How to Obtain an Influencer License in the UAE

The digital industry has revolutionised the global landscape, transforming how we live, work, and connect. Not to mention, the digital world has made a major impact on the economy. There are also well-known digital creators based in Dubai, such as Nas Daily. As of 2023, the Middle East’s influencer marketing sector was valued at approximately $1.3 billion, reflecting the significant role influencers play in modern marketing strategies.

Because of this, the influencer license in Dubai has now become one of the most popular permits. To ensure transparency and uphold ethical standards in this burgeoning field, the UAE government mandates that influencers obtain an official license to operate legally. This requirement, introduced by the National Media Council (NMC), applies to all individuals and entities engaging in paid promotional activities on social media platforms.

Operating without the appropriate UAE influencer license can lead to substantial penalties, including fines of up to AED 5,000, legal actions, and restrictions on social media activities.

What is an influencer license in the UAE?

An influencer license in Dubai, UAE, is a legal permit that allows social media influencers to create, promote, and monetise content through collaborations, advertisements, sponsorships, and brand partnerships. This license ensures that influencers operate within the guidelines established by the UAE government, promoting ethical and responsible content creation.

The National Media Council (NMC), now known as the Media Regulatory Office (MRO) under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, is the official body responsible for regulating influencer activities across the UAE. The NMC introduced the requirement for influencers to obtain a license to ensure transparency, credibility, and adherence to content standards.

Who Needs an Influencer License in the UAE?

Any individual or entity generating income through paid promotional activities on social media must obtain an influencer license. This includes:

1. Bloggers – These are individuals who share written content and reviews on various topics, such as travel, lifestyle, food, and fashion.

2. Vloggers – These creators produce video content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.

3. Social Media Influencers – These individuals promote brands, services, or products through their social media profiles for commercial purposes.

4. Podcasters – These creators earn money through sponsorships or paid collaborations by producing audio content.

5. Gaming Streamers – These individuals monetise their gaming content through brand partnerships or paid promotions.

6. Motivational Speakers & Life Coaches – They generate revenue through sponsored videos, online courses, or promotional events.

7. Technology Reviewers – These creators review gadgets, apps, and software while partnering with tech brands for paid promotions.

Essentially, if you’re earning money by promoting brands or services on your social media platforms, you are required to have an influencer license to operate legally in the UAE.

Types of Influencer Licenses in the UAE

There are three main types of influencer licenses in the UAE designed to regulate the activities of content creators. Let’s take a closer look at them:

1. Individual License

This license is suitable for individual influencers who work independently and wish to monetise their social media platforms through sponsorships, paid collaborations, advertising, or brand endorsements.

Key Features: 

• It is only applicable to single individuals.
• It is ideal for bloggers, vloggers, social media influencers, podcasters, and similar content creators.
• It requires registration under the NMC/MRO.
• Renewable annually.
• It is cost-effective for those who do not work as part of a larger agency.

2. Agency License (Company License)

This license is for influencer agencies or companies that manage multiple influencers under one umbrella. It allows them to legally represent influencers and handle their commercial activities.

Key Features:

• It is suitable for companies managing influencers or providing influencer marketing services.
• It allows the agency to sign contracts, negotiate deals, and manage influencer projects on behalf of clients.
• It requires company registration under the NMC/MRO.
• Renewable annually.
• Higher cost compared to individual licenses but provides broader operational capabilities.

3. Partnership License

The authorities designed the license for a group of influencers who want to form a small company together.

Key features:

• The authorities designed it for a group of influencers who want to form a small company together.
• It requires applying for a trade license and registering the business with the relevant authority.
• More cost-effective than the Agency Influencer License, making it popular for collaborative content creators.
• It offers flexibility to operate as a formal entity with a registered business name.

If you’re an individual influencer creating content and earning through sponsorships, the Individual License is your best choice. If you run or are part of an agency managing multiple influencers, you’ll need the agency license.

Required Documents for Obtaining an Influencer License in the UAE

To apply for an influencer license in the UAE, you need to prepare specific documents, including:

For Individuals:

• Valid passport copy
• UAE residence visa copy
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable
• NMC/MRO application form
• Proof of social media accounts
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) (if applicable)

For Agencies (Company License):

• Valid trade license
• Company registration documents
• Office lease agreement, if applicable
• NMC/MRO application form
• List of managed influencers
• Proof of agency activities

What are the steps to obtain an influencer license in Dubai?

