Dubai has always been at the forefront of digital evolution and innovation. The government places strong emphasis on transforming the city into the world’s smartest city in the coming years. With an internet penetration rate of 99% and high social media usage, there is a huge opportunity for those looking to start their journey as influencers and content creators in the city. However, to do so legally, they must secure an influencer license in Dubai.
Whether it is promoting content, affiliate marketing, advertising, or other activities, social media influencers in Dubai must hold the proper permits and licenses to operate. In this article, we will explore what an influencer license in Dubai is, why it is required, and how it can be acquired.
Getting influencer license in Dubai
Since 2018, the government of the UAE has been monitoring and regulating the influencer industry in the nation. They have introduced various rules and regulations for social media influencers and content creators to bring professionalism and transparency to the sector. Additionally, such laws help keep a check on the content, ensuring that no harmful or inappropriate material is shared that could damage public or social sentiments.
In fact, the very first step to becoming a legitimate influencer in the city is obtaining a trade license, which is issued by the National Media Council (NMC), the competent authority for regulating the sector in the Emirates.
What is influencer license in Dubai
An influencer license in Dubai is a special permit that allows you to operate as a social media content creator legally in the city. This license is not only for using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but vloggers and bloggers also need to obtain a permit from the National Media Council (NMC). For social media influencers who get paid or receive financial compensation through their worksuch as placing products in their content, advertising, reviewing brands, etc., it is mandatory to hold this license. The NMC license is typically valid for one year, after which it needs to be renewed. Those who are found doing any such paid work without holding an influencer license shall face penalty of up to AED 5,000.
However, those who only receive gifts or hampers in exchange for promoting a brand may not need a license. Similarly, individuals who operate personal websites or blogs and promote their own brands on social media are also not required to obtain an NMC license.
Types of influencer license in Dubai
There are three categories of UAE influencer license available:
Category 1 (Individual):
This license is suitable for those who want to operate as single independent social media influencer.
Category 2 (Partnership):
If a small group of influencers want to come together to establish a company, then they would need this license along with company registration.
Category 3 (Agency):
Those looking to affiliate with a National Media Council endorsed, certified social media agency in Dubai gets covered under the agency’s license.
How to get influencer license in Dubai:
Here is the step-by-step guide you need to follow to get the UAE influencer license:
Decide the location:
Start by deciding if you want to operate on the freezone or mainland. These are the economic zones, jurisdictions where you can operate, and each has its own benefits and legal procedures.
Submit license application:
To obtain your NMC influencer permit, you must first obtain your trade license. You can get it from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in case of mainland or from the respective freezone authority.
Submit the required documents to respective authorities:
Along with the license application form, you would also need to submit required documents to the respective authorities.
Complete the fee payment:
Pay any fees associated with the trade license.
Apply for the influencer permit:
Finally, you must gather the needed documents and apply for the influencer permit with the UAE Media Council through their official website.
Requirements to obtain the license
There are certain requirements that you must meet to get your NMC influencer license in Dubai. Here are the documents to be kept ready:
- Passport copies
- Passport size photographs
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Trade license
Benefits of obtaining a UAE influencer license
To work as a social media influencer in Dubai, it is very important to gain the influencer license. The license offers many advantages to its holders, including:
- Helps build legitimacy and credibility of your social media work.
- Helps attract potential brands for whom you can work as social media influencer against renumeration.
- Protection of your rights and intellectual property.
- High internet penetration rate and social media usage in Dubai creates ample opportunities for influencers.
- Being a hub of big brands and MNCs, you get to work with huge businesses in Dubai.
Laws for the influencers in Dubai
Influencers who are looking to apply for the influencer license in Dubai must be aware of the following laws.
- No endorsing of alcohol in any way.
- Strictly follow laws about taking phots
- Follows laws about defamation and not invading someone’s privacy
- Keep a proper record of all the products that are being promoted
- Must not share any message that disrupts the peace or mocks the leaders in any way
- Must not use any language or message that is against religion, or that violates public morals
Cost of influencer license in Dubai
The cost of an influencer license in Dubai starts from AED 15,000*.
However, please be aware that the cost of the license may depend on your specific circumstances and needs. We recommend getting in touch with professional consultants for accurate cost estimation.
Start your influencer journey in Dubai
Working as an influencer in Dubai unlocks many opportunities and exciting benefits for the aspirants. To be able to work with brands, promote different products and services and promoting content, you will need to get hands to influencer license in Dubai. The UAE Media Council is the authority responsible for watching over the influencer industry and also issues the influencer permits.
You will need to make sure that you are meticulous with the paperwork and application procedure for a smooth start. Dubiz Business Setup has been helping entrepreneurs since years to establish strong foundations in the thriving markets of Dubai. From getting registered with the zone authority to obtaining all the necessary licenses and permits, they can guide through the entire process. Book a free consultation with them today.