Skip to content

Home
Jurisdiction
- Mainland
- Freezone
  - Ajman Free Zone
  - Meydan Free Zone
  - Masdar Free Zone
  - JAFZA
  - DAFZA
  - KEZAD
  - SHAMS
  - RAKEZ
  - RAK DAO
  - ADGM
  - SPC
  - IFZA
- Offshore
About Us
Services
Blogs
Contact
Cost Calculator

Home
Jurisdiction
- Mainland
- Freezone
  - FUJAIRAH FREEZONE
  - AJMAN FREEZONE
  - MEYDAN FREEZONE
  - JAFZA
  - DAFZA
  - KEZAD
  - RAKEZ
  - SHAMS
  - IFZA
  - SPC
  - ADGM
  - MASDAR
  - RAK DAO
- Offshore
About Us
Services
Blogs
Contact

Home
Jurisdiction
- Mainland
- Freezone
  - FUJAIRAH FREEZONE
  - AJMAN FREEZONE
  - MEYDAN FREEZONE
  - JAFZA
  - DAFZA
  - KEZAD
  - RAKEZ
  - SHAMS
  - IFZA
  - SPC
  - ADGM
  - MASDAR
  - RAK DAO
- Offshore
About Us
Services
Blogs
Contact

Cost Calculator

Home
Blogs
UAE Influencers Panic: You Now Need a Business License—Here’s Your 5-Step Dubai Setup!

Home » Uncategorized » UAE Influencers Panic: You Now Need a Business License—Here’s Your 5-Step Dubai Setup!

UAE Influencers Panic: You Now Need a Business License—Here’s Your 5-Step Dubai Setup!

Arfa Hussain

Content Writer @quickplus

August 22, 2025
527 words, 3 min read

How do I legally monetise content in the UAE in 2025?

A: First, complete your business setup in Dubai—register a trade licence (mainland DED or free zone), benefit from a 3-year fee waiver, then use that licence to apply for your UAE Media Council media permit. With all documents ready, the entire process takes 3–7 business days.

What Just Changed?

As of May 29, 2025, the UAE Media Council requires every content creator earning money from social platforms to hold a valid business licence before applying for a media permit. No more registering only for a media licence—you must be a fully registered business first.

Why a Business Licence Matters

Zero-fee startup: Licence fees are waived for three years for content creators.
Compliance & credibility: A trade licence shows brands you’re official, keeps you on the right side of ad-standards and data-privacy rules, and helps you open corporate bank accounts.
Avoid penalties: Operating without a licence risks fines up to AED 1 million, media-permit cancellation, or legal action.

5 Simple Steps for Business Setup in Dubai

Choose your jurisdiction:
- Mainland (DED): Broad UAE market access—requires a small physical or flex-desk office.
- Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, virtual-office options, and bundled PRO services.
Select your activity code:
- Most creators choose “Professional Services” or “Media Production.”
Reserve a trade name:
- Check availability and book your name through the DED portal or the free-zone authority.
Prepare your documents:
- Passport copy & entry permit
- Emirates ID (if issued)
- Tenancy contract for an office or flex-desk
Submit application & collect licence:
- Enjoy a 3-year waiver on trade-licence fees (you may pay AED 500–1,500 for PRO partner services).
- Once approved (usually 3–7 business days), you’ll receive your business licence—then apply to the Media Council for your creator permit.

Pro Tips to Smooth Your Setup

Hire a PRO firm: They handle paperwork, reduce errors, and speed approvals.
Pick a virtual office: If you’re 100% digital, free-zone virtual packages give you an address without rent.
Track renewals: Mark your calendar—unpaid renewals can freeze your media permit.

Can I create and post sponsored content before registering?

You can plan and film, but you cannot legally monetise (sponsored posts, affiliate links) until both licences are in hand.

How long does each licence last?

Both your trade licence and media permit are valid for one year and require annual renewal.

What happens after the three-year waiver ends?

Standard renewal fees apply—approximately AED 1,000–3,000 per year, depending on your jurisdiction.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Conclusion

Getting your business licence before your media permit might feel like extra steps, but it’s really just a small hurdle to keep your creator hustle worry-free.

Follow those five easy steps: pick your zone, reserve your name, gather your docs, submit your application, and grab that licence and you’ll be officially set up to monetise in the UAE without any fines or headaches.

Need a Hand? Talk to Quickplus!

If paperwork isn’t your thing, let Quickplus Business Consultants handle the heavy lifting. They’ll sort your trade licence, PRO services, and media-permit application—so you can get back to making awesome content.

Like what you see? Share with a friend.