Industries · E-commerce
E-commerce Business Setup in Dubai & the UAE
Selling online in the UAE needs three things right: the correct licence, a compliant way to take payments, and VAT handled properly on every sale. TNC sets up e-commerce businesses on the route that fits how and where you sell — then keeps books, VAT and renewals handled while you focus on growth.
Licence options
Licence options for online sellers
Where and what you sell decides the licence. The main routes:
E-commerce licence (free zone)
Often the leanest route for online-only sellers; indicative from AED 12,999.
Mainland commercial licence with e-commerce activity
Sell across the UAE market including retail touchpoints; indicative from AED 14,999.
Activity scope matters
Your product categories determine the exact licence wording; we confirm before filing.
Common mistakes
What e-commerce founders get wrong
Four traps that catch online sellers — and how we keep you clear of them:
Payments
Payment gateway approval needs a properly licensed entity; we prepare your documentation.
VAT on online sales
Registration and filing support, AED 999 indicative; digital vs physical goods treatment assessed per case.
Where you sell
UAE-only vs cross-border changes the structure; we map it before you commit.
Ongoing
Bookkeeping from AED 499/month indicative, licence renewals and PRO handled for you.
FAQs
E-commerce setup — frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to sell online in the UAE?
Yes — selling without a licence risks fines and blocked payment gateways. An e-commerce or commercial licence covers it.
Free zone or mainland for e-commerce?
Free zone is usually leaner for online-only sellers; mainland fits if you also sell offline or need full UAE market access.
What does e-commerce setup cost?
Indicative from AED 12,999 (free zone) / AED 14,999 (mainland); final quote depends on activities, visas and office needs.
Can I get a payment gateway with a free zone licence?
Yes — gateways approve licensed entities; we prepare the documentation they ask for.
How does VAT work on online sales?
It depends on what you sell and where your customers are — we assess your position and handle registration and filing.
Can I start as a side business and scale later?
Yes — many founders start lean on a free zone licence and restructure as volume grows.
Sell online on a compliant foundation.
Tell us what you plan to sell on a free consultation — we will confirm the right licence, the payment setup and the indicative cost before you launch.
Related services: Business Setup UAE · PRO Services · Tax Services UAE · Accounting & Bookkeeping