You want to move stock fast, reach the Gulf crowd, and build a steady cash machine. To do that through Amazon.ae, Noon, Carrefour, or Namshi, you need the right paperwork and a clear plan. Follow every section below and you’ll open your store in weeks, not months.
Do You Need a Trade Licence to Sell Online in the UAE?
Yes. Every marketplace checks for a current UAE trade or e-commerce licence before it lets you list a single product, no matter how small your business is.
Think of the licence as your ticket to the show. You’ll need a licence to form a company in mainland Dubai, or you can choose to setup business in a Dubai freezone if you want 100% ownership and an easy renewal process. Free-zone authorities issue a digital licence in as little as three days. Mainland licences take longer but work if you need contracts with UAE government bodies. A sole trader can hold the licence personally, yet most sellers set up a free-zone company so they own 100% of the shares and can hire staff later.
You can register your licence with authorities like SHAMS, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, or Dubai DED. Choose based on your budget, whether you need a physical office, and if you want to open a branch later. Most first-timers pick SHAMS for speed and price.
UAE Compliance Checklist That Applies Everywhere
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID or passport | KYC step that confirms who you are |
| Valid trade or e-commerce licence | Shows your right to trade in the UAE |
| Corporate UAE bank account | Marketplaces pay only to business IBANs |
| VAT certificate (after AED 375K) | Needed to charge VAT and reclaim input tax |
Make sure all documents use the exact same spelling and ID number. If your name is different on your passport and your licence, fix that first. Scan everything clearly, and keep them stored in a folder so you’re not chasing paperwork every time you apply to a new platform.
Marketplace-Specific Onboarding Steps
Amazon.ae
- Business email and UAE phone number.
- Passport or Emirates ID for each owner.
- Licence for companies or a recent utility bill for individuals.
- Bank statement that shows the exact IBAN and company name.
- VAT certificate field turns live when you cross the revenue limit.
Amazon lets you start as an individual and switch to a company later. You can use Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) where Amazon handles your logistics. Or you can choose Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) and ship yourself using a courier.
Noon.com
- Emirates ID or passport for the manager.
- Trade licence with at least 30 days left.
- Corporate bank letter; personal IBANs get declined.
- VAT certificate or tick the non-VAT box if you’re still under the limit.
Noon doesn’t allow individuals to sell. You need a company licence and a matching bank account. After you upload your files, Noon asks you to create an Organisation ID, and from there you can open stores in UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Egypt. You can use Fulfilled by Noon (FBN) or ship using Delivery Assist.
Carrefour & Namshi
These two ask for the same core documents as Amazon and Noon, but they add their own steps.
- Carrefour wants GTIN barcodes and sometimes product liability insurance for high-risk items.
- Namshi needs a brand info sheet and requires you to drop your stock at their sorting hub.
Each platform sends its onboarding guide after you apply. Read it carefully. The process isn’t hard, but it moves slow if your files don’t match or your barcode sheet has gaps.
Common Roadblocks That Block New Sellers
Most delays come from expired licences, names that don’t match across documents, or bank accounts in the wrong name. All three are easy to avoid if you check early.
- Renew licences 30 days before expiry to avoid account holds.
- Use the exact same name on passport, licence, and bank forms.
- Open a business bank account, not a personal one. You’ll need a stamped letter from the bank.
- Avoid restricted categories like food, supplements, or electronics until you’re approved in lower-risk items first.
If your Amazon or Noon account goes into review, don’t panic. You’ll usually get an email asking for a missing file. Send a clear, scanned version, and it gets resolved within 48 hours.
How Soon Can You Start Selling?
You can go live within 14 days if you already hold a licence and a bank account; plan for up to 42 days if you need both.
The fastest path is to apply for a free-zone e-commerce licence while you also schedule a meeting with a UAE bank. Once you have both, Amazon and Noon each take about two days to approve your documents. Amazon may ask for a video verification selfie. Noon will follow up by email.
During the wait, buy your barcodes and get your products ready for photos. You’ll also need to choose whether you want Amazon or Noon to fulfil your orders or if you want to store and ship them yourself. Fulfilment fees depend on the product type, weight, and delivery zones.
Typical Calendar
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Apply for free-zone e-commerce licence |
| 4-10 | Open corporate bank account; collect IBAN letter |
| 11 | Create Amazon and Noon accounts; upload KYC pack |
| 12-13 | Complete Amazon video call; Noon email check |
| 14 | Account active; list test SKUs |
| 15-20 | Send first carton to FBA or FBN |
Cost Snapshot (AED)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Free-zone licence | 6,000 | 14,000 |
| Corporate bank setup | 0 | 3,000 |
| Amazon monthly plan | 138 | 138 |
| Noon account fee | 0 | 0 |
| Barcodes (10-pack) | 100 | 300 |
| First courier shipment | 80 | 500+ |
Once your revenue crosses AED 375,000 in any 12-month window, register for VAT. You’ll then charge 5% VAT on sales and be able to recover VAT you paid on imports or supplies. Upload your VAT certificate to Amazon and Noon once you receive it from FTA.
Final Tips
Keep all your compliance documents in one digital folder, labelled clearly, and backed up in the cloud. Use consistent naming when registering on different platforms. If one platform approves your ID but another doesn’t, check file type and name spelling first.
If you’re not good with paperwork, work with a consultant or PRO firm that specialises in UAE marketplace onboarding. They’ll save you time and keep your account clean.
Follow the checklist, avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll be selling faster than you think.
