To get an influencer license in Dubai, you do need to meet a few requirements. We will get into all of the details in this article, but essentially you need to be at least 18 years old, hold a valid UAE residency visa (if you’re not a resident, you can still qualify by partnering with a licensed influencer marketing agency), and the application must be sent in directly through the National Media Council (NMC) or via an authorised agency. Once you’re approved, you just have to pay the relevant licensing fees and also make sure you’re compliant with the UAE’s advertising guidelines. Then you’re all set.
Influencer advertising in the UAE is on the up, with local content creators making waves regionally and globally. Ad spending in this market is projected to reach $69m by 2025, reaching approximately $91m by 2029. The social media penetration in the UAE is remarkable, with 11.3 million active social media user identities. That basically means 100% of the population.
The issue is that many content creators don’t know that the UAE requires them to be licensed if they want to legally post paid or promotional content. In this article we start by defining what an influencer is, then we will look at the license and how you can get one with helpful step-by-step instructions.
What is a Dubai influencer license?
Let’s start with the basics. A Dubai influencer license is a legal permit that allows an individual or business to post paid, sponsored, or commercial content on social media platforms.
The National Media Council issues this license, or alternatively the local regulatory body. The key thing to remember is that if you create content and get paid for it (including money, free products, or any other benefits) in exchange for promoting services or brands in the UAE, then you will need this license.
Dubai influencer license: Why is it required?
It’s required because the UAE government needs to regulate paid online content to make sure that it complies with local laws. The goal here is to maintain ethical standards and protect consumers. So influencers in the UAE must, by law, disclose any sponsorships they may have. They must also operate under licensed business structures.
What happens if you don’t have a valid license? You could risk a fine of up to AED 5,000 plus a possible ban from the platform/s you were selling on. It could even lead to deportation for expats. Want to make sure you’re legally compliant? Contact Creative Zone today.
Categories of influencer licenses in Dubai, UAE
There are three main categories of influencer licenses in Dubai. These are individual license, agency license, and partnership license. Here is more information on each of these options:
- Individual License: This is great for solo influencers who want to work independently and promote products or services in exchange for payment or gifts.
- Agency License: This is for agencies or social media firms who might be managing multiple influencers, handling entire campaigns as well as client relationships on behalf of creators.
- Partnership License: For influencers who co-own content platforms or work as part of a collaborative channel or brand.
In addition, there are two licensing routes:
Route 1: With NMC media license, which must be paired with a trade license if not using an agency.
Route 2: Via a licensed agency, in which case no separate media license is required as agency covers you under their umbrella.
Documents required to apply for a Dubai influencer license
To apply for a Dubai influencer license, you’ll need to prepare several key documents:
- Passport copy and Emirates ID (for residents)
- Passport-sized photo
- Residency visa (if applying as a UAE resident)
- Completed application form
- Trade name reservation (if setting up a business)
- Memorandum of Association (if applying as a business)
- NMC e-Media license (unless applying through an agency)
If you’re applying as a freelancer through a free zone then additional documentation may be required depending on the zone.
Step-by-step guide to get your influencer license in Dubai
So let’s see how you can apply for a Dubai influencer license. We will break it into a series of steps so it’s easier to follow:
- Step 1: Structure: As a first order of business, you need to decide if you want to operate as an individual or actually set up your own business.
- Step 2: Register your trade name: If you decide not to use an agency, then the next step is to register a trade name with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or with the free zone you have selected.
- Step 3: Apply for a trade license: You can choose from several license types (e.g., professional license, freelance permit, or commercial license depending on your setup).
- Step 4: Apply for an NMC e-Media license: Register with the UAE’s National Media Council through their official portal. This license covers your activities as a content creator.
- Step 5: Pay the fees: You’ll need to pay both trade license fees and the e-Media license fee. These vary based on your setup.
- Step 6: Get your license: The final stretch. Once you are approved, you will receive your influencer license. Now you are ready to start trading. Just to note: Your license is valid for one year and you have to renew it every year.
Struggling to choose the right license type? Call Creative Zone today.
How much does a Dubai influencer license cost?
Knowing what this is going to cost is key to your decision making. The cost of a Dubai influencer license will vary depending on the licensing route, but on average you can expect the following:
- NMC e-Media License: AED 1,500 per year
- Freelance/Trade License: AED 7,500 to AED 15,000+
- Agency Route: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 (depends on agency terms)
- There will be additional costs for visas, any workspace requirements, and admin fees if you are setting up your own company.
Legal considerations for social media influencers in Dubai, UAE
Influencers in Dubai must comply with local laws. These include:
- Advertising and media laws
- Consumer protection laws
- Cybercrime laws
- Trademark and copyright
In real terms, you must ensure all sponsored content is clearly labelled and you don’t have any false claims or misleading promotions. In addition, there must not be any offensive or defamatory content. Failure to meet these standards can mean your account gets banned, or you may even face legal action. As an influencer, you should keep written agreements with brands.
How Creative Zone can help you with your Dubai influencer license
Whether you’re launching your next venture or expanding into new horizons, Creative Zone is ready to support you. With over 15 years of experience as the most trusted business‑setup advisor in the Middle East, and having helped more than 75,000 businesses both locally and globally since 2010, we’ve built a reputation as the ultimate one‑stop shop for comprehensive business solutions.
From navigating the licensing process to offering bespoke value‑added services and flexible payment plans, our team empowers entrepreneurs and SMEs to promote and accelerate their operations.
Need assistance with Dubai influencer licensing? We can help. Contact Creative Zone today—your pathway to professional success starts here.
Frequently asked questions about the influencer license in Dubai
Do influencers need a license in Dubai?
Yes. If you promote products or services for payment (including free gifts), you are legally required to hold either an NMC e-Media license or be registered through a licensed agency.
How much is an influencer license in Dubai?
Costs range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 depending on whether you apply as a freelancer, through an agency, or set up a business. The NMC e-Media license alone costs AED 1,500 annually.
What is the golden visa for influencers in Dubai?
The UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency option for individuals with exceptional talent or professional achievement, including influencers. You may qualify if you’ve made a notable impact in media, culture, or social outreach.
Do I need a license to sell on Instagram in the UAE?
Yes. If you’re using Instagram or any other platform for commercial activity (including selling products or promoting brands) you’ll need a trade license. Influencers specifically need an NMC license or agency registration.
How to apply for a Dubai content creator visa?
You can apply for a freelance visa through free zones such as Dubai Media City, or under a trade license setup with support from business setup firms like Creative Zone.
Setting up as a Dubai influencer
Securing a Dubai influencer license in 2025 is essential if you plan to grow your brand and stay compliant with UAE regulations. From choosing the right structure to completing NMC registration, the process is straightforward but can be complex without expert guidance.
Creative Zone can help you navigate every step, whether you’re just starting out or already building a professional presence online.
Book a free consultation and get started on your influencer journey in Dubai.
