Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allLaunching a startup E-commerce business in the UAE 
1
Q: Hi,
What is the most appropriate business set up to launch an online marketplace in the UAE, i.e. people sell advisory services through an online platform?
Thank you

Dec 30, 2018
348
How to register e-commerce or other companies in the UAE
26
Q: Hello
I want to open an online store (e-commerce) in Dubai, it will be online clothing store and I will receive the clothes from China by courier and sell it in Dubai. Customers can complete the payment with Pay Pal.
So I would like to know if I need to register this online store, and if yes, what's the procedure. Since the items will be shipped from overseas, then maybe I do not need even to register it.
Please advise

May 8, 2018
8608
How to establish a home accessories company in the UAE?
1
Q: Hello Mohammad,
How are you?
I would like to inquire if you can help us with the following:
I am a co-founder of a company, a rapidly growing e-commerce startup selling Turkish home accessories to consumers in the Gulf.
Until now, we've only had a registered company in Turkey, but we are intending to also establish a formal entity in the UAE to serve as our legal and financial center ASAP.
As such, we are looking for some advice on which legal structure/company type would be best for us going forward. The main considerations here are:
- GCC regulations.
- Future valuation/fundraising/selling of the company.
To give you some more context:
- We are currently operating in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, and are soon to be expanding to Oman, KSA, and Bahrain.
- We plan to move our main warehouse from Turkey to the UAE.
- Current annualized sales are $1M.
How might you be able to help us? And what's your fee?
Hoping to hear from you.
Best,

Aug 14, 2021
347
Legal blog
5 available 5 • View allWhy 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
2634
An 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
6367
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
555
100% Foreign Ownership of Companies in the UAE 12
The UAE government has announced important changes to the federal Commercial Companies Law, the most significant is related to the foreign ownership of mainland companies. This will grant foreign investors the full ownership of share capital in companies carrying out certain activities specified to that effect by the competent authorities. This means that foreign investors’ shares will not be limited anymore to a maximum of 49% like before, but can be up to 100% instead.
Jun 13, 2021
3140
Procedures of Company Formation in the UAE 2
The different Emirates in the UAE have different requirements and procedures for obtaining business licenses. To register your entity, you need to follow steps and obtain approvals from the Department of Economic Development and other relevant authorities.
Oct 2, 2023
244
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
29568
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
470
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
375

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Other answers by
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
36
How to stop my employer from cancelling my visa as it needs to be active in the process of golden visa? 0
I am in the process of applying for a golden visa, and the nomination letter from Creators HQ will take up to 4 weeks.
In the meantime, my previous employer has started my labour card cancellation.
Amer has told me that my visa and labour card need to be active before my golden visa is issued.
How can I stop my former employer from cancelling my labour card and visa?
Apr 25, 2025
25
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
41
Is it possible to change jobs and process visa while facing a police case and a travel ban? 0
Hello,
My husband has a police case now and a travel ban, and is still waiting for trial with the prosecutor.
Is it possible for him to transfer to a new employer within the country?
Will he be able to process his visa?
Apr 24, 2025
67

