How can I get a Digital Marketing License in Dubai?

Dubai is considered as the most profitable place for marketers and advertisers struggling hard to build brand awareness due to its high internet usage rate and tech-savvy population. It is interesting to know that the headquarters of many tech giants and digital marketing agencies are in Dubai, UAE. According to a survey, the UAE is one of the most attractive countries for digital agency professionals worldwide in 2021.

Source: Statista

The digital marketing industry has observed tremendous growth worldwide in recent years. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of using mobile technology gained a huge jump, enabling retailers to make the most of the vast opportunities to reach a wider audience. According to recent statistics, digital advertising spending in the MENA region is expected to grow by 20% by 2024.

The digital marketing industry is getting bigger and seeing more annual growth. Such significant growth opportunities have opened doors for many entrepreneurs and professionals to run successful businesses in this space. Starting a digital marketing agency in Dubai, is one of the most profitable business ideas in Dubai that can set yourself up for huge success.

Why You Should Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?

Starting your own digital marketing agency in Dubai is a good decision as it has innumerable perks. The digital marketing industry has shown surprising growth and development in the UAE. It gives marketers and entrepreneurs a great opportunity to access a huge market for global trading. There are many large enterprises and small businesses are looking for digital marketing services. Also, there are many tech-savvy users who use social media and internet services for purchasing products online.

The heavy internet usage, more specific business demands and working population have made Dubai the perfect place for offering your professional services and running your own business. Digital marketing agencies can reach young audiences and small businesses and solve their pain points.

When it comes to starting a business in Dubai, you can either choose a mainland or free trade zone. The reason behind choosing these business zones is that you don’t need any local sponsorship, and you will get 100% foreign ownership without paying any tax on your corporate or personal income. All you need is to obtain a digital marketing license to run an agency and get 100% ownership of your business.

Why Do You Need a Digital Marketing License in Dubai?

If you want to start your own small business and offer digital marketing services in Dubai, UAE, you need a digital marketing license in Dubai. You can obtain the digital marketing license from the free trade zone or mainland in Dubai. The location for your business is your own choice, depending on different factors such as your budget, infrastructure requirements, investor’s requirements and so on.

Choosing the mainland company formation in Dubai will require you to get a mainland license. It will give you the freedom to offer services anywhere in the entire UAE region. If you decide to start your digital marketing agency in the Dubai mainland, you need to get your license application from the Department of Economic Development.

Similarly, if you set up a business in a free zone, you need to submit the license application to the relevant managing authority. You can contact a company formation agent or submit your application by yourself fulfilling all the necessary documentation.

Choosing free zones is the right choice for entrepreneurs and startups as the cost of company setup is low and offers lenient business laws. Moreover, you will get many networking opportunities to promote your services in the free trade zones.

Whereas, the mainland of Dubai is the perfect choice for businesses looking to promote their business on a global scale, entertain international clients, grow their employees, and expand their network. By choosing the mainland for company formation, you can offer business operations in Dubai and all across the UAE.

How to Get a Digital Marketing License in Dubai?

Whether you start a digital marketing company in the Mainland or free zone, obtaining a digital marketing license is necessary. You need to follow these important steps to set up your digital marketing company in Dubai.

Steps Involved in Obtaining a Digital Marketing License in Dubai

•         Choose a company structure, (LLC, sole proprietorship, branch company, etc.)
•         Decide a company name (choose at least 3 options)
•         Foreign trading name requires an additional fee
•         Obtain an initial approval certificate from the licensing authority (mainland or free zone)
•         Create a list of digital marketing services from the list of the mainland/free zone
•         Submit all the necessary documents
•         Proof of ID and address for directors and shareholders
•         Passport and visa copies of your shareholders and directors.
•         Copy of trade name reservation.
•         The tenancy contract for the space you need
•         Articles of Association (AOA)
•         Memorandum of Association (MOA)
•         Get the trade license to start your business operations legally in UAE
•         Get the approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
•         Obtain the approval from the free zone/mainland authority
•         Open a corporate bank account once you get a digital marketing company license

It is important to note that you are not allowed to offer any service or involve in any commercial activity not authorized by your digital marketing license. So, choose the services for your digital marketing agency wisely.

Your digital marketing license in Dubai must be renewed yearly to remain active.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Digital Marketing License?

The cost of setting up a digital marketing agency in Dubai will depend on the business location (free zone or mainland) and the size of your business. To obtain a digital marketing license in Dubai, you need to government fees for the following services:

•         Documentation
•         Business setup consultation
•         Trade license
•         Corporate service fee
•         Stamp of the company
•         Trade name approval
•         Tasheel fee
•         Initial approval
•         LSA notary fee

Services You can Offer for a Digital Marketing Startup

If you are thinking of a starting a digital marketing agency in Dubai, have the right skills and are well-equipped with the technical knowledge, your agency can offer following services:

•         Web development and web design
•         Mobile app development
•         Social media management
•         Paid marketing
•         Lead generation
•         Digital communication services

Are You Ready to Obtain a Digital Marketing License in Dubai?

It is the right time to establish your business in the UAE as it is a technologically advanced country that has a significant potential for entrepreneurs and startups companies. The expanding business landscape in the UAE allows you to offer your digital marketing expertise and run a successful Digital marketing company in Dubai. The process of obtaining a digital marketing license in Dubai will become easier if you have all the paperwork and meet all the requirements.