How to set up an e-commerce business in Dubai


E-commerce, also known as electronic commerce, internet commerce, and online commerce, is a business concept that involves online transactions. E-commerce stores or businesses are those that sell their items online.

E-commerce and e-business are two different things. Although the names are frequently used together, they are not synonymous. E-commerce refers to the exchange of products and services, whereas e-business encompasses all aspects of running an internet business.

UAE Freezones This article will help you through the process of setting up an e-commerce company in Dubai Virtual Commercial City and will provide you with all the necessary information for building a successful business.

Why set up a software company in Dubai?

E-commerce is a growing business, and in the past years this field had a stunning development. In 2021, Global e-commerce sales are expected to exceed $4.8 trillion, making e-commerce a booming business. Over half of consumers were found to shop more online than in-store. It is more convenient for people to shop from their devices, than going physically in stores. As a result, in order to reach their target demographic, store owners must guarantee that their websites and advertisements are mobile-optimized.

Setting Up an E-Commerce Business in Dubai Free Zones

Dubai Free Zones is the perfect place for digital entrepreneurs to set up their e-commerce businesses. It is an international hub that connects to Europe and Asia with ease. UAE also has many resources like foreign exchange, logistics, manpower, and a skilled workforce.

Digital entrepreneurs in UAE have access to a wide range of markets across the world with their e-commerce business because they can do business online in many different languages.

In addition, there are a lot of opportunities for startups in the UAE Free Zones that can help digital entrepreneurs scale up their businesses quickly and efficiently.

Setting Up an E-Commerce Business in Dubai Free Zones

The UAE is a hub for entrepreneurs, with plenty of opportunities for people to start their businesses. Many start-ups have taken advantage of the low taxes and business-friendly environment.

Dubai Free Zones is attractive to many entrepreneurs because they allow firms and individuals to set up an e-commerce business with minimal restrictions on capital, labor, land, property or ownership.

Before you get started with an E-commerce business in the UAE, there are a few things that you need to understand. The goal of this article is to help you set up your business in Dubai Free Zones and understand what steps you need to take.

Step 1: Decide a legal structure for your business

The first stage in obtaining an e-commerce license in Dubai is determining your company's legal structure. In other words, whether to form an LLC (Limited Liability Firm), a one-person company, a branch of a parent company, a representative office, or anything else. The formation of LLCs and the establishment of branch offices are the most frequent in Dubai due to the inherent benefits they provide.

Step 2: Choose your jurisdiction

The second step is to select your jurisdiction. You have two options: the free zone or the mainland. Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before choosing one. Dubai Free Zones allows companies to operate from anywhere on Earth - they can control everything through a single platform and enjoy the full functionality of business online, from anywhere on any device.

Step 3: decide the trade name for your business

In this stage you need to decide the trade name for your e-commerce business. You need to think of a name that is easy to remember. Make sure that doesn’t resemble any existing brand name.

Step 4: Apply for your e-commerce license

After you decided on a legal structure for your business, chose your jurisdiction and the trade name you can apply for an e-commerce license. Even if you decide to set up your business on a mainland zone or in a UAE free zone, in both cases you need to submit the following documents:

  • Passport/visa copies of the shareholder (s)
  • Copy of sponsors passport/ Emirates ID
  • Local service agreement
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Do you want to set up a business in Dubai Free Zones?

An industry leader in business consultancy and company formation in the UAE for over a decade, UAE Free zones (an established online platform for Global Resources) has been designed for entrepreneurs that have a business idea but don’t have the knowledge, resources or the experience to move their concept forward and kickstart their business in the UAE.

UAE Free Zones provide the necessary help to start your business, offering company formation and a competent business environment is essential in increasing your own company. Help your company grow. We will guide you step by step.