If you are a digital nomad who wants to work as a social media influencer in the Middle East, Dubai offers you endless opportunities. With its pristine beaches, tropical weather, futuristic buildings, breathtaking natural landscapes, and out-of-the-world tourist spots, it has the ideal setting for taking captivating photos. In addition, Dubai is a hotspot for fashion, design, jewelry, cosmetics, technology, and exotic cuisine, providing influencers with a lot of food for thought for their craft.
However, before you start working as an influencer in Dubai, you will need a license from the National Media Council. Let us take a look at what the process involves.
Laws in Dubai for Influencers
In 2018, the UAE government announced that anyone engaged in paid promotional work on social media channels would need a license. It’s important to note that this policy is for influencers who are paid in cash or gift of equivalent value for their work.
In order to get a permit to work as a social media influence in the UAE, you will need to apply for an E-Media License. An exception is made for people who only occasionally do product reviews or create content on their own websites.
In addition to applying for the E-Media License, you are also expected to comply with several rules, including:
- Keep an accurate and proper record of all promotional content on social media
- Comply with the latest photography, privacy, and defamation laws
- Not make any blasphemous statements
- Not use anti-Islamic language, encourage sinful behavior, or corrupt minors
- Not promote alcohol on social media
- Not share insulting messages that mock the government leaders
- Not share any content that disrupts the overall peace
NMC License
The National Media Council falls under the purview of the Media Regulatory Office. Getting a license from the council is mandatory for anyone getting financial compensation for work like advertising, product reviews, or product placement.
However, if you are a blogger, a personal website owner, or a brand that promotes its offering on social media, you do not need to apply for the license. People who do unpaid product reviews also do not need to apply for this license. The license lasts for one year and needs to be renewed upon expiry.
Here’s a look at the types of NMC licenses you can apply for.
Category 1: For those who want to work individually as independent social media influencers.
Category 2: For small groups of influencers who have set up a registered company. They will need to apply for a trade license.
Category 3: For those who want to sign up with official Dubai influencer agencies. These agencies are certified by the NMC and have licenses that cover all their partnered influencers. However, they will have some control over the kind of content you can promote.
As a social media influencer in Dubai, if you do not apply for an MNC license, you can face a heavy fine of AED 5000 and have your social media accounts suspended.
The Cost of Getting an NMC License
It costs AED 15,000 but needs to be renewed on an annual basis. Aside from the license cost, several other expenses also have to be taken into account.
However, the exact amount may vary, depending on the kind of business you own / run, the license you need to apply for, and your location.
Documents Required
Here is the list of documents you will need to apply for an NMC license:
- Trade license copy (if applying as a company)
- Your passport copies
- Your visa copy
- Your Emirates ID copy
Apply For Your Influence License in Dubai With Capatt Services
Start your journey as an influencer in Dubai the legal way. Get your NMC license today with Capatt Services.
We can guide you through the entire process and help you build a strong foundation in Dubai’s thriving economy. Our expert business consultants will help you get registered in a free zone for your license and get your document processed for the application.
To get in touch with our business consultants, reach out to us at https://www.capattservices.com/.
