Thinking of starting a small business from the comfort of your home? If you wish to offer your services or sell products via social media*, we have a UAE business opportunity for you!
What is the E-trader Permit?
E-trader Permit has recently been launched by the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai, that focuses on e-Trader activity allowing Emiratis and GCC citizens in Dubai to conduct business activities on social networking sites. This Permit will allow individuals to practice of offering products and services for sale on social media.
E-trader Permit is available for UAE, GCC nationals and expats who live in Dubai with Emirates ID only. The owner must be an Emirati, GCC citizen or expat citizen aged 18 or above and residing in Dubai. The e-Trader is not allowed to open a shop but a local Emirati can get 2 visas for employees however e-trader permit doesn’t allow visa to expats and in case of a legal dispute, the permit alone will be held responsible.
Benefits of E-Trader Permit in Dubai
The ‘e-Trader’ permit that was launched by Dubai Economy last year in 2017, enabled citizens of the UAE and other GCC states to conduct business activities on social media. It received an overwhelming response with 361* permits being issued during July 2017 alone. (source Khaleej times) The initiative continues to enhance transparency and customer confidence in online shopping. While online shopping becomes more secure with the e-Trader permit, it also protects the trade name and enables the permit owner to reach out to customers across exhibitions and conferences.
market places.
Who is the e-trader permit aimed at?
This permit is aimed at one-person businesses that cater to an online market. Being a registered E-trader increases the credibility of the seller as well as the trust and confidence of the buyers. This permit is perfect for those wishing to legally promote and sell their products or services from home, be it parents who spend most of their time at home or avid social media users.
What are the requirements to get an e-trader?
The permit is available for UAE & GCC nationals and in some cases, ex-pats*, subject for DED approval*.
The E-trader:
- Must be based in Dubai and hold a valid Emirates ID.
- Must be aged 21 or above.
- Must reserve a trading name.
- Must pay the required fees within 24 hours of permit issuance.
- Must renew the permit within a month of the expiry date, if the permit fails to do so the permit will be automatically cancelled.
- Must complete the registration process with the DED.
Dubai Business Advisors can assist you with this step.
The E-trader is not allowed neither are they required to open a shop or office. However, in certain cases, a UAE national can issue 2 visas to their employees. On the other hand, ex-pats cannot issue visas and the E-trade permit does not guarantee a visa for the permit holder, this is subject for DED approval*. In the case of a legal dispute, the permit alone will be held responsible.
If you wish to sell your products or services outside of Dubai, you will require the approval of the respective emirate’s Economic Department of Development.
Required Documents for E-Trader permit
· Registration through the website
· Emirates ID
· Reserve the trade name
· No ejari (tenancy contract) is required. The home address will be kept confidential in DED’s database
Types of E-trader permit:
1- Commercial permit
2- Professional permit
Local Emirati can get both professional or commercial permit but, an expat can get only professional permit.
Cost of E-trader permit:
E-trader permit – 1070,- AED (plus AED 300,- if activity is commercial)
· Permit fees can be paid up to 24 hours from the issuance of the payment voucher
· Renewal – permit is automatically canceled if it is not renewed in a month from the expiry date
Time Frame:
It takes 3-5 working days to obtain E – Trader Permit.
How to apply?
You can contact our expert Mr. Faisal Khan on +971507084596 or drop an email to [email protected] to learn more on the e-trader permit.
Mr. Faisal Khan
Director of PRO & BPO Solutions
About the Author
Faisal Khan is a Company formation specialist and expert in providing consulting services to individual entrepreneurs and corporate for setting up their business in UAE. With over 6 years experience and being currently the Director of ADAM’s PRO &BPO Solutions, he has successfully registered more than 250 companies in UAE, always striving to put the clients needs first. His secret to success is to provide right advice to client that proves highly cost effective and delivering continuous client support. To book a free consultation session, feel free to contact him on +971507084596 or drop an email to [email protected]
