Advertiser Permit UAE (Influencer License): Complete 2026 Guide
Before posting promo or sponsored content on social media, all influencers and content creators need an Advertiser Permit UAE. The UAE Media Council issues the permit to ensure online advertising follows media rules.
This complete guide explains the Advertiser permit landscape, costs, and application steps (commonly known as "influencer license" or "social media license").
What is the Advertising Permit UAE?
The UAE Advertising Permit is an official approval from the UAE Media Council to allow people to post paid or unpaid advertising content on social media. If you promote products, services, events, or brands online, this applies to you:
Influencers
Bloggers
Content creators
Social media personalities
Anyone publishing paid or sponsored content online
The rule was introduced to keep online advertising in the UAE transparent.
Without this permit, posting advertising content in the UAE breaks media rules and can lead to fines of up to 10,000 AED!
Who needs an influencer license in the UAE?
Anyone publishing advertising content from within the UAE must obtain the permit. The following are included:
Anyone who promotes brands on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube videos, or Snapchat (any social media).
Earn through affiliate marketing links on social media
Collaborate to advertise products or promote events/services online.
This requirement applies to UAE citizens, residents, and even visitors who create advertising content while in the UAE.
Even if the brand you promote is outside the UAE, you still need an Advertiser Permit if the content is created in the UAE.
Who can get an Influencer License?
To obtain an Advertising Permit in the UAE, applicants must meet a few basic requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Have police clearance (not previously violated media content standards)
Hold a valid UAE residency visa or register via a licensed agency
Apply through the National Media Council (NMC) or an approved influencer agency.
In addition, you must have a valid commercial trade license for marketing management activities, issued by the economic development department of each emirate.
If you want professional assistance, Yamammi Influencer Marketing agency helps influencers get the required Advertising Permit and prepare your documentation.
Who is exempt from the advertising permit in UAE?
1. Promoting Your Own Business
If you are promoting your own products or services on your personal account, you don't need an Advertiser Permit. Examples include:
A restaurant owner promoting their own restaurant
A personal trainer promoting their own services or a designer advertising their own clothing brand
In these cases, the person is promoting their own business, not advertising for another brand.
2. Educational or Awareness Content by Minors
People under 18 may not need an Advertiser Permit if they post content about education, sports, culture, or public awareness and follow child protection rules.
However, if a minor is involved in paid advertising or brand promotions, extra rules apply, and a parent or guardian must supervise the activity.
Types of Advertising Permit UAE
There are two types of advertiser permits: resident and visiting. This means people who visit the UAE and want to promote brands can get a visiting permit and start posting content.
Resident / Citizen Permit | Visiting Permit | |
Who it is for | UAE citizens and residents | Influencers visiting the UAE |
Validity | 1 year | 3 months |
Extension | Renewable every year | Can extend once (up to 6 months total) |
Agency required | No | Usually yes |
How to apply for Advertising Permit in UAE?
Visit the UAE Media Council website: uaemc.gov.ae.
Go to the Media Licensing section and select Advertiser Permit.
Log in using UAE Pass.
If your UAE Pass is not linked, enter your personal details and upload your Emirates ID and address information.
Complete the application and upload the commercial trade license, police clearance, and passport/Emirates ID).
For minors, a parent or guardian must submit the application and confirm compliance with the Wadeema Child Rights Law.
Submit the application and wait for approval. The permit is issued electronically.
If you need a trade license, read our article on how to get your influencer license.
Applications are usually reviewed within 3 working days after all required documents are submitted.
If no decision is made within 15 working days, the application is considered rejected.
How much does Advertising Permit cost in Dubai & UAE?
The Dubai influencer license cost depends on whether you apply yourself or use an agency.
Here is the basic cost breakdown in the cheapest way:
Trade License: AED 1,070
Police Clearance: AED 220
Advertiser Permit: Free for the first 3 years
Renewal (from 4th year): AED 1,000 for 1 year.
Total cost: AED 1,700
For visitors:
Visitor Permit (3 months): AED 500.
Visitor Renewal (3 months): AED 500
For a full breakdown of government fees, trade license costs, and total setup expenses, read our guide to Dubai influencer license cost.
How long does it take & how long does it last?
Approval timelines for the Advertising Permit are usually 14 working days.
Permit Type | Permit Validity |
Resident / Citizen | 1 year |
Visiting Permit | 3 months (extendable to 6 months) |
Permits expire 30 days after their validity period if not renewed.
Documents required for Advertising Permit UAE
Applicants usually need the following documents:
Emirates ID or passport to confirm your identity
Valid UAE residence visa (if you live in the UAE)
Trade license or freelance license for media, marketing, or advertising work
Police clearance certificate showing you have no criminal record
Details of your social media accounts used for advertising or promotions
Completed Advertiser Permit application form
In some cases, you may also need to share basic information about the advertising content you create or plan to post during the application review.
Obligations of Influencers Holding an Advertising Permit
Influencers must ensure that advertisements are not misleading, do not harm public interest, and comply with UAE media content regulations.
They must:
Display their permit number clearly on their social media accounts
Post advertisements only through the registered account
Verify the identity of advertisers before promoting products or services
Avoid working with anonymous or fake advertiser accounts
Obtain approvals from relevant authorities when required
Permit holders may also need to:
Register for taxation if applicable
Obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) under UAE tax regulations
Following these rules helps ensure the permit remains valid.
Get Your Advertising Permit with Yamammi
Getting an Advertising Permit can be a tedious process. Let us handle everything from getting a license to preparing documents and submitting the application.
Yamammi can guide you in the process!