The global social media commerce market is estimated to be worth thousands of billions of dollars, and Dubai is right at its heart.

Dubbed the influencer capital of the world, Dubai is home to numerous businesses and individuals earning their trade by selling products, services and adverts via social media channels.

As this industry has developed, the powers that be have introduced licensing requirements to bring this relatively new sector in line with other industries here in the UAE. The result is the social media license.

Issued by the National Media Council (NMC), the license permits holders to sell directly on social media through your own accounts or partner with brands and agencies to do the same. And when you work with Set Hub, getting one is easy.

Who needs a social media license in Dubai?

If you are selling any goods or services via social media in Dubai, you will require a social media license. This also includes if you are paid by companies in goods or gifts. In this case, you will require what is known as an influencer license.

To apply for a social media license in Dubai, you must be:

• Over 25
• Of good reputation
• Not currently a member of the NMC

What is the cost of a social media license in Dubai?

The cost of applying for a social media license in Dubai with Set Hub starts from just AED 5,750. This also includes use of our professional coworking facilities and business support services.

If you choose to pay this fee with our banking partners on a 0% flexible instalment plan, you can spread the cost with no down payment.

On top of this, you will need to pay the annual NMC membership fee of AED 2,775.

What are the steps to get a social media license?

The first step when applying for any business license in the UAE is to talk to a local expert such as Set Hub. After a short consultation, we can guide you through the following steps.

1. Outlining your business activities

First things first, we’ll need to know a little about your business activities so we can ensure that the social media license is right for you. This is an important step as carrying out any activity without the correct license can lead to fines and other complications.

2. Choosing your company name

Next, we will help you choose a company name for your business. If you are setting up as an individual, your company name will be the same as your personal name.

There are a few other things to keep in mind at this stage, too. You must abide by a strict, yet easy to follow, set of naming conventions.

In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting.

3. Applying for your social media license

Now you are ready to apply for your social media license. You can do this in the Dubai mainland or via one of the emirate’s free zones.

In either case, Set Hub can manage this application on your behalf, liaising with all relevant authorities and ensuring your application is correct and complete before filing.

4. Applying for your visas

You’ll need a residency visa to work in the UAE. The visa application process consists of several steps including biometric scanning, a blood test, medical and a chest X-ray.

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper.

5. Opening your corporate bank account

To take and make payments freely within the UAE and beyond, you’ll require a corporate bank account.

Accessing financial services is not always an easy task for non-GCC nationals. However, working with Set Hub can help smooth the process. We can advise on the banks and other institutions best suited to your needs and assist with applications to ensure all is in order before submission.

Documents required to get a social media license in Dubai

When applying for your social media license, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Proof of age
• Trade name registration and approval
• Proof of residence

Why work with Set Hub?

As you can see, if you’re armed with the right knowledge, business setup in Dubai with a social media license doesn’t have to be overly complex.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a company formation specialist such as Set Hub when establishing a new company in the UAE.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, Set Hub can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visas applications that are required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.