A Complete Guide for Influencer License in the UAE
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How to Obtain an Influencer License in Dubai and the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a thriving hub for social media influencers, thanks to its dynamic population and rapidly evolving digital landscape. The country has seen a surge in both local influencers and international creators. To ensure a safe and transparent influencer space for consumers and brands alike, the National Media Council (NMC) has introduced new regulations, effective from July 1st, 2024. These regulations mandate that social media influencers obtain a license before engaging in promotional activities. This move is a significant step toward establishing a more structured and transparent influencer ecosystem in the UAE. Partnering with licensed influencers can significantly enhance your influencer marketing services in the UAE.
This guide provides aspiring and established influencers with a roadmap for navigating the new influencer licensing system in the UAE. We’ll explore who needs a license, the benefits of obtaining one, and how to acquire it, ensuring you remain compliant and successful in the digital space.
Why the Change?
The UAE’s influencer landscape has been growing exponentially over the past few years. To ensure this dynamic environment continues to thrive responsibly, the UAE has introduced influencer licenses. The goal is to create a more responsible and regulated social media environment. The NMC aims to ensure transparency and ethical practices within influencer marketing, protecting both consumers and brands. The license acts as a safeguard against misleading or deceptive advertising, promoting content that aligns with UAE community guidelines. These measures contribute to a better and safer digital space.
Who Needs an Influencer License?
The new regulations apply to anyone residing in the UAE who earns monetary benefits or receives gifts in exchange for promoting products or services on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. This includes bloggers, vloggers, and anyone monetizing their content through brand partnerships. Social media marketing teams working with influencers must also comply with these regulations.
What are the Benefits of Getting an Influencer License?
While obtaining a license might seem like an extra step, it offers several advantages:
Legality and Credibility: Holding a license enhances your credibility. It shows your adherence to NMC guidelines, granting you legitimacy and boosting your standing with brands and potential clients.
Protection: The license promotes transparency and fair practices within the influencer industry, safeguarding both influencers and consumers.
Growth Opportunities: Having an influencer license opens doors to collaborations with larger brands and participation in official influencer marketing campaigns.
What Are the Laws for Influencers in the UAE?
In 2018, the UAE government introduced regulations requiring individuals involved in paid promotional work on social media to obtain a license from the NMC. These regulations apply specifically to influencers receiving monetary compensation or gifts for their work. To obtain the NMC permit, one must apply for an E-Media License. However, those who occasionally review products or create content on their website generally do not need a license.
In addition to obtaining a license, social media influencers must adhere to several rules, including:
- Maintaining records of all promoted materials.
- Complying with laws regarding photography, defamation, and privacy.
- Avoiding statements that could be considered blasphemous.
- Refraining from using language or messaging that is anti-Islamic, promotes sinful activities, or could negatively influence minors.
- Not sharing content that mocks national leaders or disrupts public peace.
- Social media influencers are also prohibited from promoting alcohol in any form.
Compliance with these regulations is crucial for ensuring a responsible and lawful approach to social media influencing in the UAE.
What is an NMC License?
The National Media Council (NMC) license for social media influencers was first introduced in 2018. The license is designed to regulate the social media influencer industry. The National Media council falls under Media Regulatory Office – Ministry of Culture and Youth. It is mandatory for anyone who receives financial compensation through their work, including advertising, reviews, or ‘product placement’ in their content.
The NMC license does not apply to the owners of personal websites, bloggers, or people who promote their brands on social media. It also doesn’t apply to people who do unpaid reviews of products (assuming they are independent of the brand they’re reviewing and receive no remuneration).
NMC licenses initially last one year and must be renewed annually. There are three licensing options for the NMC license, as follows:
Category 1 NMC License
Category 1 licenses are for influencers who want an individual license that will allow them to continue working as completely independent social media influencers.
Category 2 NMC License
This kind of social media license covers small groups of influencers who want to come together and set up a company. The company needs to be registered and will have to hold a trade license. This approach has the advantage of being less expensive than Category 1 licenses.
Category 3 NMC License
The third NMC license option is for you to sign up with one of the official Dubai social media influencer agencies already certified by the National Media Council. These agencies have a license covering all their influencers, and they will cover you. The drawback, of course, is that you may have less control over what content you promote.
If you are found to be working as a social media influencer without holding an NMC license, you may face a fine of AED 5,000 and could even have your social media accounts suspended.
How to Get an Influencer License in Abu Dhabi
To obtain your influencer license in Abu Dhabi, follow these steps:
- Visit the Tamm platform and log in using your digital ID.
- Navigate to services provided by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Choose the freelancer license option.
- Fill out the required information.
- Pay the necessary fees to receive your license via email.
Steps to Obtain a Social Media Influencer License in Dubai, UAE
The process of obtaining an influencer license in Dubai, UAE, is relatively straightforward compared to most trade licenses available in the UAE. However, if it’s your first time dealing with official procedures in the UAE, seeking professional assistance is recommended to avoid costly mistakes.
Before applying for an influencer license in the UAE, you need to apply for a trade license and be a resident of the UAE.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose your preferred jurisdiction.
- Apply for the influencer license.
- Submit the required documents to the Free Zone.
- Complete the payment process for the license.
What Is the Cost of an Influencer License in Dubai and the UAE?
The cost of an influencer license in Dubai varies depending on the location and jurisdiction where you apply. For instance, Free Zones like twofour54, Shams, and Creative Clusters Authority offer easier access to obtaining an influencer license. Influencer agencies certified by the NMC are exempt from obtaining an individual influencer license.
The cost of a social media influencer license in Dubai ranges from approximately AED 8,050 to AED 15,000. The most affordable option, costing AED 8,050, is available when applying for the license in Sharjah.
Groups of influencers working together must establish a company in Dubai and the UAE with a business trade license before earning through their activities. The e-media license for such companies costs AED 15,000. Influencers earning without the required licenses may face a fine of AED 5,000.
Requirements for Obtaining an Influencer License in Dubai, UAE
There are two categories of requirements for obtaining an influencer license in Dubai, UAE. The first set includes eligibility criteria, while the second involves the necessary documents for regulatory purposes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be over 25 years of age.
- Must be a UAE or GCC resident.
- Must have a good reputation (no criminal history).
- Must not be a member of the NMC.
Document Requirements:
- Completed application form.
- Deed or tenancy contract.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of visa page.
- Emirates ID copy.
- Trade license copy.
- Two colored passport-sized photographs with a white background.
Do Influencers Need a License in Dubai?
Yes, social media influencers in Dubai must obtain a license from the NMC. Understanding how to acquire this influencer license is essential for gaining significant commercial and financial benefits in Dubai, UAE.
How Do I Get an Influencer License?
To obtain an influencer license, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Business license.
- Residency visa copy.
- Emirates ID copy.
- Passport copy.
- Passport-sized photos (with a white background).
How Much Is a Media License in Dubai?
The cost of a social media influencer license in Dubai starts at AED 12,500, with potential variations depending on visa requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to acquire an annual AED 1,500 permit from the NMC. Licenses are typically issued or renewed within 30 days. Unregistered influencers or those who violate regulations may face fines and account suspension.