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In this complete guide to influencer licenses in the UAE, we cover what are the requirements, fees, and how to apply, including legal penalties
5 November 2024
| Last updated on 6 November 2024
To legally carry out influencer activities in the UAE, an Influencer License is mandatory.
Being an online Content Creator or Influencer has become one of the most fascinating and attractive jobs in the last few years.
With the emirates being home to an estimated 25,000 social media influencers, ranging anywhere from micro-influencers with 1,000 followers to celebrity status figures with a 10 million+ audience, it's safe to say that it's a thriving scene that attracts loads of talented individuals.
Enter - the Influencer License
If you want to be a Content Creator in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other parts of the UAE, there are some laws that all bloggers and influencers are required to abide to - such as getting a valid Influencer License.
In this guide, we cover everything there is to know about the UAE's Influencer License, including who's required to apply for it, fees and costs, how long is the license valid for, and more!
What is the UAE Influencer License?
Introduced in 2018, the Influencer License is a requirement for UAE-based influencers who receive compensation for advertising, posting reviews, or showing product placements on their social media platforms.
The license allows individuals to legally operate as an influencer in the emirates, and must be obtained from the National Media Council (NMC).
Is there are penalty for not having a valid Influencer License in the UAE?
Unlicensed bloggers and influencers in Dubai, Sharjah, and the rest of the UAE can face severe penalties including fines from AED 3,000 up to AED 10,000, legal action, and possible account suspension.
Businesses who engage with unlicensed UAE influencers can also risk receiving hefty fines of up to AED 10,000.
How long is an Influencer License valid for in the UAE?
Once a Content Creator receives their Influencer License, it must be renewed annually.
Who's required to get an Influencer License in the UAE?
UAE residents who are earning monetary benefits from promotional work on social media, must obtain an Influencer License from the NMC to legally carry out their advertising activities in the emirates.
- Applies to influencers and bloggers who receive paid remuneration from promoting brands and companies.
- Must have a valid UAE residency visa.
- Must be at least 25 years old.
- Must be of good reputation and without a criminal history.
- The blogger or influencer must not be a member of the NMC.
Who are exempt?
If you are an independent, unpaid blogger in the UAE who only receives gifts, products, or services from brands in exchange for coverage, then you don't need to be a licensed influencer to share your content.
Content Creators who post unpaid product reviews independently and without monetary compensation from businesses and companies, are exempt from requiring an Influencer License.
Personal website owners in the UAE, or bloggers and individuals promoting their own brands on social media are also exempt from getting an NMC Influencer License.
What if I'm an "influencer" visiting the UAE temporarily?
Non-resident Content Creators who are staying in the UAE on a temporary visit visa are exempt from requiring a license, provided that they do not engage in any paid promotional work with UAE-based brands and companies during their stay.
What are the different Influencer License categories?
The NMC has three different licensing options for UAE-based bloggers and influencers - be sure to select the right category that applies to you!
1. First Category
The first category are for paid Content Creators who wish to apply for an individual license as an independent influencers. A separate trade license must also be obtained before - that means a total of two licenses for influencers.
2. Second Category
For small grounds of influencers such as friends or family members, the second category would apply. A group of influencers can come together to set up a company before applying for the UAE Influencer License. The company must be registered and hold a valid trade license.
3. Third Category
For the third option, an influencer may sign up with an NMC-certified influencer agency in the UAE.
The influencer agency must have an aggregated license that covers all the talents signed under them. Compared to independent influencers (the first category), influencer agencies receive and manage all brand deals for their registered Content Creators.
Requirements to Apply for a UAE Influencer License
If you're wondering what are the requirements to obtain a UAE Influencer License, we've got you covered with the full list of necessary documents to support your application.
Category 1 or 2 influencers will first need a valid trade license before applying for an NMC Influencer License. It only takes 10-15 minutes to complete an application for a UAE trade license.
How to apply for an influencer trade license in the UAE?
- Reserve your business name.
- Get a copy of your passport .
- Get passport-sized photos (white background).
- Have a copy of your latest UAE entry stamp/visit visa.
- Have proof of a UAE address (registered title deed or tenancy contract).
- Fill in the trade license application form via any of the available UAE service centres or online through the official portal.
What are the requirements to apply for an independent UAE Influencer License?
- Copy of UAE residency visa (if applicable - otherwise an Emirates ID copy will suffice).
- Copy of valid Emirates ID.
- Trade/business license.
- Passport copy.
- Coloured passport-sized photos (white background).
- Registered title deed or tenancy contract.
How much is an Influencer License in Dubai?
A UAE Influencer License can cost differently depending on the emirate you're applying from, as some places such as Sharjah has lower fees compared to Dubai.
How much is an Influencer License in the UAE by emirate?
- Dubai - From AED 11,900 - AED 15,000.
- Abu Dhabi - Starts at AED 1,250 for independent influencers | From AED 5,000 for groups of influencers or influencer companies.
- Sharjah - From AED 5,700.
- Ras Al Khaimah - Starts from AED 5,750 - AED 6,100.
- Fujairah - From AED 11,900 - AED 15,000.
- Umm Al Quwain - From AED 11,900 - AED 15,000.
- Ajman - Starts from AED 2,500 for individual influencers | From AED 10,000 for influencer companies or groups.
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