How to Get Your UAE Advertiser Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide
The UAE boasts an incredible 99% social media penetration rate. Users spend about seven hours online each day.
The UAE Media Council launched a new advertiser permit requirement on July 30, 2025. Anyone who posts promotional content online must now get this permit. This rule applies to both UAE nationals and foreign nationals who post promotional content on social media. The rule stands whether they get paid or not. The social media advertiser permit will stay free for three years, but everyone needs to get it within three months of its launch.
Missing this required permit can lead to hefty penalties. Fines start at AED 20,000 for smaller first-time offenses and can reach up to AED 1 million for serious or repeat violations. The Media Council’s initiative shows their steadfast dedication to making influencer marketing more professional and keeping online promotions in check.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to get your advertiser permit. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, how to apply, and what rules to follow to stay compliant with these new regulations.
Who Needs a UAE Advertiser Permit in 2025
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The UAE’s new advertising rules affect content creators in the digital world. You need to know exactly who must follow these requirements to stay compliant.
Residents and citizens promoting third-party content
UAE’s advertiser permit rules apply to anyone who shares promotional content on social media, whatever the financial compensation. UAE citizens and residents who create any type of advertising content online must comply. The permit targets influencers, content creators, and digital marketers who promote other companies’ products or services. UAE residents get a one-year renewable permit that stays free for the first three years. This helps support local content creators. On top of that, residents must get a trade license for electronic media activities from the right authority.
Non-resident influencers targeting UAE audiences
Different rules apply to foreign nationals who visit UAE or target UAE audiences. Non-residents need a Visitor Advertiser Permit that lasts three months and can be renewed once, giving them up to six months to work legally. Non-residents can’t apply by themselves – they must work through a licensed advertising or talent management agency that UAE Media Council approves. This rule specifically affects international influencers who work with UAE brands or run campaigns targeting the UAE market.
Exemptions: promoting your own business or under-18 educational content
UAE Media Council doesn’t require everyone creating online content to have an advertiser permit. There are two main exceptions:
- People advertising their own products, services, or their company’s offerings through personal accounts
- Young people under 18 who create educational, sports, cultural, or awareness content that follows UAE age classification standards
These exceptions only work when the activity stays non-commercial and has no connection to external brands. The permit becomes mandatory as soon as content features brand partnerships, endorsements, affiliate links, or monetized promotions from other companies.
Requirements and Documents You’ll Need
Getting an advertiser permit in UAE means meeting specific eligibility criteria and having the right documents ready. A clear understanding of these requirements will make your application process smoother.
Minimum age and conduct requirements
The UAE media council needs applicants to meet simple eligibility standards to get an advertiser permit. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a standard permit. The council also expects you to show good conduct without any social media violations or content that goes against UAE values. Your social media history gets a full review during the process to check if you follow ethical standards.
Trade license prerequisites
Professional content creators and businesses need a trade license. You’ll need a valid e-commerce license UAE or similar commercial permit that lets you run digital advertising activities. Your license type should match your promotional activities. Make sure your license covers social media promotional work before you apply for the advertiser permit.
Special rules for applicants aged 15–18
Young content creators have their own set of rules in UAE. Those between 15-18 years need written permission from a parent or legal guardian. These young creators can promote only educational, cultural, or awareness content that fits UAE age classification standards. Their applications get extra attention to make sure they follow content guidelines properly.
Documents to prepare before applying
Here’s what you need to gather before you start applying:
- Valid Emirates ID or passport copy with residence visa (for residents)
- Recent professional photograph meeting UAE government standards
- Copy of relevant trade license or commercial registration (for business activities)
- Parent/guardian consent form (for applicants 15-18 years)
- List of all social media accounts used for promotional activities
After meeting these requirements, you can move forward with your application. You’ll be ready to get your UAE social media influencer advertising permit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Advertiser Permit
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Getting your advertiser permit is a simple online process. You can submit your application quickly once you have all your documents ready.
1. Visit the UAE Media Council website
Start by heading to the official UAE Media Council website at uaemc.gov.ae. Look for the Media Licensing section to find the Advertiser Permit option. The website lets you choose between Arabic and English languages.
2. Log in with UAE Pass or upload ID details
The next step needs you to authenticate with your UAE Pass account. Users without a linked UAE Pass will need to upload their Emirates ID copy and address details manually. This digital check helps keep the application portal secure.
3. Fill out the application form
Once you’re logged in, you’ll need to add your personal details and information about your advertising work. The form needs all your social media handles where you plan to post promotional content. Make sure everything matches your ID documents perfectly.
4. Attach required documents
The system needs you to upload several important documents. These include:
- Commercial license (for residents)
- Legal or personal identification documents
- Trade license for electronic media (if applicable)
- For minors, guardian consent documentation
5. Submit and wait for approval
The final step is to submit your completed application. The review process usually takes three working days after you’ve submitted all documents. You’ll get your permit electronically. The system will reject your application automatically if you don’t hear back within 15 working days.
Staying Compliant After Getting the Permit
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Your compliance responsibilities start right after your advertiser permit approval. You need to understand these ongoing obligations to operate legally and avoid penalties.
Displaying your permit number on social media
You must clearly show your unique UAE advertiser permit number on all your registered social media accounts and platforms after getting your permit. This identification should be clearly visible on all your promotional content.
Publishing only through registered accounts
You can only publish advertisements through accounts registered with the UAE Media Council that are linked to your permit. The permit holder cannot let anyone else use their registered accounts to advertise.
Avoiding misleading or harmful content
Your published content must follow UAE media content standards:
- Show respect for religious beliefs and UAE sovereignty
- Never share content that damages national unity or promotes violence
- Don’t publish false information or misleading claims
- Keep all advertisements clear and straightforward
Renewal timelines and associated costs
The UAE media council’s advertiser permit stays free for the first three years. After that, renewal costs AED 1,000 each year. Visitors pay AED 500 for a three-month permit, with similar renewal pricing.
Penalties for non-compliance
Breaking these rules can lead to serious consequences. Fines start at AED 10,000 for first-time violations and can reach up to AED 1,000,000 for major breaches. The authorities may also suspend or permanently revoke your permit.
The UAE’s new advertiser permit requirements need careful attention and full preparation. The UAE Media Council has laid out complete guidelines that affect anyone who publishes promotional content online. This marks a transformation in how digital advertising works in the Emirates.
You must understand the eligibility criteria before you start applying. UAE residents and citizens need to get the standard permit. Foreign nationals must get their Visitor Advertiser Permit through accredited agencies. Notwithstanding that, business owners promoting their ventures and minors creating educational content may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.
On top of that, the application process becomes easier with a systematic approach. You should gather all required documents first. The next step is to complete the online application correctly. The UAE Media Council’s step-by-step procedure will give efficient processing. Most applicants get their decisions within three working days after submission.
Your permit approval comes with ongoing responsibilities. You must display your unique identification numbers clearly. All promotional content should go through registered accounts only. The UAE’s media content standards need strict adherence. Any violations can lead to hefty penalties from AED 10,000 to AED 1,000,000 based on their severity.
The UAE shows its steadfast dedication to professional digital advertising through this regulatory framework. The permit remains free for residents during the first three years. It sets clear professional standards for anyone involved in online promotional activities. By doing this and being compliant with these guidelines, content creators stay protected from penalties. This contributes to a more transparent and regulated digital advertising environment across the UAE.
