Best free zones for an e-commerce license
| Free zone | Licence from* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | ~AED 5,750 | Cheapest e-commerce + freelance |
| SPC Free Zone | ~AED 6,875 | Fast dual-licence, instant e-commerce |
| Ajman Free Zone | ~AED 5,500 | Budget general trading + online |
| IFZA (Dubai) | ~AED 12,500 | Dubai address for online trading |
| Meydan (Dubai) | ~AED 12,500 | Popular Dubai e-commerce package |
| RAKEZ | ~AED 6,000 | Online + warehouse/fulfilment |
*Indicative licence-only, no visa. Add visas & office in the calculator →
Free zone vs mainland for online selling
A free zone e-commerce licence is cheaper, 100% owned, and fine for selling online across the UAE (via couriers) and abroad. Choose mainland if you want a physical shop, direct local retail, or specific marketplace/government requirements. Many sellers start in a free zone and add mainland later. Compare free zone vs mainland →
How to start
- Choose a free zone (budget vs Dubai) and the e-commerce/trading activity.
- Reserve a name and submit passport documents.
- Pay the package and get your licence (often a few working days).
- Apply for a residence visa and open a corporate bank account.
- Onboard to marketplaces (Amazon.ae, Noon) and payment gateways.
E-commerce license — FAQs
How much does an e-commerce license cost in the UAE?
A free zone e-commerce licence starts from about AED 5,750 in budget zones (SHAMS, Ajman, SPC) and from ~AED 12,500 in Dubai (IFZA, Meydan). Add visas and office as needed. Mainland e-commerce costs more because a physical office is required.
What is the cheapest free zone for e-commerce?
SHAMS and SPC in Sharjah, and Ajman Free Zone, are usually the cheapest for e-commerce — licences from around AED 5,500–6,900 with a flexi-desk and an e-commerce activity included.
Free zone or mainland for an online store?
A free zone e-commerce licence is cheaper and gives 100% ownership — great for selling online across the UAE and internationally via couriers. Choose mainland if you want a physical shop, direct local retail, or certain marketplace/government requirements.
Do I need a license to sell on Amazon.ae or Noon?
Yes — marketplaces require a valid UAE trade licence with an e-commerce or trading activity, plus the usual seller onboarding. A free zone or mainland e-commerce licence both work; confirm the marketplace's current seller requirements.
Can I run the e-commerce business from home?
Yes — most e-commerce packages use a flexi-desk, so you can operate online without a shop. You still need the licence, and for physical stock you may want a fulfilment/warehouse arrangement.
Related
Official sources
Last updated: September 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team