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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Nov 11, 2025
The UAE government has recently introduced new rules for social media influencers. Now, if you want to monetize your personal blog, you should treat it like a business and get a special Influencer License. This article will explain who needs to pay attention to it, how to obtain it, and how much it will cost.
- What is an Influencer License in Dubai?
- Why do you need an Influencer License in the UAE?
- Other benefits of Influencer License
- Who needs an Influencer License in the UAE?
- Cost of Dubai Influencer License
- Important 2025 update: The Advertiser Permit
- How to get an Influencer License in Dubai
- Documents required for social media Influencer License in the UAE
- Renewal of Influencer License in Dubai
- FAQ: Influencer License in Dubai, UAE
What is an Influencer License in Dubai?
In the UAE, an Influencer License is a legal permit that allows individuals and companies to do paid promotional work, advertise, and create commercial content on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and blogs. It is also referred to as an e-Media license or an advertising permit. It's basically a license to make money or get paid for your social media efforts.
This permit makes sure that the influencer's business activities are recognized and supervised by the UAE government. It's mainly through the UAE Media Council, or relevant Free Zones and economic departments. There are generally three primary licensing routes:
This permit makes sure that the influencer's business activities are recognized and supervised by the UAE government. It's mainly through the UAE Media Council, or relevant Free Zones and economic departments. There are generally three primary licensing routes:
-
Individual License/Freelancer Permit
For solo creators managing their own content and collaborations. Often requires an associated Trade License or Freelancer Permit from a Free Zone (like SHAMS or Meydan) or the Department of Economic Development (DED). -
Agency License (Company License)
For companies or agencies that manage multiple influencers under one legal umbrella. -
Partnership License
Designed for two or more individuals who wish to operate a content creation business together.
Need some help with getting that license or any other paperwork? We're here for you. We can help you out with other documents in the UAE too. Why don't we meet for a quick call and see how we can help?
Why do you need an Influencer License in the UAE?
Basically, if you're getting paid, getting products for free, or making money through social media promotions, you're involved in commercial activities that are regulated by UAE laws.
- Legal compliance: The most important factor. Engaging in content monetization without a license can result in substantial penalties (starting from AED 5,000) and legal consequences from the authorities.
- Professional credibility: Influencers with licenses are considered professional entities. Top-tier brands and agencies typically work only with licensed creators to mitigate compliance risks.
- Access to contracts: With a license, you can sign contracts, get paid, and take part in big brand campaigns that need reliable partners.
- Avoid fines: Working in the UAE without a license is illegal and can result in serious fines.
- Other benefits of Influencer LicenseVisa eligibility: You will gain the ability to live in the UAE, obtain an Emirates ID, and receive access to facilities and travel benefits.
- Professional banking access: You can open a corporate bank account in the UAE, separating business income from personal finances and making it easier to manage large contracts.
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Maria (name changed) runs a small video game blog on Twitch. She got her first paid ad offer and posted it, but didn't mark it as sponsored content. Later, she got a fine and had no idea what happened. She asked for help and we explained the new rules. We gave her tips on how to label ads properly to avoid getting fined in the future.
Other benefits of Influencer License
- Visa eligibility: You will gain the ability to live in the UAE, obtain an Emirates ID, and receive access to facilities and travel benefits.
- Professional banking access: You can open a corporate bank account in the UAE, separating business income from personal finances and making it easier to manage large contracts.
Who needs an Influencer License in the UAE?
If you're living in the UAE and you fit the following criteria, you need to get a license or work under a licensed company:
-
Social media influencers
who post sponsored content or brand collaborations on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. -
Bloggers and Vloggers
who earn money from promotional articles or videos. -
Individuals and businesses
earning revenue through affiliate marketing or selling products/services via social media. -
Any resident
receiving financial benefits or gifts in exchange for promoting products or services.
💡 Note: If you are only sharing personal content without receiving any form of payment or benefits, a license may not be necessary. However, if there is any monetary exchange or gifts involved, certain rules apply. Why not check if your content complies with the new legal requirements?
