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In the glitter of Dubai, where skyscrapers rise as fast as social media trends, influencers are no longer just trendsetters, they’re globally recognized as individuals with the power to transform people’s mind.
But with great influence comes greater responsibility. As of May 2025, the UAE Media Council has rolled out a landmark regulation that is all set to impact content creators and influencers, which includes obtaining an influencer license in Dubai.
This shift is not just about bureaucracy, but a bold step to enhance transparency, trust, and accountability. Failure to comply? Penalties will reach as high as AED 1 million, making compliance essential for survival in the influencer ecosystem.
To avoid these hefty penalties, influencers must stay updated with the licensing process and the new guidelines that have a direct impact on their profession. This blog gives influencers all the information related to the influencer license in Dubai to ensure compliance with UAE laws that govern influencers.
The license provides authorization to influencers and content creators to promote and monetize online content. The UAE Media Council issues this permit, enabling creators to legally earn through brand partnerships, sponsored posts, affiliate programs, and commercial collaborations.
Dubai introduced the influencer license in 2018, recognizing content creation as a legitimate business activity requiring proper regulation and protection. The framework supports thousands of creators building substantial enterprises through digital platforms.
This permit covers all content across online platforms. The licensing requirements come into effect the moment compensation is involved while promoting on these platforms in the form of cash payments, gifts, exclusive access to major events, and other benefits.
Any individual or business that makes money, benefits, or other rewards from promoting goods, services, events, or brands on social media must acquire an influencer license. This includes:
1. Paid Promoters: Those who are paid a fixed fee and other compensations linked to brand promotion or content creation.
2. Non-Cash Benefits: Creators who get anything free, including food, services, travel experiences, or luxury items in exchange for content, even when no money is changed hands.
3. Affiliate Marketers: People getting paid through affiliate links or referral codes, irrespective of the amount of commission.
4. Brand Ambassadors – Influencers engaged in long-term or short-term partnerships with brands, including exclusive or non-exclusive arrangements.
5. Content Creators Across Platforms – This includes:
In the UAE, three primary types of influencer licenses oversee content creators’ activities. Here’s a detailed overview of each:
1. Individual License
This license caters to individual influencers who operate independently and want to monetize their social media channels through sponsorships, paid collaborations, advertising, or brand endorsements. It is only available for single persons. It suits bloggers, vloggers, social media influencers, podcasters, and similar content creators. Registration with the NMC/MRO is required, with an annual renewal. This option is cost-effective for those not affiliated with a larger agency.
2. Agency License (Company License)
This license is intended for influencer agencies or companies that oversee multiple influencers under a single umbrella. It enables them to legally represent influencers and manage their commercial activities. Ideal for companies managing influencers or offering influencer marketing services, it grants authority to sign contracts, negotiate deals, and handle influencer projects on behalf of clients. The company must be registered with the NMC/MRO. The license is renewable annually. Although it has a higher cost than individual licenses, it offers a wider range of operational capabilities.
3. Partnership License
The authorities created this license for a group of influencers wanting to establish a small company together. It involves applying for a trade license and registering the business with the appropriate authority. More affordable than the Agency Influencer License, it is popular among collaborative content creators. It provides the flexibility to operate as a formal business with a registered name. For individual influencers earning through sponsorships, the Individual License is ideal. If you manage or are part of an agency overseeing multiple influencers, then the agency license is required.
Successful licensing applications require meeting specific eligibility criteria:
Providing complete documentation is essential. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays, potentially extending the process by weeks or months.
Required documentation for individuals includes:
For Agencies (Company License)
Note: Business plans outlining content strategy, target audience analysis, revenue projections, and growth plans help authorities understand creator professional approaches and compliance commitments.
Obtaining licenses follows logical sequences, building from basic business establishment through specialized creator permits to final compliance authorization.
Step 1: Select jurisdiction
Step 2: Choose license type
Step 3: Gather all the required documents
Prepare all the required documents based on the type of influencer license you’re applying for.
Step 4: Complete the application process
As per the new media changes, influencers must obtain the business or trade license before applying for the media license in Dubai.
After obtaining the business license register with the National Media Council (NMC) / Media Regulatory Office (MRO). Complete the online application form for an influencer license in Dubai.
Submit all the required details, including your personal information, social media handles, and the nature of your content.
Step 5: Pay the license fees
Pay the amount for the license type you are applying for. Influencer license in Dubai typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually.
Step 6: Review and Approval
Once you submit your application and payment, the NMC/MRO will review your application. They may request additional information or documents if needed. Approval usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks.
Step 7: Receive Your Influencer License
Upon approval, you will receive your influencer license, allowing you to promote and monetise your content within the UAE legally.
Note: Renewal of Influencer license is mandatory as these licenses are valid for one year. Ensure you renew your license before it expires to avoid fines or legal complications.
The cost of an influencer license in Dubai depends on whether you apply as an individual freelancer or as an agency. The approximate cost to individuals is typically between AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, with an annual fee of trade license and NMC approval.
Agencies or companies representing several influencers are usually associated with more charges estimated at the range of AED 15,000-AED 30,000 per annum. Other costs can be visas, AED 3,000 to 5,000 each, and office space in some free zones, AED 20,000 to 30,000 per year.
To obtain an influencer license in Dubai generally it takes 7-15 working days, depending upon the governing authority or NMC for relevant approvals. The timeline depends on the jurisdiction and business activity you are choosing.
Modern creators manage complex operations with multiple revenue streams, international partnerships, and advanced audience engagement strategies. Single-permit systems couldn’t effectively regulate these diverse business models.
