What’s the Process to Obtain an Influencer License in Dubai?

If you’re creating content for brands, promoting products or services on social media, or otherwise making money as an influencer in Dubai and the UAE, getting properly licensed is now essential. In this post, we walk you through how to obtain an influencer licence in Dubai (and broadly UAE), what the requirements are, what it costs, and what to watch out for.

Why is an influencer licence required?

In the UAE, regulators have taken a stronger stance on paid content, branded promotions and the influencer economy. Simply posting for fun or hobby is one thing  but once you begin collaborating, earning or acting in a commercial capacity, you’re operating as a business. Under laws such as the UAE Media Regulatory Office (formerly the National Media Council or NMC), you must hold the right approvals.

Operating without the correct licence can mean penalties, fines and blocked business opportunities. 

Step-by-step: How to get the licence

1. Decide your business structure – Are you working solo as a freelancer, creating content part-time, or do you plan to set up an agency or company? Free zone licences tend to cost less; mainland licences give you broader access. For example, a freelance set-up in a free zone can cost from around AED 4,888.
   
   
2. Obtain a trade or business licence – Before acting commercially, you’ll typically need a trade licence from either a free zone or mainland authority. Without this, you won’t be eligible for media/advertising licences.
   
   
3. Apply for the media/influencer licence – Once your business/trade licence is in place, you submit your details: passport copy, Emirates ID (for residents), visa status, business name, social media account links, description of your content-creation activity.
   
   
4. Pay the fees & activate – Costs vary widely depending on structure, jurisdiction and activities. For example:
   
   
• The “e-Media” licence (via the regulatory body) may cost around AED 1,500 per year in some cases.
  
  
• A full trade + influencer company set-up might cost from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 or more annually.
  After payment and paperwork, you typically receive the licence and can operate legally.
  
  
5. Stay compliant & renew – The licence normally has to be renewed annually (or as specified), and you must adhere to content guidelines (no false advertising, must disclose paid promotions, avoid banned content).
   
   

What are the content and legal rules you must follow?

• If you post sponsored content, you must clearly label it (#ad, #sponsored) and ensure it is accurate.
  
  
• Content must respect UAE culture, laws and social values  e.g., no promotion of alcohol/Gambling/illegal products, no defamation, no misleading claims.
  
  
• Some updates in 2025 mean even stricter enforcement: you may need both trade licence + media licence, and fines for violation can be significant.
  
  

How much time does it take?

Typically, once you submit all correct documents, the approval process can take a week or two (depending on jurisdiction). Free zones with digital application portals can speed things up. 

Key considerations and tips

• Choose the right licence route for your volume of work. If you’re a micro-creator doing the occasional sponsored post, a minimal setup may suffice. If you plan many brand deals, staff, contracts  you may need the broader company route.
  
  
• Make sure your business activity code covers “social media influencing”, “online advertising services” or similar  otherwise you may have licence mismatch issues.
  
  
• Budget for additional costs: visa processing (if you’re getting residency), office-space (in some free zones), bank account, accounting, renewal fees.
  
  
• Keep clear records of your collaborations, payments and produced content. Good governance will help if you’re audited.
  
  
• Renewal and compliance matter: even with a licence, failing to follow rules or letting your licence lapse can expose you to risk.
  
  

Final thoughts

Getting an influencer licence in Dubai and the UAE is now a foundational step for serious creators looking to monetise. It’s not just a formality it protects you, your brand partners and ensures you’re operating legally. Follow the steps above: decide your structure, apply for the business/trade licence, secure the media licence, pay the fees, and commit to compliance. With the right set-up, you’ll be legally equipped to collaborate with brands, run campaigns and grow in a booming digital ecosystem.

By establishing your licence early, you avoid regulatory pitfalls, enhance your credibility with brands, and open up the full potential of the UAE’s influencer economy.