Industry
Setting up an e-commerce company in Dubai
Online businesses need a licence that covers e-commerce activity, a payment gateway that accepts the company, and sometimes a warehouse or fulfilment partner. Whether mainland or free zone is better depends on where your customers are and where your stock sits.
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Things to decide before you apply
Where are your customers?
Selling to UAE consumers and holding local stock often points to mainland or a free zone with mainland access arrangements.
Payment gateways
Gateways ask for a licence that matches online selling and a corporate bank account, so the licence activity matters.
Stock and fulfilment
If you hold stock, you may need storage space or a fulfilment partner in the licence's jurisdiction.
Typical licence activities
Exact activity names differ between authorities. We match your business to the right wording so your licence, bank and payment providers line up.
Services that fit
- Free zone company formationFull ownership, flexible office options and a package price in one of the UAE's free zones.
- Mainland company formationA Dubai mainland licence to trade anywhere in the UAE, including with government entities.
- Corporate bank account openingPreparation and introductions to make your UAE business bank account application stronger.
- Corporate tax & VAT registrationRegistration with the Federal Tax Authority and a clear picture of what you need to file.
Get a setup plan for your business
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