Cost of Dubai Influencer License
The cost varies significantly based on your chosen structure and jurisdiction (Mainland vs. Free Zone).
Important 2025 update: The Advertiser Permit
The UAE Media Council has introduced a new Individual Advertiser Permit which is often free for the first few years (e.g., AED 0 for the first 3 years, then AED 1,000 annually) for individuals. However, you usually only get it after you've got a basic trade license or e-trader permit from a Free Zone or the DED. It's a dual licensing system.
Even if you have a personal blog that you're considering monetizing, we recommend consulting with specialists to learn how to proceed. In this case, trusting recommendations from the internet can be risky because the penalties for improperly registering commercial activities are very high.
How to get an Influencer License in Dubai
Easy way
1
Contact movingo
We will explain the entire process and provide other important details.
We will explain the entire process and provide other important details.
2
We will prepare and finish all the necessary paperwork
Depending on the jurisdiction, we will handle all the necessary paperwork, permits, and contracts.
Depending on the jurisdiction, we will handle all the necessary paperwork, permits, and contracts.
3
You will receive your Influencer License
No headaches — just smooth sailing.
No headaches — just smooth sailing.
Common way
- Choose jurisdiction & legal structure
You can choose between a Free Zone, which is popular for full foreign ownership, visa access, and media-specific packages, and the Dubai Mainland. - Secure your Trade License
Apply for a business license or freelance permit with the appropriate activity code (e.g., "Social Media Content Creation" or "Digital Marketing Services"). This establishes your commercial foundation. - Apply for the Media Council Permit
After obtaining your trade license, you must apply for the official Individual Advertiser Permit or Media License from the UAE Media Council. - Submit documents and pay fees
Collect all the necessary paperwork (see below) and submit the applications to the appropriate authorities. - Receive your license
Once your application is approved and payment is received, you will receive your official license and be able to legally monetize your content.
Documents required for social media Influencer License in the UAE
-
Valid passport copy
-
Copy of your UAE residency visa (If you are a resident)
-
Emirates ID copy (If you are a resident)
-
Passport-sized photo
-
Trade name reservation (for your business).
-
Social media account links
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No-Objection Certificate (NOC) (If you are currently employed and your sponsor requires it)
Renewal of Influencer License in Dubai
Influencer and Trade Licenses in the UAE are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
-
Process
To renew, submit an updated application and pay the annual renewal fee to the issuing authority, which is either the Free Zone, Mainland or the UAE Media Council.
-
Cost
Renewal fees are usually the same as the initial annual licensing cost, depending on the package (AED 7,500 – 15,000+).
-
Timing
To avoid fines or a lapse in legal status, it is crucial to start the renewal process before your license expires. You can delegate the preparation of all the necessary documents and meeting of deadlines to professionals. They will advise you on what you need and simplify the document submission process. For example, you can contact us. Let's give each other a call to discuss the details of your case. We will find the best solution for you.
FAQ: Influencer License in Dubai, UAE
The cost typically ranges from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 per year for individual creator, and AED 15,000 and AED 30,000+ for business.
Any influencer or content creator in the UAE who earns income from social media activities need to have a licence.
If you're a business and your yearly income is over AED 375,000, you might have to pay 9% Corporate Tax.If you're a business and your yearly income is over AED 375,000, you might have to pay 9% Corporate Tax.
You can apply through the National Media Council or the Free Zone Authority, or you can simply text us.
If you vlog purely for personal use, no license is required. However, if you monetize your vlog through sponsorships, brand deals, or ad revenue, you need a license.
Yes, you need a trade license for that.
Yes, if they earn money from their YouTube channel. Personal channels that are not monetized are exempt.
You should hold a valid influencer license, mark your paid partnerships, avoid illegal content, and ensure that your ads are truthful and not misleading.
Yes, depending on your activities, you need either a trade or influencer license.
Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa, ranging from 5 to 10 years, granted to exceptional professionals, including content creators, digital media specialists, and social media influencers.
