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Influencer License in Dubai

How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and the UAE

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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.

After completing the initial one-year validity, the license must be renewed yearly. You can choose between the following license options:
  • 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 work as an influencer without having the license, you risk incurring fines starting at AED 5,000 and having your account suspended. In the UAE’s influencer market, obtaining a permit is necessary to operate lawfully and stay out of trouble.

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?

To control the influencer market, the UAE government introduced laws in 2018. The law mandates any individual doing paid social media advertising to obtain an influencer license Dubai from the Media Regulatory Office.
These rules cover social media influencers who get gifts or cash payments in exchange for their labour. People who write content for their websites or occasionally receive things for review do not need to have a social media influencer license in UAE.
To guarantee a responsible and legal approach to social media influence in the United Arab Emirates, compliance with the following rules is essential:
  • 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

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

To profit from their online activities, influencers in the United Arab Emirates need to obtain an influencer license. The influencer license cost in Dubai and the rest of the UAE depends on your business location. Generally, the price starts around AED 15,000.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Influencer License

You need to apply for an influencer license in Dubai if you are earning considerable revenue from sponsorships and endorsements. Ask a business consultant for advice if you’re unsure.
Influencers can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa through the Creators HQ if they meet the influencer license requirements in UAE. You will need to submit a copy of your license as part of your application.
The influencer license cost starts around AED 15,000 and can go up to AED 30,000 based on the category of the license. A business consultant will be able to give you an exact price.
Influencers do not have to pay income tax in Dubai, as long as they are legal tax residents of the UAE. They also will not have to pay corporate tax if their taxable income is under AED 375,000.
The income of being an influencer largely depends on the number of followers and their engagement rate. You can earn over AED 100,000 per post if you have a large following.
If you are considered to be a legal tax resident of the UAE, you do not have to pay personal income tax. So if you are making revenue on YouTube, it is not liable for taxation.
You should apply for an influencer license in Dubai if you are making money on social media and receiving free products from brands. If you are caught influencing without a license, you face a penalty.
You need an e-commerce license to sell on social media. If you are operating an online store, you will need to apply for a trade license before you can start your business activities.
You can become an influencer by making unique content for a niche on social media. Once you start generating considerable revenue, you will need to apply for a Dubai influencer license.
An influencer license is not the same as a trade license. An influencer license is issued by the Media Regulatory Office and allows influencers to legally work in the country. A trade license is generally issued to entities who participate in business activities.

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Nithila Kumar
With over four years of writing experience, Nithila Ashok Kumar has established a strong expertise in the personal finance, tax, accounting, and business industries. Having worked with companies across the USA, UAE, and India, she specializes in simplifying complex information into content that informs and engages readers.

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