E-commerce and Retail Business Setup in the UAE
E-commerce businesses can operate under a free zone e-commerce licence or a mainland trade or e-commerce licence, depending on where customers and stock are.
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Starting a company in Dubai? See business setup in Dubai, free zone and mainland company formation, or get an itemised quote.
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- Your setup options
What to know about E-commerce & Retail
Free zone e-commerce
Suits international sales and online-only models.
Mainland licence
Suits selling directly to UAE customers and physical retail.
Payments
Payment gateways and banks review the licence and activity.
Stock and logistics
Storage and delivery may need additional premises or approvals.
- How it works
How to get started with Maven&
Free consultation
We review your goals, activity and budget.
Plan and quote
We recommend an option and give an itemised quote.
Prepare documents
We list and prepare the documents you need.
Apply
We submit the application and handle follow-ups.
Launch and support
We support visas, banking, accounting and compliance after launch.
What to prepare
Send us what you have and we will confirm what is missing.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- A short description of your business activity and plans
- Copy of the trade licence and incorporation documents, if the company already exists
- Details of how many visas or team members you plan to have
- Anything else we ask for once we understand your case
Talk to a Maven& consultant today
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for E-commerce & Retail
One dedicated consultant
One consultant coordinates your application from start to finish, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees and service fees line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Checked against official sources
We work from official government guidance and confirm current requirements before we file.
Connected services
Company formation, visas, tax, accounting and banking are handled as one coordinated plan.
- Business setup FAQs
E-commerce & Retail: frequently asked questions
A free zone e-commerce licence or a mainland licence, depending on your customers and operations.
Some licences do not require a physical office to start.
Yes. A business bank account is usually needed for payment gateways.
Maven& confirms government fees and our service fees in an itemised quote before you commit.
Ready to get started with E-commerce & Retail?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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