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How to get information about a friend taken by the Narcotics Department in Dubai? 0
Hi,
My friend has been taken by the Narcotics Department for the consumption and possession of some substance in Dubai.
How can we find out what the next procedure will be, as his family back in India has no information about it and no idea where the police have taken him or what the next steps are in this issue?
Apr 16, 2025
47
I secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
131
Can I file for mutual divorce from Dubai as an Indian resident and my husband works in Saudi? 0
Needed to know if I am eligible to file for mutual divorce as an Indian expat living in Dubai and holding an Indian passport and also have Canadian PR.
My husband is a Canadian citizen working in Saudi on a work visa.
What are my rights?
Can I ask for alimony?
Can I file for divorce from Dubai?
I have no children from the marriage.
Mar 21, 2025
114
How can I cancel my visa and POA for financial matters if I have a travel ban for company bounced cheque? 0
I am seeking urgent guidance regarding my current visa status in the UAE. I was previously employed by a company that has now shut down, but my visa is still under that company.
During my tenure, I held Power of Attorney (POA) for all financial matters. However, after a cheque issued by the company bounced, the owner revoked my POA without my knowledge.
The company officially closed last year, and the owner (a lady) has been missing since the case emerged.
No one from the company is responding, and I am currently stuck in Dubai due to a travel ban imposed on me related to this case.
I need clarification on the following points:
How can I cancel my existing visa under this closed company?
Will I be able to obtain a new visa under another company despite the travel ban?
Are there any legal blocks or restrictions affecting my visa or employment options?
What legal steps can I take to resolve this situation?
I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any possible solutions.
Mar 20, 2025
98
What are my options after my rental renewal offer and deposit was rejected by the owner? 1
Hello,
I submitted an offer and deposit through the trustee office, but the owner rejected it. What is the next step?
They sent an email notification stating that if not renewed within the contract's end time, 500 AED will be deducted for each additional day of stay.
Mar 20, 2025
79

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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
18
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
6
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
36
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
31

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I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
66
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
54
Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
64
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
105
What is the legal process of acquiring 50% ownership stake in a local company in Dubai? 0
A local company in Dubai intends to acquire a 50% ownership stake in an auto repair business currently owned by an individual (100%).
We are seeking professional legal advisory services to guide us through the acquisition process.
Apr 11, 2025
95

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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
18
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
6
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
14
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19
Can't get an NOC from my old employer. How should I proceed with the new visa? 0
Hello,
My former employer put me on abscond, and I applied for amnesty. I obtained an outpass. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, I didn't travel.
Now I got a job, and my new company is trying to process a visa. Even after paying fines and trying to clear my abscond, they still need an NOC from my former employer, which I am not able to obtain.
What can I do?
Apr 28, 2025
25

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
18
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
14
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
36
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
41

Premium
Other answers by
Can the employer ask me for visa expenses if I resign after completing the probation period? 0
I am working in a Dubai private company and I have completed six months of the probation period. Now, I have decided to resign due to a physical problem.
My MOHRE contract mentions one month's notice, and I am willing to serve the notice period, but the employer asks for visa expenses.
My passport was also retained by the employer. How can I cancel my visa by chance?
I filed a complaint at the labour court. How many days does it take to get a verdict?
Apr 7, 2025
210
Requested to resign after seven years of service. What are my rights? 1
Hello,
I have been asked to resign from my company after more than seven years of service.
I am not being terminated but requested to resign and given garden leave as per my notice period.
What are my rights in this case?
Feb 20, 2025
103
Are there any restrictions on a diplomat buying property in the UAE? 2
Hello,
Is there any restriction on a diplomat buying property in the UAE, where he works as a diplomat at his country's consulate?
Feb 20, 2025
96
After winning the appeal, can they appeal again, or should I proceed with execution? 1
Hello,
I recently concluded a post-divorce financial case and also won the appeal. Can they appeal again, or can I request execution?
What is the process for execution, and how long will it take?
Thanks a lot!
Feb 20, 2025
103
My employer did not provide me with medical insurance and refused sick leaves. What can I do? 2
Hello,
I've been working for this company for a little over a year now, and my employer hasn't provided me with medical insurance yet. Since I have chronic asthma, I used to take leaves to rest my body and get better.
I wasn't able to get sick leaves except for two occasions (in which I've paid for one and one has been reimbursed).
Last week I noticed that 1000 was deducted from my salary. I went to talk to my employer and told him that it was unfair because due to not having medical insurance, this was the outcome of the situation.
He told me that I have till March to find another job and made it seem as if he was doing me a favor. I know I have the right to have insurance and he is breaking the law.
What could be done in this case?
Though I've wanted to avoid this route, the unfairness is too much.
Thank you.
Jan 30, 2025
454
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