Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allE-commerce license
1
Q: Hi,
We are planning to start operating an online company where the main revenue is based on sales commission, and all the sales happen online throughout the MENA region.
If you can provide me with the best structure to create legally this company that would be more than helpful.

Apr 9, 2017
1135
Setting up an online shop to deliver goods to all the UAE



1
Q: Hello!
I have an idea to open an online shop and deliver things to all the UAE.
I am based in Dubai.
Should I have any license to open an online shop?
Should I open a new bank account to receive payments from the customers or it can be my personal bank account?
Thank you for your answer!




Sep 9, 2020
461
Setting up E-commerce business in Dubai
2
Q: Hello,
We are starting a new E-commerce business based in Dubai and would like to know some of the legal requirements to set an e-commerce business. We'll be selling physical products, imported from China and targeting the UAE as our customer base.
So please if you could help us in informing what legal procedures like licensing etc should be done.
Thanks.

Sep 5, 2017
2620
Do we need a license to operate an e-commerce platform in the UAE?




1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
1. Do we need a license to operate an e-commerce platform in the UAE?
2. Does e-commerce business in the UAE allow platform aggregators to collect money and keep it in an escrow account on behalf of the seller?





Jun 5, 2024
83
Do crypto payments in a free zone software company require a VASP or VARA license?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I have a software company in a free zone. My clients pay me in crypto, and I convert it to fiat for my company expenses.
Do I need a VASP or VARA license?




Oct 11, 2024
71
Are there license requirements in Dubai or the UAE for active stock or crypto traders?


0
Q: Hello,
I'd like to know if there are license requirements in the case of active traders (stocks, crypto) operating as natural persons. If so, any view on sanctions/penalties for involuntary non-compliance (or how to regularize a situation proactively)?
- By active trading, quite frequent in Dubai I believe, I mainly mean with a turnover above 1m AED (even without profit), strictly conducted for personal purposes (no clients/service provided), as an ongoing/daily activity, recurrent/organized, with possible use of leverage, etc…
The activity is hence ‘personal active trading’, likely in a grey zone beyond ‘personal investment’ (not requiring any license).
- By licenses, I mean a VARA-regulated license and/or a commercial business license (e.g. following the commercial transactions law in which speculative activities/virtual assets works can be seen as a commercial business).
Thank you in advance.



Mar 7, 2025
61
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allAn Overview of the Legal Framework for Entrepreneurs in the UAE 4
Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.
Mar 14, 2017
6320
Why is the UAE the Right Place for Your Startup 6
Most entrepreneurs who have ideas for a startup seeking to implement it may face some difficulties in deciding the ideal location, activity, type of license, fees, taxes, among many others. Here are four reasons why the UAE’s thriving start-up scene is the right choice for your business.
Feb 13, 2020
2611
The New Law of E-commerce in the UAE 7
The UAE has had tremendous economic development over the last two decades, which can be attributed to the country’s expanding market and large inflow of investments. The demonstrated level of preparedness and equanimity is evident in the legislative framework, characterized by the ongoing and systematic updates of laws. This proactive approach aims to align the legal landscape with the dynamic trajectory of economic advancement, ensuring continual synchronization with the prevailing progress.
Dec 13, 2023
541
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Law No. (2) of 2015 On Commercial Companies 15
The provisions of this Law apply to the commercial companies established in the UAE and the foreign companies that have established in the UAE a base to conduct any activity therein or established a branch or representative office. The Law abrogates Federal Law No. (8) of 1984 Concerning Commercial Companies.
Mar 25, 2015
29529
Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services 2
The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as the "New E-commerce Law", govern E-commerce regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New E-commerce Law repeals the previous UAE E-commerce Law (Federal Law No. (1) of 2006 Concerning Electronic Transactions & Commerce).
Sep 20, 2021
454
Cabinet Resolution No. (28) of 2023 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services 1
Cabinet Resolution No. (28) of 2023 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services
Mar 28, 2023
352

Premium
Other answers by
177 177 answers •
View allHow to liquidate a free zone company after the death of one partner 0
I am a company owner In Shams free zone of 50 per cent share and have a partner visa. My partner was a Russian who went to Russia and died.
When I went to the free zone to cancel my visa and close the company, they have asked me to get his attested death certificate and NOC from his heirs.
The problem I am facing is his family doesn’t want to give the death certificate nor they want to give NOC. Now my resident visa validity is over and I am on fine every day.
Neither the free zone is cooperating nor the partner's family. What is the other way I can cancel my visa and close the company?
Can someone guide me, please?
Apr 19, 2021
689
How the objection of a client be dealt with after being notified for termination by DLD? 0
I have been notified by DLD that I am in breach of an off-plan sales agreement, and the developer wishes to terminate the agreement.
The date on the notice is March 9, 2021, and I received it from the developer on March 11, 2021. The notice says I have 30 days "from the date of being notified" to make the outstanding payment.
On the termination notice from DLD, a list of objections is present. One of the objections states that the developer must hand over the final SPA to me.
In this case, I have not received the final SPA from the developer. I made an objection in writing to the DLD pointing this fact out and sent it via email, and received a confirmation of the same from DLD by return e-mail on April 6, 2021.
30 days from March 9th is April 8th, or from March 11th is April 10th. Does the developer have to respond to my objection before the DLD will allow them to terminate the agreement?
In this case, will the time I have to make the payment be extended by any period?
Apr 19, 2021
1406
Opening a trustee with wife and signing a postnuptial agreement 0
I would like to open a trustee with my wife and sign a postnuptial agreement.
Apr 19, 2021
449
Closing a business while the local service agent is not reachable 0
Hi,
We have a professional services license (2 partners) + 1 local service agent registered with DED, Dubai.
The partners wish to close the business because of unavoidable circumstances. We wish to proceed with all the necessary paperwork for cancellation.
Unfortunately, the local service agent is not available. We have been trying to connect to him multiple times but have not been able to reach him.
The due date for the renewal of the company is coming up and we want to proceed with all the paperwork for cancellation prior to that.
Kindly advise us about the options if the local service agent is unavailable.
Apr 19, 2021
799
Returning to the UAE to run business after being convicted with a crime 0
Hi,
I want some information regarding my uncle. He was arrested in November 2015 and was in prison until 13 June 2016 when he was deported to Pakistan.
The reason for the arrest was that my uncle had his own business in Sharjah and he was involved in a case where his employee accused him of attacking him and other allegations. He was arrested and convicted.
He needs to reenter the country as he has his business in Sharjah but I believe he is blacklisted/banned. How can I find out if he is blacklisted/banned and how can it be removed to allow my uncle to reenter the country and take over his business?
Is there any way of helping to resolve this issue?
I know that if he enters on a visa, he could be arrested at the airport, and don’t want that to happen.
Thank you!
Apr 5, 2021
499
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