensions, mandatory removal of your content, and even blacklisting from future media activities.
Source: The information presented here is based on the latest 2025 updates to the UAE Media Law, drawing from official government statements and analyses by legal and business setup experts like Decisive Zone and news and Media Houses like Times of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a license if I only receive free products (gifts)?
No. A license is only required when you receive monetary payment for promotions. Receiving gifted products does not mandate a license.
2. Does a social media influencer need a license in Dubai for personal content?
No. The license is for commercial activities. If you are not monetizing your content through paid ads or promotions, you do not need one.
3. What is the main change in the UAE influencer law in 2025?
The biggest change is the mandatory requirement to obtain a business license before you can apply for the necessary NMC media permit.
4. Can international influencers work with Dubai brands without a license?
It’s complicated. If the work is for UAE-based campaigns, they typically must operate through a licensed UAE agency to ensure compliance.
5. How much does an influencer license cost in Dubai?
The total cost, including the required trade license, typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually in Dubai.
Final Thought
To sum it up, if you are monetizing your social media presence in the UAE, getting both a business license and a media permit is mandatory. This dual-license system, effective since May 29, 2025, is crucial for your career . Operating legally is not just about avoiding severe penalties, which can be as high as AED 1 million ; it is about building a sustainable and credible career in Dubai’s thriving digital landscape.