How to Get Your Influencer License in the UAE

The digital industry has been gaining traction in Dubai. It is now considered the ideal place for influencers and businesses.

According to the report of Global Media Insights, there were 10. In 2023, the percentage of users of social networks in the UAE will reach 73 million people, which will be 99% of the total population. Currently, 75% of the populace engages with social media influencers for entertainment and when planning to make purchases.

In the Middle East, the market size of marketing by influencers is expected to reach $ 1 billion by 2022. By the end of next year, they are projected to reach a figure of 3 billion. It was reported that an influencer with 10k followers and one paid post per day could earn as much as a mid-level marketing manager income in a month according to one research. This is a huge advantage for content creators/influencers in Dubai.

However, any social media influencer who gets involved in paid promotions or content marketing needs to secure an influencer license in the UAE. The license is critical especially if the influencers are making money through reviews, advertisements, or product placements within the content.

This article describes what an influencer license is, why it is needed, and how to obtain it.

What is an Influencer License in the UAE

An influencer license is a legal clearance that the government of UAE provides to anyone involved in advertising on social media platforms. To provide a legal framework for the influencer industry, supervise the rights of the customers, and require disclosure of paid partnerships.

In this new world of social media interaction, where social media and other connected technologies are now the main underlying tools, influence is considered the key player in brand building. Today the UAE has bestridden the world in the use of this industry and there has been realized growth and the government has made policies in representing the influencer to be accurate. Here in this guide, we will be discussing how to get an influencer license in the UAE.

Who Requires a Social Media Influencer License in the UAE?

Even a resident of the UAE who has income or gifts for promoting goods or services on social networks requires an influencer license. This includes:

• Social media influencers

• Bloggers

• Content creators

• Vloggers

Why You Must Have an Influencer License in the UAE

• In 2018, the UAE’s government regulated the influencer industry through the implementation of new laws in the form of an E-Media License in Dubai. Those who monetize their accounts on social media platforms are required to obtain this license from the NMC.

• The regulations target social media personalities such as Instagrammers, TikTokers, and Facebook celebrities. The laws also apply to vloggers and bloggers who engage in paid advertisements in their work. The paid work may comprise product endorsement, product integration, or product recommendations.

• The influencers themselves are also bound by the laws and thus prohibited from using false language or featuring alcohol in any way.

• On another note, the E-Media License is not necessary for individuals who own personal websites, bloggers, and anyone who promotes their brands on various media channels. It is also not relevant to those who give unpaid reviews of the products unless they are hired by the brand or paid to give the reviews.

• The license for social media influencers in Dubai is valid for only one year, and the license is renewed yearly. The annual subscription is AED 15,000. To get the influencer license in Dubai, the person must apply to the NMC which now comes under the Media Regulatory Office – Ministry of Culture and Youth.

Requirements to Acquire the Influencer License

Document Required for Social Media Influencer License in the UAE

Below are the requirements that one has to fulfill if he or she is willing to get an influencer license in Dubai:

• Passport copies
• Copy of visa
• Emirates ID photocopy
• Business License
• 2 colored passport-size photos
  

You can apply online for an E-Media License by visiting the NMC website. You won’t have to worry about license fees if you choose to work with an influencer agency that has earned NMC certification.

How to Get a Dubai Social Media Influencer Permit

You must first apply for your trade license to obtain your influencer permit in Dubai and throughout the UAE.

• Select the jurisdiction of your choice.
• Make an application to register your license.
• Send the necessary paperwork to the authorities in the free zone.
• Finish the payment process. 

Cost to Obtain an Influencer License

The fees for getting an influencer license in Dubai are determined by the license classification, kind of industry, and site. The fee for obtaining an NMC license permit in Dubai is AED 15000. However, the total cost is variable depending on one or more factors, as referred to in this file.

Regarding license application: A social media influencer applying for an individual license will need to apply for a trade license as well. This could bring the expected yearly costs to a total of AED 14,500. Similarly, the cost of the license is also different based on the jurisdiction. For instance, when it comes to the NMC license in Sharjah, costs as little as AED 5,700.

Therefore, the total cost of getting an influencer license in Dubai and starting a business can range from AED 20000 to AED 30000 for those not affiliated with the registered influencer agencies.

Laws for the Influencer License

If any influencer wants to get an influencer license in Dubai, then he/she has to follow the following laws

• Must not seem to promote alcohol consumption in any way
• It has to obey laws concerning photography, slander, and privacy.
• Required to maintain a log of all the products that have been advertised by them
• Must ensure that the message being passed does not make fun of the leaders or cause any form of havoc.
• May not use language or messages that are anti-Islamic, encourage sinful activity, or could be harsh for the young ones.
• May not utter any form of blasphemy whatsoever

Any social media influencer practicing in Dubai and doing so without a social media influencer license will be charged a fine of AED 5,000. At a more extreme, the actual social media accounts will also be closed.

Available Options for Influencer License in The UAE

Influencers in Dubai can choose between three license options.

Category 1 (individual)

Social media influencers seeking to work independently as solo influencers can apply for a Category 1 NMC license.

Category 2 (partnership)

This license applies to a group of influencers who wish to establish a small business. They’d also have to apply for a trade license and register their firm. However, it is a less expensive alternative to a Category 1 social media influencer license.

Category 3 (Agency).

This license is available to influencers who have signed contracts with influencer agencies that are already registered with the NMC. However, under this license, influencers have less control over the content they create.

Get your Influencer license in the UAE with Bizdaddy

If you want to legally begin your adventure as a digital artist in the UAE, you should obtain a permit. Bizdaddy is the place to start your social media journey.

Bizdaddy will help you navigate the process of obtaining your license and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Bizdaddy has been a top business setup company in the UAE. Furthermore, our mission is to assist entrepreneurs in laying the groundwork for a successful future in the UAE’s expanding economy.

Our skilled experts will guide you through the entire process, from registering with the appropriate free zone for your license to completing the documentation process.

To get in touch with our expert business consultants, call us Now!!

FAQs: Influencer License in the UAE

1. Is an influencer license required in the UAE?

Yes, any person living in the United Arab Emirates who gets paid or receives gifts for endorsing goods or services on social media must have an influencer’s permit.

2. What are the documents needed to obtain an influencer license?

Though there may be variations, the standard requirements include a copy of passport, visa, Emirates ID, trade license, details of social media account, and recent passport-sized photos.

3. How long does it take to get an influencer license?

The processing time for obtaining this document can differ from one emirate to another as well as how complete your application is when submitting it. It is therefore better if you start early enough.

4. What does an influencer license cost?

The expenses of getting a permit involve fees for trade licenses and other related charges such as influencer permits among other costs. The exact amount will depend on which Emirate and licensing body is involved.

5. What will happen if I operate as an influencer without a license?

Operating as an influencer without being licensed can attract severe consequences such as fines and legal actions against you. To safeguard your name and avoid trouble with the law you must comply with set guidelines.