Influencer marketing is an industry sector that is showing signs of accelerated growth in the country. In 2024, the field was valued at over $60 billion. This makes content creation an extremely popular career choice for a lot of people. Knowing how to get an influencer license is an essential part of staying compliant with the UAE’s media laws.
What is the Dubai Influencer License?
Issued by the Ministry of Culture and Youth’s Media Regulatory Office, the license is a requirement for anyone getting paid for their work, including those who insert advertisements, reviews, or product placements in their content.
However, bloggers, people marketing their businesses on social media, and owners of personal websites are not covered by the social media influencer license UAE. Additionally, it does not apply to anyone who reviews products for free without receiving anything from the manufacturer.
- Category 1 (Individual): This license is appropriate for self-sufficient social media influencers who prefer working alone.
- Category 2 (Partnership): Ideal for small groups of influencers wishing to start a business. This license necessitates a trade license and company registration. It is a less expensive choice when compared to Category 1 licenses.
- Category 3 (Agency): To take advantage of this option, you must partner with a government-approved certified social media influencer agency. By joining such organizations, influencers are covered by the licensing policy of the agencies. However, control over the promoted content can be limited by this agreement.
If you are an influencer who also has their own online store, you will also need to apply for an e-commerce license.
What Are the UAE's Regulations Around Influencers?
- Recording anything advertised on social media
- Obeying the laws about privacy, defamation, and photography
- Avoiding any remarks interpreted as heretical
- Avoiding the use of words or messages that denigrate Islam, encourage immoral behaviour, or have the potential to harm children
- Not disseminating messages that offend public officials or disturb the peace
- Influencers on social media are not allowed to promote alcohol in any way
Influencer License Requirements in UAE
Before applying for a social influencer license in UAE, you must apply for a trade license. You also must be a resident of the country. If this is the first time you are dealing with the authorities in the UAE, you can always reach out to Dubai business setup consultants (like the ones at A&A Associate) to help you out.
These are the influencer license requirements in UAE:
- Applicant must be 25 years and above
- Must be a resident of the UAE
- Must have no criminal background and be of good reputation
The following paperwork must be submitted to be granted a Dubai influencer license:
- Application form
- The lease agreement or deed
- A copy of the influencer’s passport
- A copy of the influencer’s visa page
- Emirates ID
- A copy of the trade license
- Two passport-sized coloured photos with a white background
- No Objection Certificate (in certain cases)
Influencer License Cost in Dubai
Get an Influencer License with A&A Associate
A&A Associate is a leading business setup company in Dubai. We can help you through the entire license process, providing expert guidance and total support. We also offer trade license application services, and can also help you set up your business and get your company up and running.