To get an influencer license in Dubai, UAE, you need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction

When it comes to getting an influencer license, you have two jurisdiction options:

Mainland:

Mainland companies are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED). It offers broader operational freedom across the UAE. The jurisdiction is suitable for influencers looking to work with government entities and local companies.

Freezone:

Free zones are special economic zones offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified business setup processes. Popular options include Dubai Media City (DMC), Fujairah Creative City, etc. The free zone is suitable for content creators focusing on international audiences.

Step 2: Determine the Type of License You Need

• Individual License: If you are an independent influencer earning money through paid promotions, sponsorships, or advertising.
• Agency License: If you are managing multiple influencers or providing influencer marketing services as a business, you will need an agency license.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all the necessary documents based on the type of influencer license you’re applying for.

Step 4: Register with the National Media Council (NMC) / Media Regulatory Office (MRO).

Visit the NMC official website. Complete the online application form for an influencer license. Provide all the required details, including your personal information, social media handles, and the nature of your content.

Step 5: Pay the License Fees

Pay the applicable fee for the type of license you are applying for. Dubai influencer license fees typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually.

Step 6: Review and Approval

Once you submit your application and payment, the NMC/MRO will review your application. They may request additional information or documents if needed. Approval usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.

Step 7: Receive Your Influencer License

Upon approval, you will receive your influencer license, allowing you to promote and monetise your content within the UAE legally.

Step 8: Renew Your License Annually

Influencer licenses are valid for one year. Ensure you renew your license before it expires to avoid fines or legal complications.

What is the cost of an influencer license in the UAE?

The influencer license cost in Dubai costs anywhere between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 per year, especially for agencies managing multiple influencers under one license. This fee includes the necessary registration with the National Media Council (NMC) and trade license charges. However, individual influencer licenses are much more affordable, usually costing around AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 annually.

In other emirates like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, the costs are relatively lower compared to Dubai. For instance, individual influencer licenses can be obtained for around AED 4,500 to AED 6,500, while agency licenses can range between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000.

Keep in mind, the exact requirements depend on whether you are applying as a freelancer or as a company and the specific requirements of the emirate’s media regulatory authority.

Why Do Influencers Need a License in the UAE?

Influencers need a license in the UAE to legally promote products and services on social media platforms and earn revenue from their online activities. Here are some other key reasons why influencers need a license in the UAE:

1. Legal Compliance

Operating without a proper license can result in fines, legal action, or account suspension. The UAE takes regulatory compliance seriously, and influencers are required to have a valid license to conduct promotional activities legally.

2. Maintaining Content Standards

The NMC ensures that all promotional content meets specific ethical and cultural guidelines. The licensing system aims to prevent misleading information, inappropriate content, and harmful advertising practices.

3. Avoiding Penalties

Influencers caught promoting brands without a license may face hefty fines around AED 5,000 or a possible ban on their social media activities.

4. Monetisation Opportunities

Licensed influencers can legally collaborate with brands, advertise products, and earn money through sponsored content, advertisements, or affiliate marketing.

5. Encouraging Professionalism

Licensed influencers are encouraged to maintain professionalism in their content creation, promoting higher standards of quality and integrity in the industry.

6. Strengthening the UAE’s Digital Economy

With the influencer marketing industry contributing significantly to the economy, the licensing process helps formalise this sector.

What are the laws for the influencer license in the UAE?

Here are the key laws for the influencer license in the UAE:

1. Influencers promoting brands or services for monetary gain must obtain a license from the NMC (now under the Media Regulatory Office).
2. Influencers establishing a business must obtain a trade license from DED (Mainland) or relevant Free Zone authorities.
3. Agencies representing influencers must also be licensed.
4. Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012, Amended in 2021) prohibits privacy violations, defamatory content, and spreading false information. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
5. Influencers must avoid using copyrighted material without permission to avoid penalties.

How Shuraa Can Help You Get a UAE Influencer License

If you’re an influencer in the UAE, getting an influencer license is super important to legally earn from your social media activities and build a trustworthy brand. Plus, having a license helps you avoid heavy fines and makes you more credible, which attracts better collaboration opportunities with brands and agencies.

At Shuraa Business Setup, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free. We help you with everything, from preparing documents and handling the application process to giving you expert advice at every step. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve supported thousands of influencers and businesses in the UAE.

Are you ready to start your influencer journey the right way? Get in touch with Shuraa Business Setup today and get your influencer license without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

*Note: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.