May 29th marked a comprehensive regulatory transformation. The UAE replaced single-license systems with three-tier frameworks addressing modern creator complexity. New regulations apply across all seven emirates, including mainland and Free Zone operations. The regulation is aimed at fostering ethical, high quality online contents while safeguarding societal norma and ensuring public trust.
Previous rules struggled with grey areas where creators operated without clear guidance. Earlier influencers and creators were only required to obtain a media license. Updated frameworks eliminate ambiguity through specific requirements for every commercial content activity type. According to the new regulation, you must obtain a business license before applying for a media license in Dubai.
Under the updated Federal Decree Law No. 55 of 2023 and Cabinet Resolution No. 20/2025, creators must hold two separate licenses:
A business license or a trade license is a permit to conduct legal business activities within the UAE. It is issued by the DED (Department of Economic Development). Content creators must establish business entities through proper channels. To earn money through advertising, product sales or similar activities, influencer need a valid trade license.
The business or freelance license cost ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 annually. Content creators receive a complete fee exemption during the initial three-year period.
Business licenses enable formal contracting, banking relationships, employee hiring, and scaling beyond individual posting activities. This authorization supports sustainable growth and professional credibility essential for long-term success.
As the name suggests, a media license is for companies and individuals involved in media activities, specifically authorizing the creation and publication of promotional content. Without this permit, sponsored posts violate UAE media regulations regardless of payment amounts or audience sizes. This includes publishers, content producers, broadcasters, influencers, and creators. After obtaining a business license, influencers must apply for a media license from the UAE Media Council.
The UAE Media Council evaluates applications, examining content quality, audience engagement patterns, and regulatory compliance understanding. Successful applicants demonstrate consistent creation history, above-average interaction rates, and cultural sensitivity awareness.
This authorization provides legal protection for brand partnerships and promotional activities while ensuring creators understand responsibilities toward audiences and commercial partners.
The media license costs AED 1,000 per year, including the renewal fees.
These licenses are valid for one year. Ensure you renew your license before it expires to avoid fines or legal complications. The documents required for renewal includes valid lease if applicable, updates passport copy and renewal application form.
The renewal cost is similar to the initial license cost. You can renew the license at the online portal (freezone or mainland) or offline through business setup advisors like Stratrich Consulting.
An advertising permit is issued by the UAE Media Council to allow individuals or businesses to advertise any platform which includes social media, media campaigns, and traditional forms of advertising. This permit is especially applicable for agencies looking to promote goods and services. All add related activities are conducted in accordance with local laws, cultural values, and ethical guidelines set by the UAE authorities.
Foreign influencer’s visiting the UAE on short stay, must apply for Visitor Advertiser Permit, at the UAE media council. For UAE residents, this permit is currently available at no cost, during the initial three-year operations. By October 2025, this permit will become mandatory for everybody looking to advertise in the UAE. This grace period allows existing creators to adhere to the timeline, while maintaining full industry compliance.
Note: Individuals promoting their businesses on personal or professional social media handles are exempt from obtaining an advertising permit in the UAE.
Creators who have obtained the influencer license must balance creative freedom with cultural respect and consumer protection. The guidelines maintain standards for Dubai’s family-friendly reputation while supporting diverse international audiences.
Copyright compliance requires strict respect for intellectual property rights. Using copyrighted music, images, or video content without proper licensing violates both influencer regulations and separate intellectual property laws.
The UAE authorities are very strict about enforcing penalties on non-adherence to their laws. This is true when it comes to penalties arising from influencer license. The government in the UAE has implemented a system of gradually increasing penalties. This motivates users to act by the rules and gives solid repercussions to individuals deliberately breaking the law.
Note: Enforcement is done by software that monitor information virtually by automation as well as human-led observations, which help in detecting possible violations. Non-compliance can be reported by a social media platform, brand partners, and audience members although false reporting is a punishable’ offense.
The UAE’s visa programs for content creators has expanded significantly during 2025, reflecting the government’s commitment to attracting global talent.
Unlike traditional employment visas tied to sponsors, Golden Visa holders operate independently with complete business ownership rights.
Eligibility requires a minimum of 100,000 combined platform followers, demonstrated monthly income exceeding AED 15,000 from content creation, clean international background verification, and portfolios showcasing positive UAE image contributions. Family sponsorship includes spouses and children.
Financial benefits justify application investments. Golden Visa holders earn completely tax-free income on creator activities while maintaining UAE tax residency options, potentially saving hundreds of thousands annually compared to their high-tax home countries.
Are you ready to start your influencer journey the right way by obtaining a golden visa? Get in touch today with our UAE expert and get your influencer license without any hassle.
Creators who are not eligible for a golden visa in the UAE can choose these visa options towards long-term residency.
The influencer license in Dubai has evolved beyond regulatory compliance into essential permit that allows creators the freedom to promote in the UAE. The 2025 framework with three-year fee exemptions and comprehensive support systems creates an optimal environment for content creators to thrive in the region.
With October 2025 compliance deadlines approaching and penalty enforcement increasing, delays mean missing both cost savings and income opportunities. Successful creators recognize proper licensing positions them for sustainable success in dynamic, lucrative creator markets.
Begin your licensing process by choosing the best location to get started while having the required documentation and application processes in place.
With Stratrich Consulting, turn your dream of becoming an influencer in the UAE to reality. We handle the licensing and legalities of the process, so you can focus on your passion of influencing others to follow their footsteps.
