Influencer License UAE: the advertiser permit, now issued by the National Media Authority

The National Media Authority (NMA) states that it was established by Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2025 and that, under this decree, it replaces the UAE Media Council. The old uaemc.gov.ae pages now redirect to nma.gov.ae, and the NMA's own service pages send applicants to the e-services system at eservices.uaemc.gov.ae.

The rules sit in Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on media regulation, its Executive Regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 68 of 2024), and Cabinet Resolution No. 42 of 2025 on administrative violations and penalties. All three are listed on the NMA's legislation page, and the first two are published on the UAE legislation portal.

The NMA says an Advertiser Permit is required for individuals who engage in advertising activities on social media platforms, whether for financial compensation or not. The visitor permit uses the same wording: monetary or non-monetary purposes. On that reading, gifted products, barter deals and free stays in exchange for posts are not an obvious way around the rule.

• Residents who post sponsored content, affiliate promotions or brand collaborations.
• Visiting creators on a visit visa who post advertising while in the UAE, through a licensed agency.
• Brands and agencies working with creators, who should check the creator's permit before a campaign.

Earlier announcements described exemptions for some categories. We have not found an exemption list on the NMA's current pages, so if you only post about your own business on its own accounts, confirm with the authority whether you are covered before relying on an exemption.

They are different things. The advertiser permit is a personal media permit. A trade licence is what lets a business invoice, open a bank account and sponsor visas. Both NMA service pages list a commercial licence among the required documents, but do not explain whether every individual applicant must hold one. Confirm this with the authority for your case.

If brands pay you, or you plan to sign contracts through a company, you need a licence with a matching activity, such as media or marketing. Options with published lines include:

Figures from the authority’s own fee page, last checked 3 November 2026. Some exclude VAT. This is not the whole cost: visas, office, our fee and any approvals are separate. Lines older than 90 days drop off until re-checked.

Figures from the authority’s own fee page, last checked 17 October 2026. Some exclude VAT. This is not the whole cost: visas, office, our fee and any approvals are separate. Lines older than 90 days drop off until re-checked.

1. Log in to the e-services system with your digital ID.
2. Select the advertiser permit service.
3. Complete the details and upload your passport, photo and commercial licence.
4. Submit, then track the status: approval or rejection.
5. Pay the fee after approval. The NMA states a service time of 3 working days.

Visitors apply through a licensed UAE advertising agency instead. The permit decision is the authority's. Where we help is the business side: choosing a licence whose activities match how you earn, the company documents, your residence visa and the bank file. See business setup in Dubai.