What documents does a blogger in the UAE need to legally earn money from advertising?

Many bloggers and influencers in the UAE with large, loyal, and solvent audiences seek to monetize their popularity and established authority through advertising and brand partnerships. However, in the UAE, advertising is strictly regulated by government agencies such as the Media Council, and unlike many countries, earning advertising revenue here requires meeting a substantial list of formal requirements.

For over three years, the international law firm Antwort Law, through its Dubai office, has been helping UAE clients successfully navigate all stages of business development – ​​from finding the right license and company registration to updating corporate documents in accordance with new regulations and laws. Our UAE clients include well-known bloggers with millions of followers and other infopreneurs, so we always keep abreast of advertising requirements. In this article, we'll explain the three mandatory documents a blogger in the UAE must have to earn advertising legally and without consequences.

The first document is your valid visa, which allows you to work, freelance, or run your own business in the UAE. This can be obtained through your employer or, if you're a freelancer, a freelance visa. An Emirates ID is issued with this document.

The second document is your Trade/Business License. You must obtain it from the Department of Education (DED) when registering as a freelancer in the Mainland or when registering in a free zone. It's crucial to initially select the types of activities that will cover your advertising and media services, for example:

• Marketing Services
• Media Activities
• Social Media Influencer

Also, without this commercial license, you won't be able to obtain a specialized media license for advertising activities.

The third document is a Media License, which allows you to conduct electronic/digital media activities. It is issued and processed by the UAE's specialized advertising regulatory body, the Media Council. To apply for a media license, you will definitely need a residence visa and a commercial license. The application is submitted online, and the processing time is short – 3-5 days.

Finally, the fourth document recently became the Advertiser Permit – an annual permit to publish advertising content, which complements the Media License. We described this document in more detail here.

Also remember that in addition to having all the above documents, it is crucial to comply with UAE rules and regulations regarding the advertising itself. We have written a comprehensive guide  on the legal and cultural criteria and recommendations that legal advertising in the UAE must meet. Follow along and have peace of mind about your advertising content.

Therefore, advertising targeted to the UAE without the proper permits is a violation of regulatory requirements and can lead to sanctions and problems for both the blogger and the advertiser. If you're unsure whether you have all the necessary documents and advertising permits, please contact Antwort Law, and we'll help you navigate the formalities of this process.

*The terms and conditions are set by the regulator and are subject to change. The information provided is for reference only.

Lidia Ivanova

International lawyer
Antwort Law